Pregnancy Guide: getting pregnant | during pregnancy | labour & the birth
Your New Baby: 1st month | first 6 months | 6 months - 1 year | 1 year+
Forums | Competitions | Baby Names | Pregnancy Calendar

Expecting

Sleeping

Feeding

Travelling

Washing

Changing

Clothing

Playing

Safety

Medical

Nursery

Finance

Reviews
Follow your baby's development through pregnancy and beyond.
Find out more!
-

Watch your baby's development from conception right through to birth - now you can actually see how much your baby is growing each day!
-

Win 1 of 2 Luxury Baby Swim Kits!more competitions
-

No question is too big or small - find advice, support and friendship in our Talk forums.
-

The good, the bad and the ugly - find out what we think of the latest baby products on the market.
-

Take your positions...

What position did you or do you plan to give birth in?

Lying down on my back on a bed
On all fours on the floor
Lying on my side
In a birthing pool
Standing up
Kneeling or squatting
  survey results
-

When can I take a pregnancy test?

Advice on the earliest you can take a home pregnancy test and suggestions on making sure you get an accurate test result.


Discuss when can i take a pregnancy test? on our forums, right now! Or, post a comment below.

Trying for a baby can be an incredibly frustrating time and waiting to take that test each month can be torturous! However, although the technology behind home pregnancy tests has advanced greatly in the past few years so that we can now take tests much sooner and still expect them to provide us with a reliable result, there is a risk that testing too early could mean getting it wrong. So, when is the best time to take a pregnancy test?

Officially, the most reliable time to take a pregnancy test is after you have missed a period. For many women cycle length varies on a monthly basis, so the best way to work out when to expect 'Aunt Flo' is by monitoring the length, pattern and variability of your menstrual cycle. Taking a pregnancy test after your longest expected cycle is most likely to provide you with a correct result. However, waiting this long can be absolutely agonising especially if you are experiencing typical pregnancy symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Because of this many women are now choosing to use the newer, sensitive pregnancy tests to get an answer earlier.

It makes sense that you would want to know whether you are expecting as soon as possible but one of the best ways to make sure you get an accurate result from an 'early' pregnancy test is by understanding how they work and making sure you use them effectively.

How do pregnancy tests work?

Pregnancy tests detect the presence of the hormone hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in urine. When a pregnancy is conceived and implantation in the womb lining has taken place, hCG is passed from the developing foetus into the mother-to-be's blood via the placental tissue. Because of this, pregnancy tests can only give a positive result after implantation (and not just fertilisation) has occurred.

The length of time between fertilisation and implantation varies between pregnancies and individuals but is on average 6 - 12 days after ovulation. This means that the earliest day you can test and conceivably expect to get a positive result is seven days after you have ovulated. However, you should bear in mind that if you test this early there is a chance that implantation has not yet occurred and you may get a false negative. For this reason it is usually best to take another test 3 or 4 days later.

Sensitivity

The amount of hCG increases rapidly throughout the first stage of pregnancy and levels double almost daily which is why test results are more reliable the further along the pregnancy is.As older tests could only detect the higher levels of hCG present several weeks after implantation, women had little choice but to wait. However, the new range of pregnancy tests available are sensitive enough to detect significantly lower levels of hCG in the blood and so are able to provide a positive test earlier on.

The pregnancy tests available all have different sensitivities meaning that they differ in the amount of hCG that needs to be present in urine before they are able to give a positive result. If you are looking to test earlier on you should look for a pregnancy test with a high level of sensitivity - this will be expressed as a number on the box and typically ranges from 20ml/U (very sensitive) to 150ml/U (less sensitive) with lower numbers indicating increased sensitivity. If you test early on with a low sensitivity test you are unlikely to get a positive result even if you are pregnant (false negative).

How reliable will the results be?

The reliability of most pregnancy tests varies between 97 and 99% accuracy when they are used in 'optimum circumstances'. To make sure the result of your test is as accurate as possible you can try the following...
  • Carefully read and follow the instructions on the testing kit box


  • Test when you go to the toilet first thing in the morning as if you are pregnant levels of hCG will have accumulated overnight and will be easier to detect.


  • If you test in the day try not to drink lots and lots of water before hand (although obviously don't dehydrate yourself) as this will weaken the presence of any hCG in your urine.


