Pregnancy Test: A Comprehensive Guide
- Duly Care
- Aug 19
- 8 min read
A pregnancy test is a tool used to check if a woman is pregnant. When a woman suspects she might be pregnant, one of the first things she may do is take a pregnancy test. Whether she is hoping for a positive or a negative result, this small stick can feel life-changing. But with so many questions about how it works, when to take it, and how reliable it is, things can be confusing. This blog breaks down everything a woman needs to know about a pregnancy test so she can make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways:
A pregnancy test looks for a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which the woman's body makes early in a pregnancy. If hCG is found in the urine or blood, the test shows that a woman is likely pregnant.
There are two kinds of pregnancy tests - a urine test that women can use at home, and a blood test done by a healthcare professional. A blood test is more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests.
It’s best to take a pregnancy test after missing a period. But some early signs like sore breasts, tiredness or nausea might also mean it’s time to test.
Always check the expiry date, follow the instructions closely, and use first morning urine of the day for better accuracy. Read the result only during the time mentioned in the leaflet.
What Is a Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test is a tool used to check if a woman is pregnant. It checks whether a woman’s body is making a hormone called hCG, which stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is produced early in a pregnancy, soon after the pregnancy starts to develop. Once the fertilised egg begins growing in the womb, the body starts producing hCG. This hormone is not usually found in women who are not pregnant, so its presence is a strong sign of pregnancy.
Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two types of pregnancy tests that are commonly used - urine tests and blood tests. Both types work by checking for hCG in the body, but they do it in different ways.
Urine Test
Urine pregnancy tests can be taken at a doctor's clinic or at home, which is why they are also known as home pregnancy tests or at-home tests. These tests usually come in the form of a plastic stick that contains special chemicals.
When a woman urinates on the stick or dips it into a cup of her urine, the chemicals react if hCG is present. If the hormone is detected, the test will show a result that indicates she is pregnant. If no hCG is found, the test result will indicate she is not pregnant. These tests are simple to use and usually give results within five minutes.
Blood Test
Blood tests for pregnancy are done in a clinic or laboratory, in which a sample of blood is taken from the woman’s arm and sent to a lab to be tested. These are more sensitive than urine tests, which means they can detect smaller amounts of hCG and pick up pregnancy earlier.
There are two types of blood tests - one that simply checks if hCG is there or not, and another that measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood. This can help doctors check how far along the pregnancy might be or identify problems like an ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy grows outside the womb.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test?
Early Signs of Pregnancy
Women notice certain signs that suggest they could be pregnant. These are called early signs of pregnancy. It is advisable to take a pregnancy test if she notices these signs:
Missed Period: If your periods are regular, a missed period is often the first noticeable sign.
Breast Changes: Your breasts may become more sensitive, swollen, or sore due to hormonal changes.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired is a common early symptom.
Nausea and Vomiting: "Morning sickness" can occur at any time of the day, not just in the morning.
Frequent Urination: Increased blood flow to the kidneys can lead to more frequent bathroom trips.
Light Spotting: Implantation bleeding, a light spotting that occurs when the fertilised egg attaches to the uterus, can be an early sign.
Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause emotional changes.
Food Aversions and Cravings: Changes in appetite, including aversions to certain foods or cravings for others, can occur.
Bloating and Constipation: These can be caused by hormonal changes that affect the digestive system.
Lightheadedness or Dizziness: These symptoms can also be related to hormonal changes.
Headaches: Hormonal fluctuations can also trigger headaches.
These symptoms happen because of changes in hormones, especially the rise in hCG. While they do not always mean a woman is pregnant, they are enough of a sign to take a test if she suspects pregnancy. Symptoms can vary from person to person and even from pregnancy to pregnancy.
The Right Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
The timing of a pregnancy test is important. If a woman takes a urine pregnancy test too early, the amount of hCG in her body may be too low for the test to detect, which could lead to an incorrect result.
Most pregnancy tests work best when taken after a missed period. This is because by that time, if the woman is pregnant, her body has usually made enough hCG for the test to pick up. Some tests say they can work earlier, even before a missed period, but the chances of getting a correct result are lower at that stage.
For the most accurate result, it’s a good idea to take the test with the first urine of the day. This urine is more concentrated, which means it contains more hCG if a woman is pregnant.
How to Take a Pregnancy Test at Home?
Taking a pregnancy test can feel nerve-racking, especially if it is a woman’s first time. But the process is simple once she understands what to do. Most pregnancy tests come with clear instructions, and following them step by step gives the best chance of getting an accurate result.
Before Taking a Pregnancy Test
The first thing to do is check the expiry date on the test packet. Using an expired test can give a false result. If the test is within date, it’s safe to use.
