Knowing when to take a pregnancy test can feel challenging. Do you wait for symptoms to appear? What if symptoms aren’t present, but you’ve had sexual intercourse?
When you want answers, figuring out the next step can be challenging. We’re here to clarify the best time to take a pregnancy test—and what to do if it’s positive.
Timing is Crucial
Timing when to take a pregnancy test is essential. For example, women can receive false-negative results if they take a test too early or check it too soon. Reading the pregnancy test’s instructions can help reduce the chances of receiving an inaccurate result.
Often, women consider testing for pregnancy when they start to have classic symptoms like a missed period, nausea, and fatigue. However, these symptoms can occur due to hormonal imbalances, stress, and other health conditions. What’s more, an irregular cycle can make relying on a missed period feel uncertain.
It’s best to wait to take a pregnancy test until after your missed period. Waiting several days or even a week will improve your chances of receiving an accurate result because this gives any hCG levels in your body time to build to detectable levels. This hormone is present in your body during pregnancy and is detected via a urine or blood-based test.
If you have irregular periods, you can test 21 days after unprotected sexual intercourse. Though waiting can feel agonizing, testing at an appropriate time will provide clarity and help you determine how to move forward.
I Have a Positive Result. What’s Next?
Avenues Clinic is here for you. If you receive a positive result on an at-home test, our medical staff will help you confirm your result with complimentary professional pregnancy testing.
We also offer limited ultrasound scans to gather crucial information about your pregnancy. This step comes after that positive result and will tell you where your pregnancy is located, if it is progressing and there is a heartbeat, and how far along you are.
We’ll help you gather facts and protect your health as you move forward. No matter your situation, we’re here for you and will help you take the next steps.
Complimentary Pregnancy Services
Wondering if you’re pregnant? Avenues Clinic will help you get answers. Our medical staff will walk you through the pregnancy confirmation process, address any questions or concerns, and more.