  • Check the test result after the recommended length of time as if you leave it too much longer the result may be compromised.


  • Regardless of whether you tested early or not it is advisable to repeat the test 3 or 4 days later to confirm the result.
So, when can I test?

If you are monitoring your cycle using bbt or other charting methods, the earliest you can test is 7 days after ovulation (using a sensitive test), although the longer you leave it before testing the more reliable your result is likely to be

Your Comments

We would love to hear your comments or views on this subject. If you would like to ask a question or start a discussion, please post a topic in our forums.
Login to add your comment:
Email: Password:

Not yet a member? Join thousands of other parents and parents-to-be and Sign Up Here.
Forgot your Password?
hello my period is supposed to come in like 5 days ive been feeling very sick for about like 3 or 2 weeks i have terrible headaches backpain im urinating alot & my breast have been sore, and i feel like vomiting but i haven't im very tired alot now like im just wondering could i be pregnant and when would be best to take a test plz help thanks
added by thickgurl [Mon 8th Feb 2010 @ 09:28:54]
hi my last period was on 17th of dec ,and due for nov period by 17th which never showed up till today have done 1 preg test (on 21st jan) but all turned up negative what would be happeng coz all has left me confused, and have been having regular periods? how maney days i wait for next preg test?
added by pannap [Wed 27th Jan 2010 @ 09:36:00]
hey ...ermm i need some help am unsure if am pregnant or not because ive had sex without contraception and i don't know precisely when am due on and i have been experiencing quite a lot of the pregnancy symptoms can anyone tell me when the best time to test is plz because to be honest am terrified =[ am 18 years old and all help would be much appreciated x
added by gothchick [Wed 6th Jan 2010 @ 11:39:22]
Hi im 16 and wondering what to do because i have been sick for the last few mornings and i am getting rounder on the tummy. should i take a pregnancy test a week after i had sex or wat. at the moment im really confused and dont know what to doo please advice me. someone must know how scary it can be..
added by 1993Leigh [Wed 30th Dec 2009 @ 10:01:49]
Hi Charmero and Brana
I am in the same situation as you two and I was wondering if you had now found out whether you were pregnant or not to see how long I should wait to redo a test should my period not start. Should you be pregnant now, how long after your missed period did your test show positive results? Thanks
added by petitpois [Fri 18th Dec 2009 @ 16:26:35]
Hello! My name is Brianna. My period was supposed to be on the 28th of November and it's still not here. I think i had some spotting today, but it was deffinitely not my period. I am 9days late for my Period and i have taken two pregnancy tests and they both said Negative. I have been feeling pregnant and have researched the symptoms and i have all the signs but the tests are saying no. I'm having the same problems as Charmero below. Someone please tell me if they've had this problem and what happened!! I would be forever greatful.
added by Brana [Mon 7th Dec 2009 @ 10:28:31]
Hi, I hope someone can help me. I had the coil removed on Nov 9th, I've had no period but some slight spotting and abdominal cramps on and off for a few days, my boobs are tender too. I've taken 3 tests and all are negative. I'm convinced I'm pregnant as all signs are telling me so! Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms and been pregnant?
added by Charmero [Sun 6th Dec 2009 @ 18:09:24]
hi girls!
i am currently 5 days late and i am feeling pregnant (if that makes sense?) i already have a little boy who is 2 years old and we have been trying for another one since june so is hoping that this is it and it has finally happened, although i am a little scared about taking a pregnancy test as i worried i will let myself and hubby down again and feel really stupid, i have been wrong in the past but this time i feel different so not sure what to do, might wait a couple more days and then do a test.
added by septbabys [Sun 6th Dec 2009 @ 18:08:27]
hi my last period was on 17th of oct,and due for nov period by 14th which never showed up till today have done 3 preg test but all turned up negative what would be happeng coz all has left me confused, and have been having regular periods?sometime back i used emergency pills on 2 occations,
added by meural [Mon 30th Nov 2009 @ 11:12:54]
