5 Signs You Should Take A Pregnancy Test

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Parenthood

5 Signs You May Need to Take a Pregnancy Test and When to Take It

Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Ashley Marcin — Updated on December 6, 2024

When to test
Overview
Early signs of pregnancy
FAQ
Takeaway

If you miss a period — whether you forgot your pill or are hoping to conceive — you may want to take a pregnancy test. These tests can often show if you are pregnant from the first day of a missed period.

Some pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy before a period is due, but for a reliable result, your body needs time to increase its levels of the hormones that these tests measure. Testing before a missed period can increase the risk of a false negative result.

Read on to find out how pregnancy tests work and how soon you can take one if you think you may be pregnant.

How soon can you take a pregnancy test?

Some tests are very sensitive and can show if you are pregnant before your period is due. However, it is best to wait until at least the first day of a missed period to take any pregnancy test. For a more accurate result, take the test a week after your missed period.

Traces of HCG are present from 6 days after ovulation, but it typically takes 7–10 days after ovulation for the body to build up enough HCG to show up on a test.

If you have an irregular cycle and don’t know when your period is due, it’s best to take the test at least 21 days after having sex without birth control or are concerned your birth control may not have worked.

You may receive an inaccurate result if you take the test too early in your cycle.

How pregnancy tests work

Whether you are trying to conceive or are concerned that your birth control went wrong, a pregnancy test can help confirm if you are pregnant or not. But, taking it too soon might give a false result.

The reason you shouldn’t take a test too soon is that pregnancy tests work by measuring levels of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone that is only present if you’re pregnant. The body only releases HCG if a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus in a process known as implantation. Implantation usually happens around 10 days after conception, when the sperm fertilizes the egg.

OTC pregnancy tests typically test your urine for HCG hormone. How you test your urine will depend on the kit you choose.

How to perform the test

You may have to:

collect your urine in a cup and dip a testing stick into the liquid
collect your urine in a cup and use an eyedropper to move a small amount of fluid into a special container
place the testing stick into the area of your expected urine stream so that it will catch your urine midstream

According to the Office on Women’s Health, home pregnancy tests are almost 99% effective if used correctly.

How to read the results

You can do the test in the privacy of your own home. Simply open the test, follow the instructions, and wait for the recommended time to view the results.

After the recommended waiting time has passed, the tests will display your results in one of the following ways:

a change in color
a line
a symbol, such as plus or minus
the words “pregnant” or “not pregnant”

Most tests will give a result within a few minutes.

Five signs you may be pregnant

Here are some signs that you should take a pregnancy test.

1. You’ve missed your period

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A missed period is one of the first and most reliable signs of pregnancy.

If you don’t track your cycle closely, it might be hard to determine whether or not you’re late. A 28-day menstrual cycle is typical, but cycles can vary from 24–38 days. Consider taking a test if it’s been more than a month since your last period.

Other factors, besides pregnancy, can delay a period or cause you to miss one. They include stress, some medications or medical conditions, changes in birth control, and so on.

It’s also common to experience light bleeding or spotting in the early weeks of pregnancy as the egg buries deeper into the uterine lining during implantation. This may resemble a light period but does not follow the usual pattern or timing. Take note of any difference in the color, texture, or amount of blood, and seek medical advice if you have any concerns.

Always speak with a doctor if you have bleeding and a positive pregnancy test.

Other reasons your period might be late.

2. You have cramps

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Implantation can produce a feeling similar to menstrual cramps. In early pregnancy, you may feel this discomfort and think your period is just around the corner, but then it never comes.

If this happens, consider taking a test.

Other causes for abdominal cramps.

3. Your breasts hurt

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As pregnancy progresses, your body will produce more and more estrogen and progesterone. These hormones will start to make changes in your body to support the baby’s growth.

Due to increased blood flow, your breasts may feel tender and appear bigger. Your nipples might hurt, and the veins might look darker under the skin.

These symptoms are also common in the days before a period, so it doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant.

Other reasons you may have breast pain.

4. You’re feeling different

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Along with cramps and sore breasts, early pregnancy can cause:

nausea
food aversions
exhaustion
frequent urination

As the weeks go on, these symptoms may get stronger before your HCG levels even out late in the first trimester. You know yourself, so pay attention to your body. Any unusual changes could prompt you to take a pregnancy test.

5. Your birth control method failed

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Birth control pills, condoms, and other methods don’t provide 100% protection from pregnancy. There’s always a slight chance of pregnancy, no matter how careful you are.

Birth control pills, for instance, can be over 99% effective if you always use them correctly. But, perfect use is not always possible. Realistically, they are around 91% effective.

Similarly, condoms can break and tear. Male condoms can be 98% effective with perfect use, but they are, in fact, only 82% effective with typical use.

Long-term methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), are more reliable and still reversible.

Even if you are using birth control, it is worth having a pregnancy test if you have other signs that could indicate pregnancy.

What’s the best birth control method for your lifestyle?

Frequently asked questions

How accurate are at-home pregnancy tests?

At-home pregnancy tests are typically 99% accurate as long as you follow the instructions and don’t test too soon.

How soon will a pregnancy test read positive?

Some test producers say their test can show if you are pregnant 6 days before your period is due, but these tests are less likely to be accurate. They may show you are not pregnant when, in fact, you are because HCG levels are still too low.

Can pregnancy be detected after 5 days or 2 weeks?

Taking a test 5 days or even 2 weeks after having sex may not be worthwhile, as the result may be inaccurate.

What are some early signs of pregnancy?

Some early signs of pregnancy include a missed period, unusual spotting or bleeding that doesn’t follow the pattern of menstruation, sore breasts, cramps, and “just feeling different.” For many people, a missed period is the only sign they notice at this stage.

Takeaway

Signs that you might want to consider a pregnancy test include a missed period, sore breasts, or simply having sex with a male without using birth control.

For the best results, take the test after you think you’ve missed your period. You can also take it during your first morning bathroom visit or hold it for several hours to increase the concentration of the HCG hormone that the test measures.

Testing early helps to ensure that you get proper care for yourself and, if applicable, prenatal care for your baby. In the event of a positive result, contact your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your options and potential next steps.

Parenthood
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How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/how-effective-contraception/
Pregnancy tests. (2021).https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pregnancy-tests
Taking a pregnancy test. (2022).https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/taking-pregnancy-test
Your menstrual cycle. (2021).https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle

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Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Ashley Marcin — Updated on December 6, 2024

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Parenthood

How soon can you take a pregnancy test?

How pregnancy tests work

How to perform the test

How to read the results

Five signs you may be pregnant

1. You’ve missed your period

2. You have cramps

3. Your breasts hurt

4. You’re feeling different

5. Your birth control method failed

Frequently asked questions

How accurate are at-home pregnancy tests?

How soon will a pregnancy test read positive?

Can pregnancy be detected after 5 days or 2 weeks?

What are some early signs of pregnancy?

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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