All About Pregnancy Tests

Are you curious about pregnancy tests and how they work? Whether you’re trying to conceive or just want to be prepared, understanding pregnancy tests is an important part of your journey to parenthood. In this article, you’ll get all the information you need to know about pregnancy tests, including when to take one, how accurate they are, and what to expect when you take the test. So, if you’re looking for insight into pregnancy tests, you’ve come to the right place!

What Is a Pregnancy Test?

A pregnancy test is a diagnostic tool that detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, in a person’s urine or blood. These tests are designed to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. A positive pregnancy test result typically indicates that you are pregnant, while a negative result suggests that you may not be pregnant.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test?

If you suspect you’re pregnant, you may want to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible, and it’s common to wonder how early you can take a pregnancy test. The most accurate time to take a home pregnancy test is from the first day of your missed period onwards; however, there are some tests that may be sensitive enough to use before your missed period (but you should check the test instructions carefully). 

Waiting until after your first missed period ensures that your levels of hCG are high enough to detect – remember, hCG levels increase as your pregnancy progresses. Your body only produces hCG after the fertilised egg implants itself into the lining of your uterus. This may also cause some implantation bleeding, which is an early sign of pregnancy, along with missed periods. Your missed period is likely the earliest and most reliable clue that you are pregnant. 

You may also be wondering how soon after unprotected sex you can test for pregnancy It’s recommended to test at least 21 days after.

It’s also a good idea to look out for some of the other early signs of pregnancy that you may experience, including:

• tender or swollen breasts

• needing to urinate more often

• feeling nauseous (morning sickness)

• feeling tired.

Related Articles

Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

When Is the Best Time of the Day to Take a Pregnancy Test?

It’s good to note that while the best time to take a pregnancy test is from the first day of your missed period, the time of day generally doesn’t matter. A pregnancy test doesn’t have to be taken in the morning – you can take one at any time of the day.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests work by detecting a pregnancy hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), in either your urine or blood. This hormone is produced from about six days after conception. During early pregnancy, hCG levels double every two days, so hCG becomes easier to detect on a test as the days progress. This is why it's a good idea to wait until after the first day of your missed period to take the pregnancy test, as taking the test any earlier may result in a false negative.

How Soon Will a Pregnancy Test Read Positive or Negative?

If you take an at-home pregnancy test, it’s common to get the results within a few minutes – meaning you don’t have to wait too long for the news. But all tests are different so it’s important to read and follow the instructions carefully. On average, home pregnancy tests take around 3 minutes. 

It’s also important to read your result within the specified timeframe, as the results may be inaccurate if you wait too long. This is commonly no longer than 10 minutes.

What Types of Pregnancy Tests Are There?

To detect the presence of hCG, you can use two different types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. 

A Urine Pregnancy Test

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in your urine. You'll find a range of brands available on the market including some digital pregnancy tests. Some tests are more sensitive than others – meaning they may even work four or five days before your period is due. These tests allow you to check for pregnancy in the privacy of your own home at a time that suits you. If you'd like help taking the test, you can ask your GP or the staff at your local sexual health clinic. The process for taking a home pregnancy test is relatively straightforward; here’s what to do:

1. Read the instructions. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions inside or on the pack. Each test is a little different, for example, you may have to wait until at least the first day of your missed period for some tests to be accurate.

2. Remove the stick (and cup) from the packaging. You will likely need to hold the stick under your urine stream for a few seconds, while other tests require you to urinate into a cup and then place the stick into the urine for a set period of time.

3. Wait. The results usually appear within a few minutes but keep in mind the wait times can be a little different among tests so follow the instructions. Don't check the result too early, otherwise, you may not get an accurate reading, and in some cases, you shouldn't read the result after about 10 minutes as it may no longer show the accurate result. Sometimes, an evaporation line may appear on a pregnancy test if you leave it to sit for too long. You may want to set a timer, so you check the test results within the brand's recommended window.

4. Read the results. The instructions will tell you how your product will show its results. For example, some pregnancy tests show a positive result by displaying two lines – not just one. In this case, even two faint lines on a pregnancy test may still indicate a positive result and show that you’re pregnant. Other tests show their results in other ways. 

If you're in any doubt about your result, take the test again in a few days or ask your GP for help.

A Pregnancy Blood Test

This type of test is only done by a healthcare professional, and the results may take a few days. Pregnancy blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests and can detect the amount of hCG in your blood – not just whether the hormone is present at all. They can also detect hCG a little earlier – even six to eight days after ovulation. 

