This is a common question among those who are trying to conceive: “Can I take a pregnancy test even before my period is late?” In the hopes of a positive result, we often can’t wait and out of anxiety end up taking the pregnancy test before a missed period, isn’t that so? But is that okay? Can you take a test before the missed period?
At first, yes, you can take a pregnancy test before the missed period, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is very likely that the result will be inaccurate. In the great majority of cases, pregnancy is detected only 5 days after the embryo is implanted in the endometrium, because the pregnancy-specific hormone, HCG, only starts being produced at this stage.
When Implantation Happens
We know that implantation can happen within a period of 7 to 15 days after conception, so taking a test on the 13th dpo (day post-ovulation) might not be a good idea, as theoretically there wouldn’t be enough hormone for a sure positive yet. HCG levels tend to double1, or almost that, every 48 hours, so the longer a woman waits after a missed period, the more accurate and reliable the result will be.
Blood Test Before the Missed Period
Now, it is possible to do a quantitative beta HCG blood test before your period is late, a test that can detect even the smallest amount of the hormone in a woman’s body. Values below 5mIU are negative and anything above this up to 25mIU can indicate an early pregnancy. The levels considered positive vary from lab to lab; at some, anything above 25mIU is considered positive, while at others only above 50mIU. In general, if there’s a value over 25mIU the chance of a positive is high.
But What About Those Who Get a Positive Test Before the Missed Period?
They are lucky women! Usually, those who take a test before their missed period get a false negative, but there are exceptions to every rule. Some women with shorter cycles may ovulate early and have a fast implantation2, meaning that the zygote travels to the uterus sooner than expected, 7 to 15 days, and that’s why HCG is detected before the missed period.
Women with longer cycles can also have this happy surprise, but these cases are more isolated and rare. Some lucky ones can detect a positive even 7 days before the missed period, but this is truly an exception.
When Can I Take a Pregnancy Test
To know exactly when to take a pregnancy test it’s important to know your cycle. You can estimate the date by counting days on a calendar or by tracking your basal temperature3. DPOs and the luteal phase vary from woman to woman, and the recommendation is to wait at least 5 days after a missed period before taking the test. But if the anxiety is too much, choose high-sensitivity pregnancy tests from reliable brands like the Famivita pregnancy test. With a sensitivity of 10mIU, it can detect HCG levels even 5 days before your period is late.
Remember, whenever possible, waiting is the best solution.
Those who are trying to get pregnant always hope for a positive result at the very first test, sometimes taken just 1 week after the fertile period. That’s why the number of false negatives has increased a lot recently. Easy access to the test has its pros and cons.
Were you lucky and got a positive even before your period was late? Then tell us how it went here in the comments! Hang in there and good luck!
Readers’ Questions:
How many days before a missed period can I take a pregnancy test?
You can take it as many days before the missed period as you want. As long as you are aware that the result might not be reliable and there are high chances of error. That’s why most tests recommend taking it only after your period is late. The quantitative blood test, though, can be done before a missed period, since it can detect and determine the presence of the hormone at very low levels.
My cycles are irregular. When should I take a pregnancy test?
For women with irregular cycles, it’s harder to detect and determine a missed period, so it’s easier to go by the signs your body gives you. If you’re experiencing symptoms like breast tenderness and nausea, it could mean pregnancy, so take a pregnancy test to confirm.
See also: How to Take a Pregnancy Test? The Best Way to Avoid Mistakes