When pregnancy is a possibility, it’s tempting to take a test as soon as you start wondering. However, taking one too soon can leave you with a negative result and more questions than answers.
When testing for a potential pregnancy, timing is everything. Radiance Women’s Center will help you determine when to take a test. We also offer free pregnancy testing and, for eligible clients with positive results, limited ultrasounds.
Schedule an appointment today if you think you could be pregnant and want reliable information.
Why Timing Affects Your Result
Pregnancy tests look for human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, in your urine or blood. Your body begins producing this hormone after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hCG rises quickly during early pregnancy. If you test too early, however, the test may not detect it.
That’s why a negative test taken very early can be misleading.
Your Missed Period Is a Useful Marker
If your periods are fairly predictable, your missed period gives you a good reference point. Waiting until after your period was expected generally improves the likelihood of an accurate result.
Mayo Clinic notes that waiting a day or two after your missed period gives hCG additional time to increase.
What if you test negative but your period still doesn’t arrive? Wait a few days and test again. You may have ovulated later than you thought, which can shift the timing of implantation and hCG production.
Irregular Periods Make Timing Trickier
For someone whose cycle changes frequently, “after your missed period” isn’t always useful advice. You might not know when your next period was supposed to have begun.
In that situation, keep track of when you had sex that could have resulted in pregnancy. If you continue getting negative results but still believe you might be pregnant, contact your healthcare provider.
After a Positive Test
Once you have a positive result, you may want to know more than whether hCG was detected.
For eligible clients, Radiance Women’s Center offers limited ultrasounds that can provide additional details about the pregnancy, including an estimate of gestational age and its location.
You don’t have to keep interpreting test results by yourself. Contact Radiance Women’s Center to schedule free pregnancy testing and determine your next steps.
