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It is best to use early morning urine because this is when hCG levels are highest throughout the day. Photo: Magnific . |
Many women are eager to take a pregnancy test as soon as they miss their period, but testing too early can give a false negative result even if they are actually pregnant.
When a couple is trying to conceive, the wait until a missed period can be long and emotional. It's perfectly natural to be eager to take a pregnancy test immediately. However, experts say that timing is more important than rushing if you want accurate results.
Sharing on The Healthsite , Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a gynecologist and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) specialist at Nurture IVF Clinic ( India ), stated that pregnancy tests immediately after a missed period are often unreliable. This is because the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is still very low in the early days. When hormone levels haven't reached the threshold, the test may give a negative result, even if the woman is actually pregnant.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
According to Dr. Archana, you should wait at least 6-7 days after a missed period before taking a pregnancy test. By this time, the embryo has implanted stably, and the hCG levels in your body have increased sufficiently for the urine test strip to detect it, significantly increasing accuracy.
If you've had unprotected sex and are experiencing a missed period, patience is essential. Don't take a pregnancy test too early, as this can cause unnecessary anxiety, stress, and disappointment.
False negative results are very common when taking a pregnancy test within 1-2 days of a missed period. This doesn't mean you're not pregnant, but simply that your body hasn't produced enough hCG for the test to detect. This is why doctors recommend waiting a few more days, allowing your body time to build up hormone levels, resulting in a more reliable pregnancy test.
When taking a home pregnancy test, keep these simple points in mind: use early morning urine as this is when hCG levels are highest; follow the instructions printed on the test strip precisely; and avoid drinking too much water before testing as this can dilute the hormone concentration, affecting the accuracy of the results.
If the pregnancy test is positive, see your doctor. Your doctor may perform another test to confirm the result and advise you on how to care for your pregnancy, including prescribing necessary supplements such as iron, folic acid, and calcium, as well as scheduling regular prenatal checkups.
Early pregnancy signs to watch out for
Besides a missed period, a woman's body undergoes significant hormonal changes in the early weeks of pregnancy. Women may notice some early symptoms such as unexplained fatigue and weakness, frequent urination, a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the breasts, and sometimes mild nausea or vomiting.
If a home pregnancy test shows two lines (positive), the next step is to see an obstetrician. There, doctors can order blood tests to accurately determine the gestational age and advise on a suitable pregnancy care plan, including supplementing essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, and scheduling regular prenatal checkups.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Readers should consult a doctor or healthcare professional for specific guidance.
Source: https://znews.vn/thoi-diem-thich-hop-de-thu-thai-post1664695.html











