When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Not knowing if you’re unexpectedly pregnant can be stressful. It might feel like time is dragging, or you may think about it constantly, wondering what to do next. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms or a late period, it’s time to start thinking about taking a pregnancy test.
However, you can visit Treasure Valley Path today for free lab-quality pregnancy testing. Contact us to set up an appointment, and we can help answer your questions and concerns.
Or, keep reading, and we’ll discuss when the best time is to test for the most reliable results.
Looking For Pregnancy Signs
While early pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms, the most apparent sign of pregnancy is a missed period. If your cycle is regular and your period doesn’t arrive as expected, it may be time to take a pregnancy test. However, irregular cycles, stress, and hormonal changes can also cause delays, so looking at other signs may help provide more insight.
Beyond a missed period, many women experience early pregnancy symptoms such as:
Tender or swollen breasts: Hormonal changes can cause soreness or sensitivity.
Nausea or vomiting: Sometimes called morning sickness, this can happen at any time of the day or night.
Increased urination: You may find yourself running to the bathroom more frequently.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or drained can be an early pregnancy symptom.
Food aversions or cravings: You might notice a stronger sense of smell or sudden changes in appetite.
These symptoms alone don’t confirm a pregnancy, but they may be a reason to test.
When and How to Take a Pregnancy Test
Most at-home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate when taken the day after a missed period. These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone produced during pregnancy.
For the most accurate results:
Take the test first thing in the morning, when hCG levels are most concentrated in your urine.
Don’t drink too much liquid before taking the test; this can water down your urine and make the results less accurate.
If the test is negative but your period still doesn’t start, retest in one week.
Get Free Pregnancy Testing
If you think you might be pregnant, get answers you can trust from Treasure Valley Path. We offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing.
If your test results are positive, we will provide a free ultrasound performed by a Licensed Sonographer or Registered Nurse/Midwife. We also offer pregnancy consultations and more to help you take your next steps with clarity and support.
Schedule your confidential appointment today and get the information you need. We’re here for you.