Suppose you have recently had unprotected sex or are experiencing pregnancy symptoms like a missed period. In that case, there are a couple of things to consider as you head into a busy holiday season.
At Dove Medical, we offer lab-quality urine pregnancy tests at no cost. We can also help you calculate the best time to take a pregnancy test.
How Soon a Pregnancy Test Can Work
Deciding when to take a pregnancy test often comes down to how long it has been since your last period. Most over-the-counter tests are urine-based and work by detecting a hormone called hCG, which your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants.
Because it takes time for hCG levels to rise high enough to register on a test, results are most reliable if you test on or after the day your period is due.
How to Decide to Test Now or Later
If you take a pregnancy test too early, you could get a false negative because your hCG levels may still be too low to detect. Waiting a few days, especially if you haven’t missed your period yet, can improve accuracy and make you more confident in the results.
You might also choose to wait if you’d rather take the test at a calmer, more private moment after the holiday rush.
On the other hand, testing earlier can give you clarity during a stressful season, allowing you to share the news in person with people you wouldn’t normally be able to. It can also help you to avoid certain foods or drinks (like alcohol).
Schedule a No-Cost Ultrasound
Taking a test depends more on timing than the season. At Dove Medical, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, so you can feel informed and supported as you create a pregnancy plan. Contact us today!
Dove Medical offers pregnancy diagnosis, decision coaching, and accurate information about all pregnancy options; however, we do not refer for or perform abortion services, including the abortion pill.
This post is for education and information purposes only and does not substitute the advice of a Healthcare Professional.