Many HPT- home pregnancy tests can be done from the first day of your missed period. If you’re not sure when you’re having your next period—or if your period is irregular– take the test at least 21 days after you had unprotected sex for accurate result.
There are some extra sensitive pregnancy tests that can be done before you miss your period. Some of these can be completed as soon as 10 days after conception. But it’s a little-known fact that conception doesn’t necessarily begin immediately after you’ve had sex.
In fact, it can take up to five days for the sperm to fertilize an egg. Even after that, it takes several days for the egg to travel to the uterus, where it plants itself into the uterine lining. From sex to pregnancy can take from two to three weeks. Therefore, your results won’t be accurate if you take a HPT test before a missed period.
Two Weeks Rule:
Many women test according to the “two weeks” rule. This means waiting to take a test until two weeks after unprotected sex. It can provide accurate results for women who are on a regular and predictable 28-day cycle and who ovulating once and at a regular interval.
However, some women’s cycles are not as predictable, or medications such as birth control and antibiotics can change their cycle and date of ovulation. Even stress can cause interruptions.
False Negative Pregnancy Results
You can get a false-negative from a home pregnancy test. This means that you are pregnant but the test said that you’re not.
False-negatives can occur when:
- You take the test too early.
- Check the test results too soon – it’s important to follow the instructions given on the HPT packet carefully.
- Use diluted urine – it’s best to use first-morning urine because it’s the most concentrated Urine.
If you get a negative result and your period still hasn’t started, repeat the test in two to three days. Some very sensitive pregnancy tests can be used even before you miss a period.
Confirmation Of Pregnancy:
Taking a pregnancy test is the first step.
A home pregnancy test is an indicator of pregnancy, not a confirmation. That’s why you need an ultrasound to verify an intrauterine pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, it’s important to begin your prenatal care right away.
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