If you suspect you might be pregnant, you’ve probably considered taking an over-the-counter home pregnancy test. But can you trust the results to be accurate?
Learn about how home pregnancy tests work, when’s the best time to take one, and how accurate the results are below.
How Does a Home Pregnancy Test Work?
Shortly after conception, the fertilized egg will implant in the uterine wall and cause a woman’s body to produce a hormone called hCG. HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is only present during pregnancy and is what all pregnancy tests detect.
You’ll receive a positive test result if hCG levels are high enough to be detected in the urine.
Timing Matters
During the first few days of pregnancy, hCG levels rise rapidly, doubling every other day.
This is why most healthcare providers advise women to wait until the day after a missed period to take a home pregnancy test. If taken too early, hCG levels may not be high enough to be detected, even if you are pregnant.
Can You Trust Home Pregnancy Test Results?
If taken a week after a missed period, over-the-counter pregnancy tests are pretty accurate. Most tests boast a 99% accuracy rate.
However, some home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others. You could get a false-positive result but have miscarried.
If you get a negative result but have signs of early pregnancy, it’s a good idea to wait a week and take another test.
Did You Get a Positive Test Result?
Your home pregnancy test was positive, so what’s next? Processing an unplanned pregnancy can be stressful and overwhelming.
We recommend retesting with a free and confidential pregnancy test at Life Choices. It’s always good to get a second opinion. If our pregnancy test is positive, your next step is to confirm your pregnancy with a free limited obstetric ultrasound.
If you want to understand your options or simply speak with a nurse about your pregnancy, Life Choices is here.
You can make an appointment here or call the location nearest you to make an appointment. Our locations are Longmont 303 -651-205 and Loveland 970-461-5050. You may feel like your unplanned pregnancy is the end of the world, but you can still have the future you’ve been planning on. We’re here to help you.