No-Cost and Confidential
Make An Appointment

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

If you suspect you might be pregnant,you may feel anxious and want to take a pregnancy test right away. To ensure an accurate result, however, you should wait at least 1 week after your first missed period.

How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in your urine. Except in cases of rare conditions, the only time hCG will exist in a woman’s body is during pregnancy. In pregnancy, the placenta produces this hormone after the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall.

When to Take a Home Pregnancy Test

Advertisements and packaging for different brands of home pregnancy tests claim accurate results at varying times. While possible to receive accurate results as early as ten days after conception, waiting reduces the chances of false negative test result.

Waiting until the day after your missed period allows time for the hCG to increase to a detectable level and improves the validity of the results.

To further improve the accuracy, we recommend taking a pregnancy test first thing in the morning when you wake up since your urine is highly concentrated. 

As a general rule, if you take a pregnancy test and the result is negative, it is best to wait at least a week before testing again.

What if I Don’t Know When to Expect My Period?

Menstrual cycle lengths can vary between women, but normal menstrual periods might occur between 21 and 35 days. Since “normal” differs between women, tracking your typical cycle lengths can provide you with insight into your sexual health and wellness.

If you have an irregular menstrual cycle or often forget to track, knowing when you should expect your period could prove challenging. In this case, take a pregnancy test 21 days after unprotected sex.

I Tested Positive, Now What?

If you have tested positive, confirm the pregnancy with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound at a medical center or clinic. Regardless of your intended pregnancy decision, this step will protect your health and safety by providing vital information in helping you decide your next steps

An ultrasound provides essential information regarding the pregnancy options available to you and determines if there is a need for early medical intervention.

Pregnancy Services Across Four Locations

If you are wondering about the chances of pregnancy, Your Options Medical offers free medical services at four locations. Whether you visit our location in Revere, Brookline, Fall River, or our mobile unit, you can expect a professional experience at no cost to you.

Schedule an appointment for pregnancy testing and a follow-up ultrasound today. If weighing your options, we do provide information regarding your choices. Contact us today.

Recent Stories

What Do I Need to Know if I Am Pregnant in College?

What Do I Need to Know if I Am Pregnant in College?

Read Article
How will pregnancy affect me mentally?

How Will Pregnancy Affect Me Mentally?

Read Article
What Are My Second-Trimester Pregnancy Options?

What Are My Second-Trimester Pregnancy Options?

Read Article
How to Tell Your Partner and Family You Are Pregnant

How to Tell Your Partner and Family You Are Pregnant

Read Article
A woman afraid of her partner's reaction to unexpected pregnancy.

I’m Afraid of How My Partner Will React to My Unexpected Pregnancy

Read Article

Experts in Pregnancy Confirmation Services


Your Options Medical is your direct path to empowered choices. Our team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care and unbiased information so you can confidently make decisions about your care.

Confidential Services. Care You Can Trust.