Think you might be pregnant? Pregnancy testing is the first step in finding out.

Pregnancy testing is a straightforward and reliable way to find out if you’re pregnant.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or are simply curious, knowing how these tests work and when to take one can help you get the most accurate results.

How Pregnancy Tests Work

Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the body after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Implantation typically occurs about 6 to 10 days after conception, and hCG levels increase rapidly in early pregnancy. At-home pregnancy tests use antibodies to detect hCG in your urine. When you urinate on the test strip, a chemical reaction occurs if hCG is present, resulting in a positive line, plus sign, or digital “pregnant” result.

Most over-the-counter tests claim to detect pregnancy as early as the first day of a missed period. However, hCG levels vary, so testing too early may yield a false-negative result, even if you are pregnant. This means you are pregnant but your hCG levels are too low to be detected.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

The best time to take a pregnancy test is after a missed period. This typically means waiting until at least 14 days after conception, depending on your cycle. Waiting this long increases the likelihood that hCG levels are high enough to be detected accurately. If you have irregular periods, you may want to wait about three weeks after unprotected sex before testing.

For the most accurate result, take the test first thing in the morning, as hCG levels are more concentrated in your urine after a night of sleep. Be sure to follow the test’s instructions carefully, as different brands have slightly different usage directions and result times.

What to Do If the Result Is Positive

If you receive a positive result, getting an ultrasound is the next step. Ultrasound is a simple scan that will confirm you are, in fact, pregnant, how far along you are, and where the pregnancy is located.

At Life Line Pregnancy Center, we offer free pregnancy testing and follow-up ultrasounds to give you the clarity you need right now. You’re not alone as you navigate this time. We’re here for you.