When should I have a pregnancy test?
You can carry out a pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period. If you do not know when your next period is due, do the test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.
Some very sensitive pregnancy tests can be used even before you miss a period.
You can do a pregnancy test on a sample of urine collected at any time of the day. It does not have to be in the morning.
Where you can get a pregnancy test?
You can buy pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists and some supermarkets. They can give a quick result and you can do the test in private.
The following places provide free pregnancy tests:
- Sexual health services
- Some young people’s services – call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for details
- Brook centres for under-25s – find your nearest Brook centre
- Some GPs.
How does a pregnancy test work?
All pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which starts to be produced around 6 days after fertilisation.
Most pregnancy tests come in a box that contains 1 or 2 long sticks. You pee on the stick and the result appears on the stick after a few minutes. All tests are slightly different, so always check the instructions.
Will a pregnancy test work if I’m on the pill?
Yes. Some methods of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, contain hormones, but these hormones will not stop a pregnancy test working.
No method of contraception is completely effective, so it is important to take a pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant.
Summary
We have explained when should I have a pregnancy test. We hope you understand it better now.
Last Reviewed on 8 March 2024