The next step is to carefully read the instructions given with the pack.
It’s best to take the test first thing in the morning, using the first urine of the day. This is because the urine at that time is most concentrated, which means it contains more of the hCG hormone if the woman is pregnant. If the test is taken later in the day, and especially if she has had a lot of water, the hormone may be harder to detect.
Using a Pregnancy Test Kit
There are two main ways to use a home pregnancy test:
One method involves urinating directly on the tip of the test stick and holding it there for a few seconds.
The other method involves collecting urine in a clean, dry cup and dipping the test strip into it for the amount of time mentioned in the instructions.
Reading the Pregnancy Test Results
After this, the test should be placed flat on a clean surface while waiting for the result. The waiting time is usually between 1 to 5 minutes, but it’s important to read the exact timing in the test instructions. Reading the test too early or too late can lead to confusion.
Most tests show a result using lines, symbols or words. For example, one line may mean “not pregnant,” while two lines mean “pregnant.” Some tests show a plus or minus sign. It’s important to check what the result should look like in the instruction leaflet, as each brand is slightly different.
If the test result is unclear, smudged, or shows no lines at all, it might mean the test did not work properly. In that case, it’s best to take a new test with a fresh kit.
After the Pregnancy Test
If the test result is positive, the woman should contact a doctor or gynaecologist to discuss next steps. If the test is negative but her period still does not come, or she feels pregnancy symptoms, it is advisable to wait a few days and test again.
Taking a pregnancy test is not difficult, but it does require a little care. Choosing the right time, following the instructions closely, and reading the result within the correct time frame can make a big difference in getting a clear and accurate answer.
How Accurate is a Pregnancy Test?
Pregnancy tests are usually very accurate when used correctly and at the right time.
Urine Test
Most home urine tests claim to be about 99% accurate when taken after a missed period. However, the result depends on several things, including when the test is done, how it is used, and the sensitivity of the test.
Sensitivity of a Pregnancy Test
Every test has a certain level of sensitivity. This refers to the smallest amount of hCG the test can detect. Tests that are more sensitive can show a positive result earlier in pregnancy. Less sensitive tests may require higher levels of hCG and may not detect pregnancy until a few days later.
The sensitivity is usually written on the test box in units like mIU/mL (milli-international units per millilitre). A lower number means higher sensitivity.
Timing and Possibility of a False Negative
If a test is used too early, it might not detect any hormone yet, even if the woman is pregnant. This can lead to what is known as a false negative - when the test says “not pregnant” even though she actually is. A false negative may also happen if the urine is too diluted, such as when the woman drinks a lot of water before testing. Sometimes the test itself might be faulty or expired, which can also cause errors.
Blood Test
Blood tests, which are done by a doctor, are more accurate and can detect pregnancy even before a missed period. They can also help if the results of home urine tests are confusing or do not match how the woman feels. For example, if she has strong symptoms of a pregnancy but a negative test, the doctor may recommend a blood test to confirm what’s going on.
Conclusion
A pregnancy test might look like a simple plastic stick, but it carries a lot of weight in a woman’s life. Whether she is trying to get pregnant, unsure about a missed period, or simply feeling different, understanding how pregnancy tests work can ease stress and confusion. Knowing when to test, which type to use, and how to read the result helps a woman take control and make informed decisions while testing for pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take a pregnancy test at night?
Yes, you can take a pregnancy test at night, but it may be slightly less accurate. This is because your urine might be more diluted later in the day. For the most reliable result, especially in the early days of a possible pregnancy, it's best to use your first urine in the morning when hCG is most concentrated.
Can stress affect the test result?
Stress doesn’t affect the test's ability to detect hCG. If your period is late and the test is negative, it is best to try again after a few days.
Can I reuse a pregnancy test if the result looks unclear?
No, pregnancy tests are for one-time use only. If the result is unclear or invalid, take another test with a new kit.
Do birth control pills affect pregnancy test results?
No, birth control pills do not interfere with pregnancy test results. A test will still detect hCG if a woman is pregnant, even if she is using birth control pills.
Important
This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised advice, always consult a doctor.
Further Reading
For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.
References
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Accuracy of home pregnancy tests at the time of missed menses. 2004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14749643/
BMJ Open. Self-testing for pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2022. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/2/e054120
ScienceDirect. Sensitivity of Over-the-Counter Pregnancy Tests. 2015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1544319115316307
NHS. Doing a pregnancy test. Accessed on 19 August 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/doing-a-pregnancy-test/
Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Pregnancy Test: When To Take, Types & Accuracy. Accessed on 19 August 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9703-pregnancy-tests
Gateshead Health (NHS). Pregnancy Test (BhCG). Accessed on 19 August 2025. https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/resources/pregnancy-test-bhcg/
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