When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test for Best Accuracy?

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.

Do you think you might be pregnant? Are you experiencing symptoms that make you wonder? If so, taking a pregnancy test is probably your first step. Accurate results from the test are crucial for understanding your current situation and making informed next steps. Here are some tips on the best time to take a pregnancy test and the next steps you can take based on the results.

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

At-home pregnancy tests are designed to detect a specific hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is found in a woman’s urine or bloodstream directly after a fertilized egg fastens itself to the uterus wall. The hCG hormone begins producing rapidly and can be detected as early as 10 days after conception.

One medically-reviewed article on healthline states, "Traces of HCG are present from 6 days after ovulation, but it typically takes 7–10 days after ovulation for the body to build up enough HCG to show up on a test. If you have an irregular cycle and don’t know when your period was due, it’s best to take the test at least 21 days after having unprotected sex."

For the best accuracy, take the test first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up when hCG levels are most concentrated in your urine.

Don't worry if you can't test immediately. The window to get an accurate result does not end after a week. In fact, a woman’s hCG levels substantially rise in the days after the first week of fertilization, “doubling every 2 to 3 days.” In other words, you have time!

What Types of Pregnancy Tests Can I Choose From?

There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests.

Urine Tests: These tests are non-invasive, easy to use, and can be done from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Urine tests are also cost effective and able to provide quick results.

Blood Tests: These tests are done at a doctor’s office, typically after first confirming a suspected pregnancy with a urine test. Blood tests and come in two general categories: qualitative and quantitative tests.

• Qualitative blood tests can show whether hCG is present or not.
• Quantitative tests can tell you how much hCG in the bloodstream.

Blood tests can detect pregnancy more precisely and earlier than urine tests but require a visit to your doctor or a local healthcare provider and take longer to get results.

Understanding Your Results

Many at-home urine pregnancy tests show results in about three minutes, while clinician-administered blood tests require some time for results. It's important to note that every at-home pregnancy test has unique directions, and it is important to follow these exactly for best results. Regardless of the test you choose, you can expect to receive a “positive” or “negative" result.

Negative Result: If your test is negative, you are likely not pregnant. If you still think you might be pregnant or believe you got a false-negative, consider retesting after a few days or talk with a doctor. This result could bring out mixed or complicated emotions, even if the possible pregnancy was unplanned. Consider discussing your feelings with a trusted friend or partner for support.

Positive Result: If your test shows positive, you are most likely pregnant. However, follow up with a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy, as no test is 100% accurate. If the pregnancy is unplanned or unexpected, consider talking with a personal advocate at Avail to process, explore your options, and receive valuable referrals to our network of over 300 partners.

Next Steps After a Positive Test

After receiving a positive test result, it's best to talk with your healthcare provider and schedule an ultrasound to confirm the viability of the pregnancy. This appointment can also tell you whether the pregnancy is ectopic (growing outside the uterus) or not.

Once the pregnancy is confirmed, there are three options: abortion, adoption, or parenting. Feeling overwhelmed or panicked by these possible paths is normal, so consider talking with an advocate to take the time to process and take each step toward making a confident decision at your own pace.

Free Pregnancy Tests in NYC 

Avail NYC is here to support you. If you think you may be unexpectedly pregnant, take a free, laboratory-quality, self-administered urine pregnancy test in Midtown Manhattan and talk with an advocate about the results.

More importantly, our compassionate Personal Advocates are here to empower you with emotional support and practical resources as walk through each step of the journey. 100% free. No judgment, no pressure. Ever.

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.