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Do you really have to wait to take a pregnancy test? If so, why?

Tagged as: Health, Pregnancy<< Previous question   Next question >>
Question - (22 October 2007) 4 Answers - (Newest, 23 October 2007)
A female United States, anonymous writes:

I'll be the first to admit that this may be a dumb question. Sorry!

Anyway, can a pregnancy test still tell you whether or not you're pregnant before you've missed your period? I know that some tests say they can detect pregnancy up to 5 days before a missed period. I don't understand that - shouldn't a pregnancy test tell you whether or not you're pregnant regardless of when your next period occurs?

For example, if I became pregnant right after my last period, shouldn't the pregnancy test be able to detect the hormone in my bloodstream way before my next period? I'd already be almost one month pregnant, right?!

Maybe someone can explain this to me because I just don't understand the "science" aspect of it. Or maybe I'm just being misinformed...

Thanks! (Again, sorry for this question. I feel rather dumb asking it, actually!)

View related questions: period, pregnancy test

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A reader, anonymous, writes (23 October 2007):

This is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Hello everyone - everything makes so much more sense now. Thank you very much!

While we're not "trying" for a baby, it'd be a great surprise. (I'm married and in my late 20's; two reasons why I feel I should have known the answer to my question!!! :) )

Anyway, I have pregnancy symptoms (morning sickness, lower back pain and sensitive to smells - all of which apparently can happen in the very early stages of becoming pregnant), but I took a test and it was negative, so I thought perhaps I took it too early. Then I got frustrated and wondered why I'd have to wait. But like I said, all of you have helped me to understand - thanks again! :)

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A female reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2007):

ovulation occures 14 days prior to ur next period. sounds strange and well it is, so u need to know ur cycle pretty well. when u actually do get pregnant u add 2wks to that, because u are already considered to be 2wks pregnant after ur period, thats how u get a full term of 42wks pregnant and ur baby is 40eks gestation. as for the hcg hormone, it doubles everyday after ur missed period if u are pregnant but is strong enough for a pharmacy test 5-7 days before. now be carefull, if the test comes out negative, then reads positive 10 minutes after, its still negative, some test will change from negative to positive after sitting for a while. so read the test right after 1 minute

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A reader, anonymous, writes (22 October 2007):

Hi Hun,

Its all to do with the pregnancy hormone hCG, This hormone will be detected by the test, A blood test can usually detect it in say 6 to 8 days after and the urine one about 2 weeks both are just as acurate though hunny, They say wait untill the day your period is due so there is enough of the hormone as it can take up to 72hrs for the egg to be fertilized 3 days after sex has taken place, The morning after pill can be taken 72hrs after sex always safer to take it soon as poss though.

I have a very much loved 25 yr old son who was fertilized while I was taking the pill, And believe me I took it everyday same time. Everything works for different people dif ways, Some women will have a stronger hormone thats detectable and I no some can take 2 or 3 tests before it becomes possitive, If you have any reason to be worried to put your mind at rest get a blood test done, Hope this helps with love MANDY xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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A female reader, cd206 United Kingdom +, writes (22 October 2007):

cd206 agony auntOkay, chances are you wouldn't get pregnant right after your last period because you don't ovulate until about 2 weeks after your period ends. Some pregnancy tests can tell whether you're pregnant a few days before because after a few days of pregnancy the hormone starts getting released. It takes a while before enough of the hormone is in your blood to be detected. Also remember that you could have sex one day but it would take up to two days for the sperm to reach the egg before it dies so you could have sex one day and not be pregnant for another few days. But yeah, the main reason is that you need a high(ish) level or hormone to be detected and the pregnancy tests which can detect it early are more sensitive than the others.

CD

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