If you’ve recently had unprotected sex, you’re probably wondering how soon you can find out if you’re pregnant.
Waiting for answers can feel stressful, especially if your period hasn’t arrived yet or you’re worried that your birth control failed. You may be tempted to take a pregnancy test right away, but testing too early can lead to a false-negative result.
Understanding how pregnancy tests work and when to take one can help you get the most accurate results and know what to do next. Read on to learn more, or contact Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center to find a safe space where you can get your questions answered.
1. Wait Until After Your Missed Period for the Most Accurate Results
Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
Implantation doesn’t happen immediately after unprotected sex. It typically occurs about 6 to 12 days after fertilization, and it takes a little more time for hCG levels to rise high enough to be detected by a pregnancy test.
For this reason, most healthcare professionals recommend waiting until after you’ve missed your period before taking a pregnancy test. Testing too soon may result in a negative test even if you’re pregnant because your body hasn’t produced enough hCG yet.
If you’re taking a home pregnancy test, using your first urine of the morning can also improve accuracy, especially during the early days of pregnancy. Because your urine is usually more concentrated first thing in the morning, hCG is easier to detect if it’s present.
2. Know What to Do if Your Test Is Positive
If your pregnancy test is positive, your next step should be scheduling an ultrasound.
While a pregnancy test confirms that pregnancy hormones are present, it doesn’t tell you important medical information about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound can determine:
- Whether the pregnancy is viable (meaning the pregnancy is progressing, fetal heart activity is present, and miscarriage is ruled out)
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus (which rules out a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy)
- Approximately how far along you are (which is critical if you’re considering options like the abortion pill)
This information is important for protecting your health and understanding your pregnancy options.
3. Learn More About Your Pregnancy
Receiving a positive pregnancy test can bring a lot of questions. You may be unsure of what comes next, or you may already have a plan in mind.
Before even considering the abortion drugs, learning more about your pregnancy can provide important information about your health and your specific situation. At Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center, you can ask the questions that matter to you and receive information about your pregnancy. Your questions can guide the conversation, whether you want to understand your pregnancy better or talk through what comes next.
Wherever you are in your decision-making process, knowing more about your pregnancy can help you understand information that may be relevant to your health and safety.
Find Answers at Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center
If you think you might be pregnant, Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center is here to help.
We offer free, confidential pregnancy testing and, if your test is positive, free limited obstetrical ultrasounds for qualifying patients. Our team can focus on the questions and information that are most relevant to you.
Contact Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center today to schedule your confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this.