Doing a pregnancy test

You may be pregnant if you have missed a period and recently had unprotected intercourse. Pregnancy tests are most accurate beginning on the first day of your missed menstruation.

When you can do a pregnancy test

Most pregnancy tests can be performed as early as the first day of a missed menstruation. If you are unsure when your next period will be, take the test at least 21 days after your last unprotected intercourse.

Some pregnancy tests are so sensitive that they can be used even before you miss a period.

A pregnancy test can be performed on a urine sample collected at any time of day. It doesn’t have to be first thing in the morning.

How does a pregnancy test work?

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which begins to be produced around 6 days after fertilization, is detected by all pregnancy tests.

Most pregnancy tests come in a carton with one or two lengthy sticks. After a few minutes, you pee on the stick, and the result appears on the stick. Because each test is slightly different, always read the direction

Will a pregnancy test work if I’m on the pill?

Yes.

Some contraception techniques, such as the contraceptive pill, contain hormones, however these hormones will not prevent a pregnancy test from working.

Because no method of contraception is 100% successful, it’s critical to get a pregnancy test if you suspect you’re pregnant.