When can you find out if you’re pregnant? Many women ask when the best time to take a pregnancy test is, but no one answer works for everyone. Some women will get an accurate result with their first morning urine, while others will need to try more than once to be sure of their results. Do you suspect you are pregnant and want to make sure? Below are some of the best times you can take a pregnancy test to get an accurate answer and more info on where you can get a pregnancy test done:
First-Morning Pregnancy Test
Some women can take a pregnancy test as early as the first day of their missed period and get an accurate result. If your cycle is usually regular, you can use this time to your advantage – it’s best because your HCG levels are highest at this point and will give you the most accurate reading.
4 Days After Ovulation
Knowing when you ovulate each month can give you a pretty good idea of your most fertile days. Women who track their BBT (basal body temperature) will notice that it rises slightly after ovulation. This is because progesterone, which increases during the luteal phase of your cycle, causes an increase in your basal body temperature. If you have done some charting to determine this information, try taking a pregnancy test four days after these higher temperatures begin.
One Week After Missing Your Period
After missing your period, most doctors say it takes an average of 7 days before you can get a positive result. If your cycle is regular, this is an excellent time to detect pregnancy. However, if your menstrual cycle is irregular or you’re just not sure what to expect, there’s no need to wait. You could try a pregnancy test as early as the first day after your period is late.
14 Days After Intercourse
For most couples, ovulation will occur 12-16 days after the first day of your last menstrual period. This is a little different for every woman, so it may be better to wait 14 days after intercourse before taking a pregnancy test. You can do this by tracking the first day of your last menstrual period, then counting 14 days ahead.
Three Weeks After Conception
If you’re sure that you ovulated on schedule and had intercourse during your most fertile time, wait until your missed period to test for pregnancy. Some women try earlier than this – even as early as a week after conception – but this may not produce accurate results for every woman. Only 50% of women will get a positive result three weeks after their missed period. So if you have tested earlier and the results were negative, it’s best to wait until the third week to take another test.
Where Can You Get A Pregnancy Test Done?
A positive pregnancy test can bring about mixed emotions. You may be pleased, frightened, or confused by this news. Once you have decided to keep the baby, talk to your doctor about prenatal care, including diet recommendations and vitamin supplements. As for finding out whether or not you are pregnant, here is where to go and what to do:
- OBGYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist)
A doctor you already have an established relationship with can perform the pregnancy test. They will draw your blood and send it to the lab. However, if they are not OB-GYN, they might refer you to one. Go ahead and ask them if they do prenatal care. If they do, you can also discuss options with them or ask for a referral to an OB-GYN that will see you through your pregnancy if the results come out positive.
- Hospital (ER) Emergency Room
You can go to the ER and request a pregnancy test if you are experiencing any symptoms, then you should go to the emergency room. They will perform a blood test and ultrasound to determine your pregnancy and rule out any problems with the pregnancy, such as ectopic or molar pregnancies. Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day so that you can visit anytime.
- Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood centers offer free pregnancy tests. They can also offer you information about your options, including abortion. If you wish, they will provide low-cost prenatal care at their clinics throughout the United States.
- Online
You can buy a pregnancy test online, which will be delivered to your doorstep. Many different websites offer this service; make sure you choose a reputable one that offers testing for between 50 and 100 dollars.
Though you can get a pregnancy test done at any time, it is best to wait until two weeks after sex or four days after missing your period. This is when the likelihood of obtaining accurate results is highest. Furthermore, testing too early can give the false implication that one isn’t pregnant.
