If you suspect that you are pregnant, it is important to get an early diagnosis not just for medical reasons but for social ones. There are a number of options available today for you to take a pregnancy test.
You could use a home pregnancy test kit or visit your family doctor, chemist or a family planning clinic. Most people use the home pregnancy test kit. The information below will help you know more about pregnancy test accuracy.
A pregnancy test is made to detect the presence of HCG hormone in the blood or urine. The female’s body produces this hormone if a fertilized ovum is attached to the uterus.
This hormone is released 6 days after conception in most women and the levels increase by the day or with pregnancy. These levels will double every two days on average.[1] A home pregnancy test is able to detect the HCG about one week after a missed period.
Pregnancy Test Accuracy: When You Should Take the Test
There is a ninety-seven to ninety-nine accuracy claim for the home test kits and this is true for pregnancies which are further along.[2] For this reason, you need to wait for at least a week after missing your period to take that pregnancy test.
Depending on the type of test, the results might be simple or difficult to read. It will be easier for you to interpret the results when using a pregnancy test kit with sufficient contrast between the line or symbol and the background.
There are some brands which indicate that it’s possible to see an evaporation line if the test kit is left to sit over a certain period of time. This line could make it more difficult to interpret the test results accurately.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that you are more likely to get a false negative result when using home pregnancy tests. The test would indicated that you are not when you are in fact pregnant. On the other hand, a false positive result will indicate pregnancy when you are not.
In general, a positive result will indicate that you are pregnant. This will happen even in cases when it’s faint. If you get a false positive result, this can happen for a number of reasons, including the fact that traces of blood or protein is in your urine; you are using an expired or damaged kit; have a chemical pregnancy and more.
Overall, it is important to know whether or not you are pregnant as early as possible to take the right measures to solve any issues with your menstrual cycle and ensure that your pregnancy is successful.
Now that you know a little bit more about pregnancy test accuracy, you should take one to verify if you are going to be a mom. You can consult a doctor if you are getting mixed results from a home test kit.
Image: Pixabay
References
- ncbi:Urinary hCG patterns during the week following implantation. [Link]
- False Positive Pregnancy Test. [Link]
I did my period on 24th of June and am my cycle is 25 days. I had unprotected sex from the 28th till 7th of July. My next period supposed to come on July 18th buh I didn’t see it, so I was having lower abdominal cramps, backache, weakness so my period now came today which is a 28 day cycle. Is it normal or am I pregnant? Am confuse and even aw will I know my next period?
Hi, It’s quite possible that your period was a bit delayed. You got your period so I would assume that you aren’t pregnant. I would still take the average of what you normally see when it comes to your cycle, 28 days, and go from there.
Hi
Wondering if anyone could help answer my question ?
My cycle is 28 day I have sex on day 10 of my cycle so 4 days before Ovulation day
I took a pregnancy test on 10 dpo came up as negative
And also I have had cramps constantly
Could I still have a chance of getting pregnant this month ?
Thanks
Hello Alya, yes you could be pregnant, take a pregnancy test 7 days after your missed period.
Hi I had unprotected sex 3 days after my abortion can I be pregnant again?
Hello Lawrencia, yes you can.
Q. My period has been normal but i didnt get my period in July , but got it august 7th through the 11th. I had unprotected sex the aug. 13th. And i havent gotten my period yet so i am. I have taken 3 pregnancy test all negative. Not sure if i am late because i started exercising again? But i have experience some smyptoms like back ache, tiredness, bloating , gas and i just feel fat and gained 5 to 10lb in 2 weeks.
Hello Amanda, take a pregnancy test 7 days after missed period to confirm pregnancy.
I have been taking an antiobotic for a throat infection doxycycline. I was due for my period a few days ago. My cycles are anywhere from 25-27 days. I am on cycle day 28. I had spotting on cycle day 26 (I thought was the start of my period) but than it went away. I am not understanding what is going on. Yes I know that there can be a chance of pregnancy. I haven’t taken a test yet since I am only on cycle day 28. What do you think?
Hello Sara K, please note that the taking of antibiotics can cause a delay of the menstrual cycle, however if you feel you might be pregnant then take a pregnancy test.
Hello, im in a bit of a bind. My last period ended on april 9th. Its now june 14th and still no period. I have had intercourse many times since april 9th. I have taken many preggo tests and all negative. Ive gained weight my breast are sensitive, im always tired. No change in tests. Not sure what it could be. What should i do. Dr. Says i am fine.
Hi there Laura, if you have missed your period please retake a pregnancy test. If symptoms persist and you are not pregnant then see another doctor for a second opinion and assessment.
I had my last menses on the 30th of April 2017 and it lasted for 4days and I have been having unprotected sex till today 23rd of may 2017 I am thinking will I get pregnant?
Hello Sandra, yes, any occurrence of unprotected sex provides a risk for pregnancy.
Hello, I was wondering what the chances are that I could be pregnant. I had my period beginning April 1st and then had protected sex on April 15th. On the 25th of April I had very light spotting that proceeded to a heavier flow the next day (used 3 regular sized tampons) and then for the next 3 days it went back to the light spotting. Ten days later I took 2 pregnancy tests that came back negative. I’ve had no pregnancy symptoms except slight nausea, and slightly darkened areolas. Should I consider that spotting a period, and therefore consider myself not pregnant?
Hi there Rachel, please repeat test in a week if test returns negative once more then this change in your cycle might be as a result of something else.
Please i had my last menses on the 25th February, 2017 which lasted for 6 days and had unprotected sex on the 3rd March, 2017. i have 27 to 30 days cycle and was expecting my menses on the either 24 0r 27th of March but has not come. could i be pregnant?
Hi there Maame, yes you could be pregnant. Take a pregnancy test to confirm same.
I had an unprotected sex though my fiance didn’t ejaculate inside me and I was in my safe period. I ‘ve done several pregnancy test using pregnancy strips and the result is negative. My cycle changed few months ago from 28 days to 25 days even though I ‘ve used an estimated calculator for the two cycles my period is days late. What can I do?
Hi there ONA, not sure what you are asking however if you suspect pregnancy then take a pregnancy test to rule this out. All the best.
I started my last period on 8th of February and it lasted for five days then I had unprotected sex on March 4th and I have not seen my period. Any probability of pregnancy?
Hi Sandra, yes you might be pregnant. Take a pregnancy test to confirm this. All the best.
Hi, please can I be pregnant, I had my menses on the 24th of December 2016 and I had unprotected sex from 2nd of Jan 2017, and up till now I have not seen my menses and I have done home pt and it’s negative
Hi there Linda! Please refer to this article for information. Best Regards
Hi I’m wondering if in can be pregnant. On DEC 18 2016 I had my menses and on d 11 of January 2017 I had my last menses I had unprotected sex on d 19 of January 2017 n had some problems at home so wasn’t able to take any post pill. Pls is der I chance I could be pregnant? Tho I dnt need any pregnancy now
Hi Benita, yes there’s a high possibility that you might be pregnant. Use a pregnancy test to confirm this.