If you think you may be pregnant and have taken a home pregnancy test but are unsure whether the result is accurate, you are not alone in questioning it. Although home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, there are factors that can affect their accuracy, such as when the test is taken or certain medical conditions.
Knowing how home pregnancy tests work and how to use them accurately can help improve your results. We also provide free, confidential medical-grade pregnancy testing and ultrasounds at our center, which can help give you the clarity you need.
Schedule your pregnancy test today.
How Home Pregnancy Tests Work
Home pregnancy tests typically use urine to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone begins to increase in the body after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, usually about six to ten days after conception. Pregnancy tests are most accurate after a missed period.
What Can Affect the Accuracy of a Home Pregnancy Test
False negatives can happen depending on the timing of the pregnancy test and other factors, including:
- Diluted urine from drinking too much water
- Checking the test outside the recommended time frame
- Taking the test later in the day when hCG is less concentrated
- Using an expired test
False positives are less common but can be caused by a recent miscarriage or pregnancy since hCG levels may still remain elevated even if there is no pregnancy. Fertility medication containing hCG and hormonal shifts due to problems with the ovaries and menopause can also lead to false positive results.
For the most accurate results, testing after a missed period using first-morning urine is often recommended.
How Reliable Are Home Pregnancy Tests?
Most of the time, home pregnancy tests are accurate. The biggest factor that can cause inaccuracy is timing. If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms with a negative result or your period hasn’t arrived a week after taking your test, then retesting is usually recommended.
The most accurate way to confirm a pregnancy is with an ultrasound, since this confirms important details such as the location of the pregnancy, how far along you are, and if there is a heartbeat.
Get Medical-Grade Pregnancy Testing At New Beginnings Winchester
If you are unsure about your pregnancy test results, New Beginning of Winchester offers free and confidential medical-grade pregnancy tests to give you peace of mind. Following a positive result, we will perform an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our team is here to provide you with information surrounding your pregnancy, options, and general support in a judgment-free environment.
Contact us to schedule your free pregnancy test.