When should you take a pregnancy test?

Taking a pregnancy test is not something to be taken lightly. Some women dread it, whilst others think about it almost every day. Then there are those for whom a positive test comes as a complete surprise. Whatever category you fall into, today we're going to look at when to take a pregnancy test!

When to take a pregnancy test: how does it work?

Do you think you might be pregnant? Or are you trying for a baby? Then you'll need to take a pregnancy test.

To begin with, certain signs can alert you to a possible pregnancy. The first signs will most likely be a missed period, or breasts that are more tender than usual. Other, later signs may also appear: nausea, unusual tiredness, an aversion to certain smells, or an irritable mood.

If any of these signs have appeared, you can take a urine test to get a clear answer.

Whether digital or traditional, a urine test is readily available from a pharmacy, parapharmacy, or even a supermarket. Simply urinate on the indicator strip to reveal the result.

If positive, the word "pregnant" will appear. Depending on the brand of the device, you might also see two lines, or a blue cross. All of this means you are very likely pregnant (99% reliability rate).

If the test turns out to be negative, a single line will appear. Or the words "not pregnant".

When to take a pregnancy test for a more reliable result?

It is recommended to take a pregnancy test using your first urine of the morning. This is particularly important to avoid false positives.

Indeed, a pregnancy urine test detects hCG levels. These increase each day from the moment the embryo implants in the uterus.

Positive test: what should you do?

If your pregnancy test is positive, you will need to have a blood test to verify the hCG levels. This hormone will then help determine how many weeks pregnant you are, in order to estimate your EDD (Expected Due Date).

To find out more about the steps to take, we invite you to read our article on the main appointments during pregnancy.