If you’ve been checking your calendar or period tracker app, anxiously wondering why your period hasn’t started, you may be asking yourself whether today is the right day to take a pregnancy test.

The answer depends on your cycle and how much time has passed since you could have become pregnant. Testing too early doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not pregnant. It could be that your body hasn’t produced enough of a pregnancy hormone called hCG yet.

The Open Door offers free pregnancy testing in a confidential setting. We know you may be experiencing many emotions right now, so we’re here to ease your mind and provide answers.

If you have questions about a possible pregnancy, we’re here to help you feel more reassured. Schedule an appointment today.

Don’t Rush Things

One misconception about pregnancy tests is that they work immediately after unprotected sex.

In reality, your body needs time. After fertilization, the egg travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining. Only then does your body begin producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone pregnancy tests are designed to detect.

If hCG hasn’t reached a detectable level, the test may read negative even though pregnancy has begun.

If Your Period Is Late

For women with regular cycles, testing a day or two after a missed period is usually a good place to start.

If the result is negative, don’t assume that a potential pregnancy has been ruled out. Ovulation doesn’t always happen exactly when expected, so implantation and hCG production may occur later than you anticipated.

Waiting another two or three days before testing again often produces a more dependable answer.

Every Cycle Is Different

Not everyone knows exactly when their period is due.

If your cycles vary from month to month, it may be difficult to know whether your period is truly late. In that case, waiting about three weeks after unprotected sex can improve the likelihood of an accurate result.

If you’re still unsure, professional pregnancy testing can help eliminate some of the guesswork. Consulting your healthcare provider can also help you gather more information.

A Pregnancy Test Is the First Piece of Information

Whether you use a home test or receive testing at a pregnancy center, a positive result simply confirms that hCG has been detected.

An ultrasound may provide additional information that a pregnancy test cannot, including:

• Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
• Approximately how far along you are
• Whether the pregnancy is progressing

Having this information allows you to better understand your pregnancy before making any decisions. We offer ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test, providing the information needed to make an educated decision. 

Get Clear Answers

Waiting can be difficult, especially when your mind is racing through every possible outcome. Instead of relying on assumptions, start with accurate information.

The Open Door provides free pregnancy testing in a private, respectful environment. Schedule an appointment today to get the answers you need and learn more about your pregnancy.