When you’re waiting to find out whether you’re pregnant, a home pregnancy test can seem like the quickest way to get an answer. However, after taking one, you may still have questions. Can you trust the result? Could you have tested too early? What if your period still hasn’t started?

Home pregnancy tests can be highly accurate when used correctly, but timing and other factors can affect the result. If you want another test or have questions about what your result means, Anderson House can help. Schedule a free appointment today for a lab-quality pregnancy test and additional support.

What Is the Test Looking For?

Home pregnancy tests check your urine for human chorionic gonadotropin, also called hCG. This hormone begins to be produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

During early pregnancy, hCG levels increase quickly. However, there may not be enough of the hormone for a home test to detect immediately. This is one reason a test taken very early can be negative even when pregnancy has occurred.

When Should You Test?

If your period is late, you may be tempted to test the moment you realize it hasn’t arrived. Waiting until after the first day of a missed period generally makes a home test more reliable. In fact, the Mayo Clinic recommends waiting a day or two to give any hCG in your body additional time to increase.

The time of day can matter as well. First-morning urine is typically more concentrated, which can make hCG easier for a test to detect.

Why Could a Test Be Wrong?

False-negative results are more common than false-positive results. A negative result may be inaccurate if you tested too early, checked the result before the instructed time, or used diluted urine.

False-positive results are uncommon, but they can occur. An early pregnancy loss or fertility drugs containing hCG are two possible explanations.

Always check the expiration date and follow the directions for your particular test. Different brands may have slightly different instructions.

Still Wondering if You’re Pregnant?

If your test is negative but your period doesn’t begin, retesting after several days may give you a clearer result. If you receive mixed results, professional follow-up is recommended. What’s more, if you receive a positive result, you’ll want to have an ultrasound to confirm crucial information about your pregnancy. Anderson House offers free ultrasounds at our Uvalde location to help you get the insight you need.

You don’t have to keep taking home tests when the results leave you with more questions. Schedule an appointment with us today. We’re here to help.