when should i have a Pregnancy test?

Many early signs of pregnancy can be nonspecific and easily mistaken for other causes. Therefore, it may be difficult for someone to know when or whether they should take a pregnancy test.

A pregnancy test will not show positive as soon as a person becomes pregnant. It takes time for the body to release enough of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to show up on a test. This will be around 12–15 days after ovulation if a person has a 28-day cycle.

Some medical bodies suggest taking the test on the first day a period should have occurred. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that the results on this day may not be accurate for 10–20% of people. Instead, they suggest taking a test 1–2 weeks after missing a period. Some tests are more sensitive, however, and a person can use them earlier. Some medical bodies suggest taking a test on the first day of a missed period, but many people do not know when their period should arrive, for example, if they experience irregular menstruation.

Some people notice early signs of pregnancy, such as fatigue or breast tenderness, before they miss a period. The early signs include:

1. a missed period
2. breast changes
3. light bleeding
4. cramps
5. nausea and vomiting
6. fatigue
7. headache
8. food aversions or cravings
9. changes in bathroom habits
10. mood changes
11. missed birth control

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone hCG, which the body starts producing after conception. According to 2014 research, hCG is detectable in the blood around 8 days after conception. As the pregnancy progresses, levels rise by around 50% a day. 

A range of pregnancy tests are available for home use, and some are more sensitive than others. This means they can detect hCG at lower levels. Many tests claim to be 99% accurate, but experts note that not all of them undergo rigorous scientific testing. A person may also get a false-negative result if they take the test too early, do not follow the instructions precisely, or do not handle the test as the manufacturer intended.

The FDA notes that a positive test is usually but not always accurate. If a test is negative, they suggest avoiding alcohol and other substances that may be harmful to a fetus and repeating the test at a later date or seeking medical advice. Anyone who has signs of pregnancy but is sure they cannot be pregnant should seek medical advice. The healthcare professional may wish to rule out other health conditions or provide treatment if required.

If a person is pregnant, it is best to find out as soon as possible. Not only can they start planning the next steps, but there may also be health considerations and lifestyle changes to address.  CONTACT US to schedule a pregnancy test. We offer a medical grade urine pregnancy test that measures at approximately 20 units of HCG hormone. 

cited from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323135#summary​