Taking a pregnancy test
Traces of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) can be found in your urine from three to four days after the fertilised egg implants in your womb (uterus) and the amount builds up each day.
A pregnancy test can only detect hCG and give a positive result when there's enough of the hormone in your system. This means you can take most tests from the day you miss your period.
If your periods were irregular you might not be sure when this. You can take the test anyway but if it is negative, repeat it after a week to check again.
Are you ready to conceive? Use our tool to find out.
Home pregnancy tests
You can buy a home pregnancy test cheaply from a chemist or supermarket and find out if you are pregnant in minutes. You have to hold the end of the pregnancy test in a stream of urine, or dip it in urine you collect in a container.
They are very reliable, although it is important to follow the instructions on the packet carefully. The symbol showing that you are or are not pregnant can be different, so check before you start what mark or symbol will appear if the test is positive.
If the pregnancy test says you are pregnant it is almost certain that you are.
Pregnancy tests at your doctor or local chemist
These tests are either free or you may be charged a small fee.
You’ll need to take a sample of your urine in a clean, soap-free container. You can get pots to put your sample in 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, or if your urine sample is tested on the spot, you'll probably be given the result after just a few minutes.
Your pregnancy test results
A positive result is very likely to be accurate but a negative result might be misleading, it depends on your timing.
Some women have a negative result and test again a week later to find that it is positive. This is because the level of pregnancy hormones gradually builds up over time. If your levels are too low to detect the test might be negative even though you are actually pregnant.
If you do a home test very early on and have a negative result, do another test in two to three days' time if you still haven't had your period.
If you continue to get negative results and still don't have a period, talk to your doctor.
My pregnancy test was positive. What should I do next?
Whether you’ve been planning to get pregnant or not, seeing a positive pregnancy test can be really overwhelming. Find out what to do after a positive pregnancy test.
Pregnancy tests, hCG levels and miscarriage
hCG is the hormone that is produced by the embryo after implantation. A raised level of this hormone shows that there is or has been a pregnancy.
The level of hCG in a pregnancy usually doubles every 2-3 days in early pregnancy, then doubles every 3-4 days later on until about week 14 -16 of pregnancy.
If a miscarriage has happened then you can still have positive pregnancy tests and raised hCG levels for up to 2 weeks afterwards as the levels take some time to come back down.
Are more expensive digital pregnancy tests better?
If you've been trying for a pregnancy for a while you'll find that pregnancy tests become an expensive part of your life. You might feel under pressure to choose more expensive branded or even digital pregnancy tests. Be reassured, the cheaper own-brand tests bought from a reputable supermarket or pharmacy work as well as these.
Digital tests can be more tempting because they give you the 'window' of how pregnant you are. However, they are not more effective at telling you whether or not you are pregnant, and, as they have a an extra digital component, this is an extra element that may fail.
1. Macdonald S, Magill-Cuerden J, Mayes’ midwifery, fourteenth edition, London Balliere Tindall, 2011: 235
2. NHS choices, 'Signs and symptoms of pregnancy': http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/signs-and-symptoms-pregnancy.aspx [accessed 29/03/2018]
3. NHS Choices, 'How soon can I do a pregnancy test': http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/948.aspx?CategoryID=54&SubCategoryID=140 [accessed 29/03/2018]
Review dates
Last reviewed: 10 April 2018
Next review: 10 April 2021
Read more about planning a pregnancy
-
‘Media glamourises pregnancy at advanced ages,’ study suggests
Researchers say women are being misled into thinking pregnancy is more straightforward past the age of 35 than it is. -
How to know when you are pregnant
How do you know whether you're pregnant or not? If you've been trying to get pregnant, there are a few ways to find out whether you're pregnant. -
Geri Horner is pregnant at 44 and glowing!
Last week the 44 year-old former Spice Girl revealed that she's expecting a child with her husband Christian Horner. Our midwife Nikki explains that while it's more difficult, many women still conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies over 40. -
First research to show that a post-pandemic “baby boom” is unlikely in the UK
New research shows that a post-covid 'baby boom' is unlikely in the UK, with many people changing their planning for pregnancy plans because of the pandemic. -
New Planning for Pregnancy tool launched to support safe and healthy pregnancies
This free digital tool from Tommy's provides tailored information to women who are planning a pregnancy to help improve their prenatal health and wellbeing. -
Parents' health before pregnancy affects future pregnancy and baby
Research shows that the health of mothers and fathers BEFORE pregnancy affects the health of the future pregnancy and baby. -
How age affects fertility
Your age affects your fertility, with a gradual decline in the ability to get pregnant starting at age 34. -
MHRA reviews risk of epilepsy medications during pregnancy
Following a review by the MHRA, women with epilepsy are being asked to discuss their treatment with a healthcare professional if there is the possibility they may become pregnant in the future. -
The accessible pregnancy test for people who experience sight loss
The accessible pregnancy test prototype that allows those who are blind and partially sighted to discover the result for themselves. -
I just knew that there were no guarantees for us when trying to conceive
Amanda, 26, had irregular periods and she knew getting pregnant would be a challenge. She and her husband decided to become healthier when they were planning to have a baby. They now have a daughter called Shelbie. -
Planning a pregnancy
If you've decided you're ready to start a family, find out how to get pregnant and some of the lifestyle changes that might help you. -
Jenny’s story of planning for pregnancy and managing bipolar disorder
Jenny is a mum of two and tells us her experience of becoming a mother and managing bipolar disorder.