{"id":23643,"date":"2025-01-03T08:00:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T08:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/?p=23643"},"modified":"2025-06-18T10:00:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T10:00:41","slug":"pregnancy-test-when-and-how","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/blog\/pregnancy\/pregnancy-test-when-and-how\/","title":{"rendered":"When and How to Take a Pregnancy Test"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pregnancy tests are the first method available to you to find out if you’re pregnant<\/strong>. How do they work and when is it recommended to take a pregnancy test?<\/span><\/p>\n

When and how<\/strong> to take a pregnancy test: let\u2019s break it down.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does a urine pregnancy test work?<\/h2>\n

A urine pregnancy test<\/strong> works like a detector<\/strong>: it only reacts when it comes into contact with a specific hormone, beta-hCG<\/strong> or human Chorionic Gonadotropin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know? This is a hormone found in the human body only during pregnancy<\/strong>!<\/span><\/p>\n

Basically, the test reacts when it detects this hormone in the urine it comes into contact with<\/strong>. If the test is positive, it means it has detected beta-hCG, which likely indicates a pregnancy<\/strong>. If the test is negative, it means the hormone was not detected \u2014 either because the test was taken too early<\/strong> or not done correctly<\/strong>, or because you are not pregnant<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good to know: beta-hCG is secreted very early in pregnancy<\/strong> by what is called the trophoblast<\/strong> (the future placenta<\/a>), starting from embryo implantation<\/a> in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). It\u2019s also beta-hCG that triggers the production of two other key pregnancy hormones<\/strong>: progesterone<\/a> and estradiol (estrogens).<\/span><\/p>\n

When to take a pregnancy test <\/span>and how to do it\u00a0<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Are you noticing early pregnancy signs<\/a> like nausea<\/a>, a missed period, had unprotected sex, or just have a doubt? Let\u2019s look at when to take a pregnancy test<\/strong> and more importantly, how<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

When to take a pregnancy test?<\/span><\/h3>\n

To determine the best time to take a pregnancy test<\/strong>, let\u2019s revisit the beta-hCG hormone. In addition to what we’ve said before, it’s important to note that once its production begins,<\/strong> the hormone level doubles every 48 to 72 hours<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also note that this hormone first appears in the blood before gradually being detectable in urine<\/strong>. That\u2019s why it\u2019s recommended to avoid taking a test too early<\/strong>: you need to give the body time to start producing beta-hCG until it\u2019s detectable in urine.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why <\/span>it is useless to take a urine pregnancy test before your expected period<\/strong>, as the result will not be reliable<\/strong>. The best time to take the test is about 1 to 2 weeks after the expected date of your period<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to take a pregnancy test?<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are different types of urine tests<\/strong>. Some require holding an absorbent strip in the urine stream, while others require collecting urine in a container to dip the strip into. Whichever method you choose, each test comes with instructions<\/strong> that provide everything you need <\/span>to use it properly<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the test is done, you\u2019ll need to wait for the result, <\/span>always<\/strong> following the instructions in the leaflet<\/strong>. Most often, you\u2019ll wait at least 2 minutes<\/strong> to get a preliminary result, which will be final after about ten minutes<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good to know: these tests are sold in pharmacies<\/strong>, but you can also find them in drugstores<\/strong> or supermarkets<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also get a blood test<\/a> at a medical lab. Blood tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests<\/strong>. They can be done with a doctor\u2019s or midwife\u2019s prescription<\/strong> or without one<\/strong>. Note: without a prescription, the test is not reimbursed by public health insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it better to take a pregnancy test in the morning or evening?<\/span><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s generally recommended to take a pregnancy test in the morning<\/strong>, using your first urine of the day<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why? Because when you drink fluids throughout the day, your urine becomes diluted, including the beta-hCG levels<\/strong>. The more diluted your urine is, the higher the risk of getting a false negative<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Want to learn more? Feel free to <\/span>download the May app<\/span><\/a>, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Test<\/p>\n

Are urine pregnancy tests reliable?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, <\/span>urine pregnancy tests are reliable. If your test result is positive, there\u2019s a 99% chance you are truly pregnant<\/strong>. However, a negative result may be less reliable<\/strong> (as a negative result may mean the test was done too early, as we mentioned before). In this case, we call it a \u201cfalse negative<\/strong>.\u201d It\u2019s recommended to wait a few more days and test again if your period hasn\u2019t started<\/strong>. If you don\u2019t want to wait, you can also take a blood test<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Quand<\/p>\n

Irregular cycles, miscarriage, breastfeeding: when to take a pregnancy test?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In some cases, it\u2019s harder to determine the ideal time<\/strong> to take a pregnancy test.<\/span><\/p>\n

When to test if you have irregular cycles?<\/span><\/h3>\n

With an irregular cycle<\/strong>, it can be difficult to estimate when your period is due<\/strong>. In this case, we suggest waiting a few extra days<\/strong> compared to a regular cycle, and choosing a high-sensitivity pregnancy test<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good to know: not all pregnancy tests have the same sensitivity<\/strong>, meaning they don\u2019t all detect beta-hCG at the same level. The more sensitive the test, the lower the chance of a false negative<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnancy testing during breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n

After childbirth<\/strong>, your healthcare providers usually consider it possible to become pregnant again as early as day 21 postpartum<\/strong>, or with the return of your period<\/strong> (also known as postpartum return of menstruation<\/a>). That\u2019s why contraception is usually discussed early on (pill, IUD, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that if you\u2019re breastfeeding<\/strong> \u2013 directly or pumping \u2013 it can affect your fertility<\/strong>. This is known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)<\/strong>. According to the French National Health Authority (HAS), breastfeeding can act as a contraceptive for up to 6 months postpartum<\/strong> (with a pregnancy rate below 2%) if all of the following conditions are met<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n