Doing pregnancy tests is the surest way to determine if you’re pregnant. Being pregnant is the start of a new journey in your life, and it’s essential to prepare for it adequately. While pregnancy tests are fairly accurate and extremely easy to use, many people don’t know when they should be taking one or how their body might react to testing for pregnancy. It has been reported that a lot of people went to a free blood pregnancy test clinic at the wrong time.
One of the consequences of taking a pregnancy test at the wrong time is that you may have a false result. Therefore, if you think you may be pregnant, then this article will provide information on the right timing for pregnancy tests and symptoms that could indicate the possibility of pregnancy.
What Is a Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test is a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive method for determining whether you are pregnant. You can find pregnancy tests over the counter at drugstores or pharmacies. Better still, you can also go to a reliable clinic for a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone is produced by the placenta and released during pregnancy to help create a healthy baby.
There are two types of pregnancy tests you can go for:
- Urine test: You can carry out a urine test on your own at home or at a clinic
- Blood test: This test can only be done at a clinic or a doctor’s office.
How Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?
The time in which a pregnancy test is performed may affect the outcome. If you take a pregnancy test at the wrong time, you may get a false result. Generally, you should give your body enough time to develop enough hCG levels. Sometimes, you may be able to discover a pregnancy after about two weeks you’ve had sex. To be on the safer side, you can wait until you have a late period before going for a pregnancy test.
If you’re conducting a urine test, it’s also essential to consider the time of the day. The best time to take a urine pregnancy test is early in the morning when you have your first urine. At this time, the hCG is at its highest concentration, and the more concentrated your urine is, the higher the hCG level.
However, you can take a blood test if your urine test is negative, but you’ve missed your period. Blood tests are majorly used when you’re at a higher risk of getting pregnant. You can also use it if you’re finding it hard to read your urine test results.
Symptoms of Pregnancy
You Have Cramps
Aside from menstrual cramps, you can also have cramps if you are pregnant. If you’ve been feeling discomfort similar to menstrual cramps and it’s not your period, then you may be pregnant.
You Feel Different
It’s crucial to take note of the changes in your body. If you notice an unusual change in your body, then you may want to take a pregnancy test. While the changes differ for each pregnancy and individual, you can look out for the following feelings:
- Frequent urination
- Food aversions
- Frequent tiredness
- Nausea
You’ve Missed Your Period
A missed period is one of the most reliable proofs of pregnancy. Hence, it’s vital to keep track of your cycle. While it’s normal to have an irregular period sometimes due to a medical condition, stress, diet, or exercise, take a pregnancy test if you’ve missed your period for more than a month.
You may also have spotting or light bleeding in the early weeks. The texture, amount, and color of blood can also make a difference. Sometimes, you may have a positive pregnancy result and still have bleeding; in such a case, you should see your doctor immediately.
You Have Tender and Painful Breasts
During pregnancy, your body produces more progesterone and estrogen to support the fetus’s growth. At this stage, your breasts may become fuller and tender. You may also experience dark veins and painful nipples. However, this is not a surefire sign of pregnancy, as some women experience this before their period. Therefore, take a pregnancy test to confirm if you’re truly pregnant or not.
Whether you are trying to avoid getting pregnant or hoping to conceive naturally, the above information will help you determine the best time to take a pregnancy test. Although taking a home pregnancy test may work for you, it’s best to visit a reliable clinic for a free pregnancy test to be on the safe side.
