Discovering a pregnancy is a very special experience. Some may be anxious, others excitedly waiting for the good news & for some people may not be positive towards it.

Uncovering it to the earliest is the best choice for you & your baby.

But, how early can we confirm a pregnancy?

Mykare Health is here to help you find out the earliest time for the pregnancy test to read positive.

How Pregnancy Test Work

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It can be understood from the urine or blood samples of a pregnant woman.

It is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation of the embryo to the uterine wall and starts production as soon as 6 days after fertilization.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

1. Urine Tests:

• most common
• home testing
• They are designed to detect hCG in urine & can be purchased without prescriptions

2. Blood Tests:

• performed in a clinical setting

• detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests.

• It can be classified into two

• Qualitative hCG Test: This test confirms the presence of hCG

• Quantitative hCG Test (Beta hCG test): his test measures

• the exact amount of hCG in the blood,

• age of the fetus

• detection of any potential issues.

How to Take a Pregnancy Test?

Pregnancy tests can either be taken at home or by professionals in a lab.

Home Pregnancy Tests

Home pregnancy tests are easy to use.

Pregnancy kits include test sticks or strips that react to hCG contents in your urine.

How to Use:

1.Follow Instructions: Read the instructions that come with the test.

2.Test Methods:

• Hold the test stick in your urine stream.

• Collect urine in a cup. Dip 2 or 3 drops of urine to the test stick.

3.Check Results: Wait a few minutes, then check the results as instructed.

Blood Tests

Blood tests provide you with more accurate results. You can also get additional details of the fetus through blood tests.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test?

You can carry out most pregnancy tests from the first day of a missed period.

If you have irregular periods and it is difficult to calculate the period date you can do the test at least 21 days after you had your unprotected sex.

Some very sensitive pregnancy tests can be used even before you miss a period. It can detect pregnancy as little as 6-10 days after ovulation.

What Time Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

The best time is when you have your first morning pee.

However, some pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to find out the hCG no matter what time of day you take the test.

When possible, try to wait until it's been three hours since your last pee before you take the test.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

• Missed period

• Swollen, tender breast

• Fatigue & Dizziness

• Frequent urination

• Nauseous & Vomiting

• Bloated abdomen & irritations

False Pregnancies

False positives are extremely rare. Conditions causing false positives include:

• Cancer

• Early miscarriage

• Certain medications containing hCG

• Improper testing

The Science Behind HCG Levels

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is found when you’re pregnant. It’s made by your placenta.

hCG level cannot diagnose any condition but can be indicators of certain issues including:

• In the case of multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets), higher levels of hCG than expected can be observed.

• At the same time, increased levels of hCG can be noticed if there’s an abnormal growth in the uterus

• Aside from that, decreasing concentrations of hCG may signify impending miscarriages.

• Besides, if fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus – a fallopian tube for instance – then lower than predicted levels of hCG are usually observed.

When Should I See A Doctor?

• Positive pregnancy test

• Even when your pregnancy test is negative but your period is late & you are having signs of pregnancy

• If you have had a history of multiple miscarriages & trying to get pregnant. You should consult a doctor regardless of test results if your period is late.

• If you are below 35 years and have been trying for 12 months without result or above 35 years with 6 months of trying.

You can detect your pregnancy through pregnancy tests after your first missed period or after 3 weeks of unprotected sex.

There are many sensitive pregnancy tests but the earlier tests are done with lesser accuracy.

Knowing when & how you take your pregnancy test can significantly impact your results.