When should I take a pregnancy test?

July 19, 2021

Even the word “pregnancy” may be enough to send some women into a state of anxiety, so it’s completely normal if the thought of taking a pregnancy test is causing you some stress. 

If you think you may be facing an unplanned pregnancy but have yet to confirm it, we’re here to help. Robbinsdale Women’s Center can answer all your questions about pregnancy tests, early signs of pregnancy, and what to do after you’ve received a positive result.

Possible early signs of pregnancy

If you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you could be pregnant. However, before you take a pregnancy test, here are a few early signs of pregnancy to be on the lookout for:

• a missed period
• tenderness and changes of the breasts and nipples
• headaches
• tiredness
• nausea and vomiting
• new food cravings
• sensitivity to smells
• mood shifts 

It’s important to note that each of these symptoms can be related to health conditions other than pregnancy. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to a missed period, we recommend scheduling an appointment for free pregnancy testing at your local pregnancy center!

When should I take a pregnancy test? 

While it may be tempting to take a pregnancy test at the first suspicion of pregnancy, it’s important to wait until at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results.

Pregnancy tests detect hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), which is a hormone that increases as your pregnancy grows. In the very early days of pregnancy, your body may not have enough of the hormone to be detectable by a store-bought pregnancy test. Taking a pregnancy test too early can result in a false negative. 

For early accurate testing, schedule a free appointment at your local pregnancy center for lab-quality pregnancy testing. Our medical-grade tests identify pregnancies earlier and eliminate user errors that may lead to inaccurate results.

I’m pregnant! What’s next? 

Finding out you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can lead to feelings of fear and worry. However, it’s important to remember you’re not alone in this process and there are options and resources available to you. 

The staff at Robbinsdale Women’s Center is here to provide free and confidential pregnancy services, such as pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, and more! We will walk you through your options — parenting, abortion, and adoption — and help you make the choice that’s best for you.

Schedule your free appointment with Robbinsdale Women’s Center today!