When is the best time to take the pregnancy test?

Are you suspecting that you are pregnant? Have you missed your period? Since the 1970s, the go-to method of detecting pregnancies has been taking tests after a missed period. With the advent of technology and innovative leaps in the medical field, some OTC pregnancy tests can detect pregnancies even before you experience a late period. The result is knowing the status within minutes.

When to take the pregnancy tests?

Are you wondering how soon to take a pregnancy test? Are you thinking about when the best time is for the test? In that case, you are not alone. Most women undergo stress and anxiety while debating the best time to undertake the pregnancy test.

It is vital to understand that though you may want to take the test as soon as possible to soothe the nerves, it is not a good idea. That is because early testing often yields false positives or might show a negative result even though you are pregnant. The unreliability of early testing makes it crucial to make sure that you choose to do the test at the right time.

The best time to take the pregnancy test

The right time to conduct the pregnancy test is the day after you have missed the period. Even when you take the test during the day matters a great deal. The best option is to use the first urination that occurs in the morning for the test. The reason behind this statement is quite logical.

Pregnancy tests, especially those done at home, give results based on the hCG hormone or the human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine. The urine is concentrated in the morning compared to other times and as such, contains a high level of hCG. That aids in accurate results of the pregnancy test.

However, that doesn’t mean you cannot do the test at night or afternoon. You can take it whenever you want. But, the chances of getting false negatives do increase exponentially, especially when the urine becomes diluted due to heavy water drinking.

Is getting a negative result a confirmation that there is no pregnancy?

Home pregnancy tests are reliable but to a certain extent. There are chances that you can get false results. If you get a negative result, it doesn't mean the urine doesn’t have hCG. It can also mean that the quantity is simply not enough for the test to complete or even take place. In that case, choosing a blood test is a much more viable option.

What are the early pregnancy symptoms?

There are several early pregnancy signs that can compel you to take the pregnancy test. Take a look at the symptoms –

• Frequent urination

• Tenderness in the breasts

• Sudden mood swings

• Smell sensitivity

• Fatigue

• Mild cramps

• Food cravings

• Nausea in the morning to some extent

Though these symptoms might indicate pregnancy, they might not too. It is essential to understand that pregnancy symptoms do not mean that you are pregnant for certain. It is entirely possible that you may feel pregnant or experience the signs and not actually be pregnant. To avoid confusion, it is better to visit a medical professional.

Opt for a medical consultation

While undertaking tests to check if you are pregnant or not immediately after conception is possible, it is not advisable. There are high chances that you will get negative results even though you are pregnant. That is why it is recommended that you take the test after the day that you miss your period. After that, you can make an appointment at Medipulse hospital to visit a medical professional. A blood test will give you a more definitive result.