If you have recently had unprotected sex, you’re probably wondering what the earliest is that you can learn if you are pregnant.
In general, the recommendation is that you should wait at least a week after your missed period. Keep reading to understand how pregnancy tests work and why they require this.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
There is a pregnancy hormone, hCG, that is produced very early in the pregnancy but reaches detectable levels on a home pregnancy test around a week after your first missed period. Urine-based pregnancy tests have a reactive strip that is sensitive to hCG, so it will be positive if it detects the hormone in your urine.
It’s recommended that you take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning when your urine is undiluted.
How Do I Know if My At-Home Test Is Reliable?
Even if you wait the correct amount of time to take the test, false results are possible with at-home tests. This is especially the case if:
- You’ve experienced an early miscarriage (hCG is still detectable, even without a progressing pregnancy)
- The test is expired or defective
- The test has been taken too early
- You are taking certain medications
Make sure that the pregnancy test you are using is in good condition and has not expired.
At Pregnancy Options Miami, we offer medical-grade pregnancy testing and we can also help you gauge when the best time to take a pregnancy test is. We are also available to answer any questions you may have about the pregnancy process.
Where Do I Get a Pregnancy Test?
You can purchase a pregnancy test at your local grocery or drugstore. We also offer medical-grade pregnancy testing for free in Palmetto Bay.
Keep in mind that a pregnancy test is only an indication of pregnancy – not a confirmation.
Do I Need an Ultrasound?
If your test at our center is positive, we’ll follow up with a free limited ultrasound to confirm that you have a progressing pregnancy.
Ultrasounds can give information that pregnancy tests can’t provide, such as the location and progression of your pregnancy.
Free Pregnancy Tests in Miami, FL
We are here to equip and help you get the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment!