Taking a pregnancy test: when, how and which one is reliable?

A pregnancy test measures the hormone hCG in your urine. Your body produces this hormone after a fertilized egg has implanted. The amount of hCG increases rapidly at the beginning of a pregnancy. That is why a test that is negative today may be positive a few days later.

When should I take a positive test?

By “taking a positive test” we usually mean: when is the best time to take a pregnancy test? The most reliable moment is from the day your period should have started. If you are overdue, there is usually enough hCG present to measure with a urine test.

Do you not know when your period would come, for example because your cycle is irregular? Then test at least 21 days after the last unprotected sex. An early pregnancy test can be used earlier, but more often gives a negative result while you are still pregnant.

Do you test before or just around your expected period? Preferably use your first morning urine, because it is often the most concentrated. From the day you are overdue, according to many leaflets, you can also test at another time of the day.

How do I test positive?

Each pregnancy test works slightly differently. Therefore, always read the package leaflet first. With these steps you reduce the chance of an unclear or incorrect result:

1. Check the expiration date and only open the package just before use.
2. Do not drink excessively immediately before testing; Very dilute urine can make early pregnancy more difficult to detect.
3. Urinate on the test stick or collect urine in a clean, dry cup, exactly as the package insert indicates.
4. Put the test down and wait the prescribed number of minutes.
5. Read the results within the indicated time window. A line that appears much later may be a drying line.

Is the test negative, but is your period missing? Wait a few days and test again. Contact your doctor or midwife if a second test remains negative and your period still does not come.

Which pregnancy tests are reliable?

Pregnancy tests from the drugstore, pharmacy and supermarket all measure hCG. An expensive brand is not automatically more reliable than a private label. More important are the correct test moment, a valid expiration date and carefully following the instructions.

For example, a digital test shows “pregnant” or “not pregnant”. A line test shows one or two lines. Both types can be reliable. A positive home test is almost always correct if you have performed the test correctly. A negative result is less certain, especially if you tested early.

Are you using the contraceptive pill? The hormones in the pill do not interfere with a pregnancy test. Some fertility medications containing hCG and special medical situations may affect the results. Discuss any doubts with your doctor or midwife.

Where can I take a positive test?

You can test at home with a pregnancy test from the drugstore, pharmacy or supermarket. Would you prefer help, do you not have a test at home or would you like to discuss the results with someone? Then you can also contact FEMME.

What do you do after a positive pregnancy test?

You do not have to go to the doctor first to have a positive home test confirmed. You can register directly with a midwife. Start with 400 micrograms of folic acid per day if you are not already taking it and do not drink alcohol. Also read our follow-up guide: positive pregnancy test: what now?

The information about the test moment and reliability has been checked based on an explanation The Midwife and the NHS.