The best time to take a pregnancy test is on the day of your expected period. Waiting this time gives the Human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG hormone time to build and be detected by home pregnancy tests. If you test too early, you risk receiving a false negative. This post will discuss pregnancy tests and best practices when taking them.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

There are two types of pregnancy tests, urine, and blood. Both types look for the presence of hCG; a hormone only made during pregnancy. If this hormone is detected, the test will be positive; if no hCG is detected, the result will be negative.

Does the Time of Day Matter?

The time of day a home pregnancy test is taken can assist in gaining accurate results. In the morning, during the first urination, there will be a concentrated amount of hCG if present. However, taking a urine test 4 hours after your last urination is also sufficient if this time has passed. It’s important not to dilute urine by pushing fluids before a test, as this can cause hCG levels to thin. 

To confirm a pregnancy ultrasound may be used by your physician’s office or a pregnancy center. This imaging will assist professionals in knowing if a pregnancy is in the right place (and thus not health-threatening) and the gestational age.  Both factors are important to know when considering your options.

Where Can I Go for a Free Pregnancy Test?

If you have questions regarding the results of your recent pregnancy test or want to take a free medical-grade urine test, please contact us today. Here at the Pregnancy Resource Center of Glenwood Springs, and on our mobile-medical unit, we offer free and confidential appointments; pregnancy testing, STI testing, ultrasound, and options counseling. The PRC of Glenwood Springs does not perform or refer for abortion.

We believe your story and experience matters. We give you the resources to not only succeed but thrive! 

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