Am I Pregnant? How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test at Home?

Am I pregnant? How early can I take a pregnancy test? Learn how soon you can take a home pregnancy test.

How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Are you in the dreaded two week wait?  You know, where you painstakingly have charted your ovulation and baby making days, only to wait until any signs of Aunt Flow either appear or don’t appear?

It can drive any woman insane. Trust me, I’ve been there many times. I have been the one to Google “how early can you take a pregnancy test?” I have been the one to read everyone else’s stories and try to match them with my own situation.

I’m going to tell you how early you can take a pregnancy test, plus I’m going to tell you about my favorite home pregnancy test.

How Early Can I Take a Pregnancy Test? 

First things first. When can you or should you take a pregnancy test at home?

Best answer? Most women will get an accurate pregnancy result the day after their missed period.

Other women can get accurate results 10-14 days past ovulation, which is right before the next period is due. Some women even have to wait a week or more after they miss their period to get an accurate result.

(Are you tracking your cycles? If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s a good idea! Learn more about conception here. )

It all depends on how much hCG you have in your system, the hormone that is detected in pregnancy tests.

This hormone is produced when the embryo implants into the lining of the uterus. Once the implantation is complete, hCG is produced by the body to let the brain know that there’s a pregnancy.

Different tests pick up different levels of hCG. Early result tests will pick up smaller amounts of the hormone, while others might need more of the hormone to be in your system before you’ll get an accurate result.

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test if My Periods Are Irregular?

Unfortunately, you may not be able to test for pregnancy as soon as others with a regular period.

If your cycles are irregular, you should wait about four weeks from the start of your last period to take a test. By then, if you are pregnant, you should have enough hCG in your system to be picked up on a test.

Not sure when your last period was? Wait about 2-3 weeks after you had sex to take a test.

Early Result Pregnancy Test  

Luckily,  First Response Early Results Pregnancy Tests can give you a result up to six days BEFORE Aunt Flow is supposed to show! Thanks to Influence Central and First Response, I was sent a sample of the First Response Early Results Pregnancy Tests with updated design features!

First Response Early Pregnancy Test Review

Pregnancy tests have changed so much over the years. In fact, since I had my first baby in 2008, the tests have become more accurate.

So, how early can you take this pregnancy test? The new First Response Early Results Pregnancy Tests can detect a pregnancy 6 days sooner than your missed period.

Does that mean everyone will be able to get an early result? Well, no, but some women may. The chances of getting an accurate result increase the closer you are to the day of your missed period (again, depends on the hCG), but hey, being given the chance to get an early result is pretty convenient.

First Response has made some design changes to their early results tests. Know how awkward it can be to take a pregnancy test, especially when you’re trying to get a ‘sample’ midstream??

Their improved design includes:

• curved shape to fit better in your hand
• 50% wider tip so you have less of a chance of missing
• longer handle, so you know, things don’t get messy
• FDA approved
• can now detect all relevant forms of urinary hCG throughout pregnancy
• can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days
• easy to read results that should appear in only three minutes

The First Response Early Result Pregnancy Tests are available at all major drugstores and grocery stores for around $8.99 – $15.99, depending on how many are in the box.

Do the First Response Early Pregnancy Tests Work? 

The tests are pretty simple to use. I HIGHLY suggest reading the pamphlet that comes with the tests to make sure that you don’t accidentally invalidate the test.

Also, be sure to read the test within a 10 minute window. After 10 minutes, the test should be considered invalid.

See the test in action!

Surprise!

I found out I was pregnant with Baby #4!!

Pregnancy Test Was Positive: Now What?

If you got a positive result on your pregnancy test, you should call your OB/GYN to schedule a visit. Your appointment will most likely be when you are about 6-7 weeks along (counting from the first day of your last period).

Be ready to let your doctor know about:

• your medical history
• the first day of your last period
• any medications you’re taking
• any symptoms you’re experiencing

Until your appointment, take a prenatal vitamin, stay hydrated, and try to get enough rest.

Pregnancy Test Was Negative

If your pregnancy test was negative but your period still hasn’t started:

• you may have tested too early. Wait a few more days and retest.
• your period may be delayed due to something other than pregnancy.

If you test again and it’s still negative and you didn’t start your period, it might not hurt to call your doctor.

When Should I Take My Pregnancy Test? 

Getting ready to take a pregnancy test? Try not to take it too early, but if you want to try testing before your expected period, give the First Response Early Result pregnancy test a try!

Have a question? Feel free to ask me below and I’ll try to help. 

Many thanks again to Influence Central and First Response for the sample.

I received free samples and a promotional item for my participation. All words and opinions are mine and may differ from yours.