How fast we can detect pregnancy

If you get a positive result, you will want to make an appointment with your doctor to have a blood test done to confirm the pregnancy and begin prenatal care.

If you get a negative result, you either may not be pregnant, or may have ovulated later than you expected and levels of hCG may be too low to be detected. If you still do not get your period, test again in a few days. The levels of hCG will continue to increase rapidly, practically doubling every two to three days, and may be high enough to then be detected by the test.

Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests and can detect pregnancy as early as days after ovulation. Take our survey. Page last reviewed: 1 October Next review due: 1 October Home Pregnancy Trying for a baby Back to Trying for a baby.

Doing a pregnancy test. When you can do a pregnancy test You can carry out most pregnancy tests from the first day of a missed period. Where you can get a pregnancy test You can also buy pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists and some supermarkets. The following places provide free pregnancy tests: community contraceptive clinics — find sexual health services near you sexual health clinics some young people's services — call the national sexual health helpline on for details Brook centres — for unders You may also be able to get a pregnancy test free of charge from your GP.

How does a pregnancy test work? Pregnancy test results Home pregnancy tests are accurate as long as you follow the instructions correctly. The result may not be reliable if you: do not follow the instructions properly take the test too early Some medicines can also affect the results.

Continuing with the pregnancy If you're pregnant and want to continue with the pregnancy, contact your GP or a midwife to start your antenatal care. These 13 top-rated brands are excellent options for both mom and…. Learn what to expect during your first prenatal visit. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M. How pregnancy tests work. How soon can you take a pregnancy test? Share on Pinterest. You have cramps. Your breasts hurt. Your contraception failed.

When in doubt, test! Parenthood Pregnancy Getting Pregnant. PMS Symptoms vs. Pregnancy Symptoms. Read this next. Early Pregnancy Symptoms. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Clinica Chimica Acta. Prospective evaluation of luteal phase length and natural fertility.

Fertil Steril. Biochemical pregnancy during assisted conception: a little bit pregnant. J Clin Med Res. Cole LA. The utility of six over-the-counter home pregnancy tests. Clin Chem Lab Med. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. How Do Pregnancy Tests Work? Pros Very small chance of getting a positive result Helpful if you need to start or stop medications Allows you to begin prenatal lifestyle changes. Cons High chance of a false negative result if pregnant Expense of repeated tests, if necessary Not accurate with hCG trigger shots.

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