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.
The idea of an unexpected pregnancy can be an emotional and overwhelming experience, and it's natural to feel uncertain about the accuracy of your pregnancy test. Understanding how pregnancy tests work and what factors are at play can help you feel more confident in your results.
So, what should you do if you’re asking yourself, “Was my pregnancy test really positive?”
Timing is everything when it comes to taking a pregnancy test. Most home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. It takes a few days for hCG to build up in your body, so taking a test too early can result in a false negative.
The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you have missed a period. If you have irregular periods or are unsure when your next period is due, it's best to wait at least two weeks after you had unprotected sex before taking a test. This will give your body enough time to produce detectable levels of hCG.
Reading a pregnancy test is relatively straightforward. Most tests have a control line and a test line:
Some tests may show a plus sign (indicating pregnancy) or the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant" to make the results more clear.
Not all pregnancy tests are created equal. Some are more sensitive than others, which means they can detect lower levels of hCG in your urine. Higher-quality tests are more likely to give accurate results, but they may also be more expensive.
The First Response™ Early Result Pregnancy Test is chosen consistently as the most accurate and best overall home pregnancy test because it can detect concentrations of hCG in urine as low as 6.5 mIU/ml (many tests do not detect levels below 25 mIU/ml).
The Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test Kit offers a digital display that says “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.” The test claims to be over 99% accurate as soon as the day your period is due. This test detects hCG in urine at a rate of 10 mIU/ml.
If you are unsure about the quality of the test you took, it's a good idea to take another test in 2-3 days to confirm the result. If you’d like to take a free, medical-grade pregnancy test, Avail NYC offers tests to women facing an unexpected pregnancy in New York City.
Human error can also affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test. If you don't follow the instructions correctly, you may get an inaccurate result. Here are some things to keep in mind:
If you suspect that you made a mistake when taking the test, it's best to take another test in 2-3 days to confirm the result.
Regardless of the type of test you've taken, it's important to remember that false positive and false negative results are possible.
If you're still uncertain about the accuracy of your pregnancy test, it's a good idea to seek out the support of a healthcare provider or a non-judgmental space like Avail NYC. At
Avail NYC, we can provide you with information, resources, and support to help you make informed decisions about the possibility of a pregnancy.
Even though an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming and scary, it’s important to remember that there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time. If you've taken a pregnancy test and are uncertain about the results, we encourage you to make a free appointment with our caring client advocates who are experts in compassionate, non-judgmental listening. They can help you process the idea of an unexpected pregnancy and help walk you through decision-making tools based on what’s most important to you.
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Avail NYC provides free, compassionate support for women and men navigating unexpected pregnancies or seeking support after an abortion. Our trained Personal Advocates offer a safe, confidential space online or in-person to process emotions and explore options. Equipping clients with personalized coping strategies and resources, we empower them to move forward with confidence at their own pace. Avail NYC is not a medical provider. To learn more or meet with a personal advocate, visit Avail NYC.
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