Hi everyone, my last period was oct 7 and I started take preg test about 4-5 days after my period didn't start. I had negative test for up to a week and a half and just figured I was not going to have a cycle for nov.
I took two test today and hey were both positive. I am now two and a half weeks late for my cycle. Why did it take so long to show up???
added by chookie [Mon 23rd Nov 2009 @ 10:45:35]
Emma give it a few more weeks and go back again to the doctor,i had a medical test for a job and i was not pregnant but i was so sick three weeks later nad took a home test and it said i was pregnant so i went to the doctor and had a scan and they told me i was about 8weeks pregnant but three weeks ago was too early or it was because of the time i went to have the tests done.ask for a scan it will be more accurate if you are or not
added by kunashe [Mon 16th Nov 2009 @ 10:02:24]
hi, my last period was on the 1st october and i should have been due on the 29th october, so now i am a week late on my period, i have done 4 pregnacy tests and they have all said that i am pregnant, but i went to the doctors and they told me i was not. i am realli confused and i dont no what to think! has anyone got anything to say to help me out?
added by emma17 [Fri 6th Nov 2009 @ 09:19:48]
hi, i had unprotected sex and now im worried about my period, and my next period is supposed to be between 18-24 and its already 23 and nothing. so my question is When will it be the best time to take a pregnancy test???
added by talida3 [Mon 26th Oct 2009 @ 14:46:18]
my last period was 19th august,i usually come on every 7 weeks I should of got my period last week but only have a brown discharge which isnt heavy. Ive done 2 tests which were negative was it too early to test?
added by missedout [Tue 13th Oct 2009 @ 09:09:49]
my last period was the 6th September and I am due on again on the 4th October. I had very regular un-protected sex around my time of ovulation and before and after... this morning, a week after ovulating I was sick. I am never usually a sicky person. I have also been constipated, had headaches, fatigue and been on the toilet frequently. When do you think I can do a test, as I am on the edge here wondering if I am, at last, Pregnant. x Thanks for your help
added by MrsMurgy [Mon 28th Sep 2009 @ 16:40:24]
Hi the first day of my last period was 3rd of august and it was very heavy,but had sex in july just after i finished my period and the comdom burst and i always use condoms,so when i had my period in august i just thought i wouldnt be pregnant but i have not had my period yet and iam as regular as clock work, could i be pregnant?
added by kiraprincess [Fri 11th Sep 2009 @ 15:40:36]
I had unprotected sex twice in the last three days (v. good!), when should I take my pregnancy test, I'd like to do it as soon as possible!
added by Naughtyagain [Tue 18th Aug 2009 @ 09:46:21]
hi the first day of my last period was 7th july , i then had sex on the 14th july from what ive tried to work out my ovalation was the 18th july can i do a pregnancy test now ?
added by zlittlemiss [Fri 31st Jul 2009 @ 14:25:06]
am really not sure if i am pregnant. my last period was 5 july 2009 and now its the 28 can i now take a pregnancy test? my breast hurt but am not sure if thats a symptom or not .. some one please help me
added by lorieb [Wed 29th Jul 2009 @ 09:03:34]
i had unprotected sex around 3 weeks ago and my last period was on the 9th of may. i have had irregular periods and have already took two pregnancy tests that have came back negative but im experiencing sore breasts and slight sickness. is it still too early to take a test?
added by lisa1583 [Tue 9th Jun 2009 @ 11:14:02]
GOOD LUCK EVEYONE :)
added by ShareenElliisBabyx [Mon 8th Jun 2009 @ 09:46:29]
i have done two tests which were positive, but forgot to look for day or two. can this cause false posiiive as i have done one sine which was negative, im so worried in not pregnant
added by kate69 [Fri 5th Jun 2009 @ 09:09:50]
My last period was on May 3. My period comes on every 21 days, i was suppose to come on May 29 and its now June 3 and I haven't had a period yet but I have taken two pregnancy test and they both said i was negative. Do you think I am taking the test too early?
added by bentley1737 [Thu 4th Jun 2009 @ 09:11:36]
my last period was on march 24 and andtoday is 24 of may ,if i go test can it show now that am pregnant
ndidi
added by malaysia3 [Tue 26th May 2009 @ 12:42:00]
How many of you were pregnant and got period and negative pregnancy tests sometime after conception or embry implantation.
