When you’re hoping for a positive pregnancy test result, the moment of truth can bring a lot of excitement—and often a bit of stress. If you’re wondering about the best approach to taking a pregnancy test, you’re not alone! Many people want to know how to ensure accuracy and avoid the rollercoaster of mixed results. Here, we’ll share eight expert tips on taking a pregnancy test, with expert input from pregnancy test experts OVUM, the creators of highly sensitive, eco-friendly pregnancy tests and women’s fertility supplements.
1. Understand How Pregnancy Tests Work
Before diving into when and how to take a pregnancy test, it’s helpful to know what’s actually being measured. Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body produces after a fertilized egg implants in your uterus. This hormone appears shortly after implantation, usually around the time of a missed period.
The science is fairly straightforward: as hCG levels rise, they’re more likely to be detected by a pregnancy test, which is why waiting to test can make all the difference in getting an accurate result. Learn more about how pregnancy tests work here.
2. Timing Matters—#WaitToWee
When it comes to taking a pregnancy test, timing is everything. If you test too early, there may not be enough hCG in your urine for the test to pick up, which can lead to a false negative. For the most accurate results, OVUM recommends following the #WaitToWee approach. When trying to conceive, many wish to test as early as possible before their period is due. If that’s you, it’s important to be aware that the accuracy rate sits at 77% when testing 5 days before the day of your expected period.
Early testing can sometimes cause unnecessary stress from false results. Waiting until the right moment reduces the risk of confusing results and allows you to move forward with more confidence in the outcome.
3. Know the Sensitivity of Your Test
Not all pregnancy tests are created equal. The sensitivity of a test is measured in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL) and determines how early a test can detect hCG. OVUM’s tests are among the most sensitive on the market, with a detection threshold of 10 mIU/mL. This is much lower than the typical 25 mIU/mL threshold, making OVUM tests capable of detecting hCG earlier for those eager to find out.
If you’re testing before your missed period, a high-sensitivity test like OVUM’s can increase your chances of an accurate result. Just remember, even with high sensitivity, testing too early can still yield a false negative, so it’s always wise to confirm with another test.
4. Test First Thing in the Morning
For the most reliable result, test with the first urine of the day when hCG levels are at their peak concentration. As you drink fluids throughout the day, hCG levels may become diluted, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Testing in the morning maximizes the chance of detecting hCG, particularly if you’re testing shortly before your missed period.
5. Follow the Instructions Carefully
Every pregnancy test is slightly different, and it’s crucial to read and follow the specific instructions for the brand you’re using. OVUM has designed their test instructions to be user-friendly, making the testing process straightforward, even in the emotionally charged moment of taking a pregnancy test.
Make sure to adhere to the recommended timing for reading your results. Checking too early or too late can lead to misinterpretation of the results, so taking a moment to read and follow each step carefully can save you from unnecessary confusion or disappointment.
6. Watch Out for False Results
False negatives and positives are more common than many people realize. A false negative can occur if your hCG levels are too low to be detected, which is often the case if you test too early. On the other hand, a false positive, though rare, can happen due to factors such as a recent miscarriage or a chemical pregnancy (an early pregnancy loss), certain fertility treatment drugs contain hCG, some ovarian cysts and not following the instructions closely.
To minimize the risk of a false result, consider waiting to test until after your missed period and, if possible, take multiple tests spaced a few days apart to confirm. That way, you can have greater confidence in your result and peace of mind.
7. Choose Environmentally Friendly Tests
As much as we all want answers as quickly as possible, it’s worth considering the impact that testing has on the environment. Traditional pregnancy tests often contain virgin plastic that contributes to landfill waste. Ovum’s tests are fully recyclable and come with a freepost envelope, allowing you to return them for eco-friendly disposal. Choosing a test like this helps you support the planet while on your journey to conception.
8. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Taking a pregnancy test, especially after months of trying to conceive, can be an emotional experience. The anxiety and hope tied to each result can create immense pressure. Ovum recognizes this and offers guided meditation resources created by Alice Rose to help calm and ground you through the process. Remember, whatever the outcome, it’s essential to be kind to yourself and your partner and seek support if you’re struggling emotionally. Your mental health matters, and you deserve compassion and care on your journey to parenthood.
Choose the Right Tools and Timing
Taking a pregnancy test can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Following these eight tips—knowing how tests work, timing it right, choosing the right sensitivity, and caring for your mental well-being—will give you the best chance of an accurate and positive experience. And if you’re interested in trying OVUM’s tests, you can shop with a 15% discount using the code EXSEED15
No matter the outcome, remember that your journey is unique, and every step brings you closer to understanding your body and building your family.
