Last updated December 2011. Planned review date: December 2012
Finding out if you're pregnant
How do you know when you're pregnant? If you've been trying for a baby there are a few ways to find out whether you're expecting.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms then it might be a good idea to take a pregnancy test.
• late period
• extreme tiredness
• needing to wee more often
• nausea
• a metallic taste in your mouth
• sensitivity to smells
• tender breasts.
Back to top
Pregnancy tests
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This hormone is only made when a woman is pregnant. Traces of it can be found in the urine from three to four days after implantation, but the concentration needs to continue to build up to a level at which the test can detect it and give a positive result, so the test can be carried out from the day that the period is missed.
Pregnancy tests at your doctor or local chemist
These tests are either free or a small fee is charged.
You’ll need to take a sample of your urine in a clean container (you can get sample pots from your GP’s surgery). The best time to collect a urine sample is first thing in the morning. This is because levels of hCG will have built up overnight.
You may have to wait up to a few days for the result though. If the urine sample is tested on the spot, you probably will be given the result after just a few minutes.
Home pregnancy tests
These tests are available to buy from chemists or supermarkets and enable you to find out if you are pregnant in private after a few minutes.
The tests are considered to be quite accurate, although it is essential that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Choose a kit that you think will be easy for you to use and make sure that you understand what mark or symbol will appear if the test is positive.
Back to top
The results of your pregnancy test
It is important to know that whilst a positive result is likely to be accurate, a negative result may be misleading. Some women have a negative result and test again a week later to find that it is positive. This is due to the levels of pregnancy hormone gradually building up to a level at which they can be detected. If you test yourself very early on and you have a negative result, you should carry out another test in 2-3 days time if you have still not had a period. If you continue to get negative results and still no period, you should consult your doctor.
Back to top
What now?
Once you get a positive pregnancy test make an appointment to see your doctor or a midwife. Tell the doctor’s surgery that you have had a positive pregnancy test result as you might need a longer appointment. Your doctor’s surgery should be able to advise you of their procedure. Take a look at our Pregnancy health section, or browse our Pregnancy calendar to find out what's coming up for you.
Visit our Questions about finding out you're pregnant page for more information.
Back to top
Also in this section
References
- Ashford KB, Hahn E, Hall L, Rayens MK, Noland M and Ferguson JE (2010) ‘The effects of prenatal secondhand smoke exposure on preterm birth and neonatal outcomes’ in J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs, 39(5):525-35, doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2010.01169.x.
- Chard T (1992) ‘Pregnancy tests: a review’ in Hum Reprod, 7(5):701-10