Polly
added by perkypolly [Tue 5th May 2009 @ 12:20:22]
Hey..i need a bit of help here!! I had my period the 26th Feb and i was on properly for about 9 days and then the next 3 days was just brown stuff (dry blood). on the 10th March me and my man had sexual intercourse and he 'came' in me. A few days later i had cramps in my stomach. I took a pregnany test on the thursday, 2 days later and was negative..WOULD IT SHOW UP THAT SOON IF I WAS PREGNANT? my cycle is not a normal 28 day one i was on and off the pill a few months back but am completely off it now and have been for about 1 month. JUST NEED A LIL ADVICE PLEASE!! Thanks
added by MummyCrystal [Tue 17th Mar 2009 @ 09:26:53]
my period is supposed to be last feb 28, but until now i didnt have my period. i experience some sign of pregnancy. when is the best date to take pregnancy test? thank you
added by sexyhardtocatch [Mon 9th Mar 2009 @ 09:30:43]
i had my period last on the 24 of january. do i have a chance of falling pregnant since i have not got my period since then up until now i usuall have a 28-30 day cycle.
added by diyya [Mon 2nd Mar 2009 @ 09:30:03]
Hello, I was due to come on on Thursday just gone and am really eager to do a test I have one that can test 4 days before your period is due so have I left it till the right time or should I wait untill expected period time has passed? I do not want to get too excited but I also want to take more steps to being a healthier Mum ie stopping smoking etc (I have stopped but I feel I need help by patches etc and do not want to use patch if I am pregnant.)
added by Memily [Mon 23rd Feb 2009 @ 13:08:16]
hi i have been trying for a year and am still not pregnant, i am due on,on the nineth of this month, when can i test, my breasts are tender, can these be early signs?
added by lushiouslil [Thu 5th Feb 2009 @ 09:59:11]
hi. im quite sure my last period was 18th dec,08' and i was only on for a few days, my periods are usually irregular and having 2-3 a month, but since december i havnt had one, iv never missed a period before, my partner and i are trying again for a 3rd child. shall i wait abit longer and see if i come on my period or shall i go ahead with a test.please help. thanks xxx
added by babycakes03 [Mon 2nd Feb 2009 @ 10:47:34]
hi
im leanne ,im 19 and really confused a cnt really remebmer the date of my last period was, i no it was after the 17th december and didnt carry on into january. should i do a test or not some1 plzzz help ......
added by legsleanne [Fri 30th Jan 2009 @ 09:01:40]
Hi,
I'm Chantiqua and I'm a 17 going on 18 in October female who thinks she's pregnant. This will be my first child, but my boyfriend's third. But anyways... I started my period on January 4, 2009 and it then stopped on January 9, 2009, for me that's not normal because my period lasts up to 7 days..... I need advice because I'm not sure like I want to be !!! What should I do? What should I think? Am I just thinking too much about it?
added by Chantiqua [Tue 13th Jan 2009 @ 09:18:34]
well ive just done two tests and got 2 lines on both.the thing is that me and my partner have been trying for a while and after my last child in 2002 i got the contraception injection which as messed my periods about,i guess im just not beliving the tests what test would you suggest that will put my mind at ease? as the last 2 were the cheap ones thanx
added by babygenuis [Mon 17th Nov 2008 @ 08:56:35]
Im bit scared to test, i believe i ovulated on the 29th oct (i had pains) and i had sex that day also. and i had light pinkish/brown discharge early hours of sunday morning (9th nov) and it stopped today. So im not sure if that may have been implantation?? and how long i should wait now? and im trying to stay calm! its so hard. best of luck to everyone. xx
added by pixiella [Tue 11th Nov 2008 @ 09:53:29]
hi i ovulated on the 26th of october how soon can i take a pregnancy test?
added by xxsammyxx [Wed 29th Oct 2008 @ 09:27:48]
hi i have a question to ask time my period was suppose to come on the 13 of this month and it didnt each month i write down when i saw my period but this month it didnt come when it suppose to come it came on the 16th with light bleeding the first and second day and on the 3rd day it was heavy and the last it went light. during this time ive been have heartburn and i can see changes in my body what is going on can i be pregant
added by dolly77 [Wed 20th Aug 2008 @ 08:55:13]
© 2004-2010 AskBaby.com All rights Reserved - About | Privacy Policy | Terms | Contact Us | Feedback | Resources | Add Your Site | Advertise