How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Need help understanding pregnancy tests? We can help. Designed with a reactive strip, pregnancy tests (the kind you get at the local pharmacy) can confirm the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG).

Keep reading to learn more about the accuracy of pregnancy tests and the best time to take one. 

Choosing a Type of Pregnancy Test 

Does it Matter if I Use a Urine or Blood Pregnancy Test?

Both urine and blood-based pregnancy tests detect hCG, but blood testing (accessible only with a doctor’s office) can detect it sooner than urine tests. 

Could a Home Pregnancy Test Be Wrong?

Most at-home pregnancy tests are very accurate, but that doesn’t mean false negatives don’t happen. If you take the test too early, for example, there won’t be detectable levels of hCG, which will give you a false negative.

You’ll also want to ensure the pregnancy test is not defective or expired.  

How Soon After Sex Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

It’s understandable you’d want to know if you’re pregnant as soon as possible after intimacy. However, it takes time for your body to make the hormonal changes necessary for pregnancy to be detected. 

Once the egg is fertilized, it must implant inside the uterus and start forming the placenta before production of the hCG hormone begins. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnancy tests are most reliable if you wait at least one or two days after your first missed period.

Where To Get Pregnancy Testing for Free

At Zoe, A Women’s Center, we offer free pregnancy services such as medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited-obstetric ultrasounds. 

We can answer questions about the pregnancy process, share local resources, and help you feel supported along your journey. You are not alone! Contact us today for an appointment.