What a Pregnancy Test Can Tell You
A pregnancy test is simple to use, but getting an accurate result depends on using it the right way. Every test looks for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Your body only starts producing hCG once a pregnancy has begun, and the level rises quickly in those first few weeks. When a test picks it up in your urine, that’s a strong sign you’re pregnant.
Alongside early pregnancy symptoms like a missed period, nausea, or tender breasts, a positive reading points clearly in one direction.
When Is the Right Time to Test?
Timing makes a real difference. Most at-home tests are most reliable once your period is late, because hCG needs time to build up to a detectable level. According to the Mayo Clinic, tests also vary in sensitivity, so some can detect a pregnancy earlier than others.
Test too soon, and you may get a false negative, which is a result that says you’re not pregnant when you actually are. A few common reasons this happens:
- Testing before hCG has had time to build up in your system
- Reading the result before the full wait time is up
- Testing later in the day, when your urine is more diluted
For the clearest result, take the test first thing in the morning and wait until after your missed period.
You Got a Positive Result. Now What?
If an at-home test is positive, the next step is to confirm it. We offer free, confidential pregnancy testing, and one of our advocates will make sure the test is done correctly so you can trust the result.
A positive test is only the beginning of the picture. From there, we recommend a free ultrasound, which can tell you how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is developing, and other details that matter as you think about your next step.
Whatever your result, you won’t have to face it by yourself. Our team is here to walk through it with you.