When Should a Woman Take a Pregnancy Test?

There comes a point in some women's lives when taking a pregnancy test is an important matter to undergo. What is a pregnancy test and what are the ways in taking this? When is the best time to take it? Let's find out.

Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test is taken to measure whether the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in a woman's body is indicative of a pregnant status or not. During a non-pregnant state, the HCG level is less than 5mIU/ml, as stated in medicalnewstoday.com. A rise in HCG levels, reaching more than 25mIU/ml indicates a positive pregnancy result.

Process of HCG Increase

When the formed embryo is implanted in the uterine lining within 6 to 12 days after ovulation, as stated by early-pregnancy-tests.com, human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG will be released from the placenta, which is developing.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

There are a number of pregnancy tests available nowadays. The most convenient ones to use are the early detection home pregnancy test kits. Since there are many brand names to choose from, one must carefully read the instructions for each type of pregnancy kit, as there are different designs.

Usually, one should start filling up a clean collection container during midstream urination so as to eliminate possible microorganisms. One can then place the indicated drops of urine on the pregnancy kit sample while some designs will direct the user to dip the kit in urine.

Depending on the design sample, lines may appear to indicate whether the test is positive or negative for pregnancy, after a minute or two. Other digital kits even produce the actual words "pregnant" or "not pregnant" as indicators.

Although relatively accurate, there is a possibility of a false positive pregnancy test.

If that's the case, one might opt for a blood test, considered to be the most accurate form of pregnancy test. If one is prepared enough to go to a clinic or hospital laboratory, blood will be withdrawn and the waiting period can vary from an hour to days.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

One can take the home pregnancy test after the first missed period or around 2 weeks after conception. But there are more sensitive pregnancy kit designs nowadays which makes testing 7 to 10 days after ovulation possible. It is advised, however, to retake the test 7 days later for those who want to be sure of the result or those who may have miscalculated their ovulation periods.