If you prefer your GP to conduct a blood test to confirm your pregnancy instead of using a home pregnancy test, consult your GP.

Where Can I Get a Pregnancy Test?

You can buy a home pregnancy test at many pharmacies and supermarkets. However, you may also be able to get a free test from your GP, at community sexual health clinics, at some youth service centres, and at Brook centres, if you're 25 years of age or under. All of these services are confidential. Find your nearest pregnancy testing service here.

How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests?

It’s natural to wonder if your pregnancy test results are accurate, especially when anticipating something so important. Most at-home pregnancy tests are up to 99% accurate when used correctly; however, the following factors may lead to an inaccurate result:

• Taking the test too early. If you take the pregnancy test before the first day of your missed period, levels of hCG may still be too low for the test to detect this early.

• Not following the instructions. Check when and how the pregnancy test should be taken and follow these instructions carefully. For example, wait the correct amount of time to read the result.

• Your fluid intake. This can dilute the amount of hCG in your urine so the test may not be able to detect its presence. It may help to take the test first thing in the morning when levels of hCG are most concentrated in the urine.

• Taking certain medications. Most medications won't affect a home pregnancy test, but some medications used to treat infertility, anticonvulsants, diuretics, sleeping tablets, and other medications may affect the accuracy of the results. Ask your GP or the pharmacist, or read the instruction leaflet to check for guidance on how any medicines you’re taking may affect the test result

Can You Get a False Negative Pregnancy Test Result?

A negative pregnancy test result may be unreliable. If have received a negative result but still think you may be pregnant, for example, if your period is late, wait a few days and then take another pregnancy test or ask your GP for a pregnancy blood test.

Can You Get a False Positive Pregnancy Test Result?

A positive result on a pregnancy test is almost certainly accurate as long as you have followed the instructions on the pack carefully. However, false positives can happen in rare circumstances, for example, if a pregnancy test picks up on hCG that's been part of your fertility treatment.

What to Do and Not to Do Before Taking a Pregnancy Test

Here are some tips to use before taking a pregnancy test to help ensure testing goes smoothly and you get the most accurate results.

What to Do Before Taking a Pregnancy Test:

• Check the expiration date. Ensure the pregnancy test has not expired.

• Read instructions carefully. Follow the instructions on the test precisely.

• Choose the right time. Take the test from the first day of your missed period.

• Store properly. Store the test in a dry place and away from direct sunlight if you don’t plan on using it straight away.

• Check sensitivity. If you’re testing before your missed period, choose a test that’s sensitive enough to detect early pregnancy.

• Plan ahead. Have a timer or watch ready to time the test accurately.

What Not to Do Before Taking a Pregnancy Test:

• Drink excessive fluids. Drinking too much before the test may dilute your urine, potentially affecting results.

• Take medications that might interfere. Fertility medication containing hCG is generally the only medication that may affect the result of a pregnancy test. If this is the case, your GP will likely perform a blood test to check for pregnancy. Blood tests measure the exact amount of hCG in the bloodstream, providing more accurate results.

• Use expired tests. Using an expired pregnancy test can give inaccurate results.

• Overlook storage instructions. Improper storage can affect the test's accuracy.

What to Do After a Positive Pregnancy Test

Once you learn the good news, make an appointment with your GP or a midwife so that your antenatal care can start. 

Congratulations! At Pampers, we have resources to support you at every step of your pregnancy and into parenthood. For example, if you want to know how far along you are, check out our Due Date Calculator to get an approximate idea.

The Bottom Line

If you've been attempting to conceive, have missed your period, or noticed some of the usual early signs of pregnancy, you may well want to know if you’re pregnant. Home pregnancy tests, which work by detecting levels of hCG in your urine, are an excellent way of confirming pregnancy. For the most precise results, it’s best to wait until after your first missed period and follow the pregnancy test instructions carefully. 

We hope this straightforward guide has helped you understand how at-home urine pregnancy tests work, when to take one and how accurate they are. Pregnancy blood tests are also available via your healthcare professional.

Take a look at our go-to pregnancy guide if you’d like to discover interesting and exciting information about what's to come after receiving a positive test result. Also, by downloading the Pampers Club App, you can save and earn exclusive rewards with each Pampers purchase you make as you embark on the journey of parenthood.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}