You might wonder if home pregnancy tests provide accurate results. Regardless of how you feel about being pregnant, there are a few things you should know about home pregnancy tests.

Keep reading to learn more

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

About 10 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg), the embryo implants into a woman's uterus. Her body then releases the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to sustain the pregnancy.[1] Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of HCG in the urine.

When is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test

Although the body produces HCG at implantation (10 days after conception), HCG may not be detectable in the urine until about 14 days after conception. So, most home pregnancy tests recommend testing once you've missed your period. If taken before a missed period, the test could be negative even though a woman is early in her pregnancy.[2]

How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?

Where Can I Get a Pregnancy Test?

Home pregnancy tests are available over the counter (without a prescription). Some women find that digital tests are easier to read.[4] Regardless of the type used, carefully read the instructions. Some women prefer going to a clinic to confirm pregnancy.

You can schedule a free pregnancy test at Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth. Give us a call at 817-560-2226 to get started.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test with an Irregular Period

What's the Difference Between PMS and Pregnancy Symptoms?

Can You Have a Positive Pregnancy Test after a Miscarriage?

Why is One Pregnancy Test Positive and the Other Negative?

If you've missed your period and taken pregnancy tests that gave you both positive and negative results, wait a few more days before taking additional tests. If the results still vary, speak with a healthcare provider.

Call Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth to speak to our qualified healthcare team! 

Do You Need a Blood Pregnancy Test?

Can You Have an Abortion After a Positive Pregnancy Test?

Although a positive pregnancy test detects HCG in your urine, the results do not tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy or whether the pregnancy is viable. The best way to figure that out is to receive an ultrasound.

Call us at 817-560-2226 to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.

What Do You Do After a Positive Pregnancy Test?

Please be aware that Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

1. American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Pregnancy Tests. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/are-you-pregnant/pregnancy-tests/
2. Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 23). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
3. Tomlinson, C., Marshall, J., & Ellis, J. E. (2008). Comparison of accuracy and certainty of results of six home pregnancy tests available over-the-counter. Current medical research and opinion, 24(6), 1645–1649. https://doi.org/10.1185/03007990802120572
4. Johnson, S., Cushion, M., Bond, S., Godbert, S. & Pike, J. (2015). Comparison of analytical sensitivity and women's interpretation of home pregnancy tests. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 53(3), 391-402. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2014-0643
5. John D. Jacobson. (2022, November 10). Pregnancy Test. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003432.htm
6. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
7. FDA. (2019, April 29). Pregnancy. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/pregnancy