Title: How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test: 8 Steps (with Pictures)
Headings: How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test
How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test
Part 1
of 2:
Before Taking the Test
Part 2
of 2:
Taking the Test
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
References
About This Article
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Content: Implantation of the fertilized egg typically occurs on or around the 6th day after the sperm and egg have merged. This is why home pregnancy tests won't pick up on any hCG if you take the test too early, even if you are pregnant. [ 7]
X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
It's best to do the home pregnancy test first thing in the morning, when your urine is most concentrated and hCG levels are highest. As a rule of thumb or if you have irregular periods, you should wait 3 weeks after sex to take a pregnancy test. However, if you are in a hurry, most tests will work after 2 weeks (approximately when your period is due). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Use-a-Home-Pregnancy-Test-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-a-Home-Pregnancy-Test-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Use-a-Home-Pregnancy-Test-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid1218360-v4-728px-Use-a-Home-Pregnancy-Test-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
3
Read the instructions carefully. Although most home urine tests are pretty much the same, it is important to follow manufacturers' instructions. Specifics may vary for each pregnancy test, such as the method of collecting the urine, the length of time you need to urinate on the stick for and the symbols used to indicate whether you're pregnant or not. [ 9]
X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
It's better to familiarize yourself with the symbols used in advance, as you don't want to be anxiously scrambling for the instructions when the test throws up its results.