Best time to take your pregnancy test

When taking a pregnancy kit for the first time, it may feel both exciting and stressful, with a lot of anxiety building up at the same time. Most home pregnancy test kits are easy to use, but following the correct timing and usage is essential to ensure accuracy of the test kit. Let us see here how to take a pregnancy test for reliable results.

What is a Pregnancy Test?

A pregnancy test kit is a simple home-based detection kit to check if one is pregnant. It is commonly used by women when they notice early signs like a missed period, fatigue, breast tenderness or nausea. Home pregnancy kits provide quick results in minutes, but for accuracy, one must do the test in the mornings with proper use of the kit to avoid false results.

When Is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test?

It is most ideal to take a pregnancy test on or after the first day of a missed period. If we test earlier, it can result in false negatives. For more accurate results, take the test with the first morning urine and follow the instructions mentioned on the pack. If unsure, retest after a few days, or consult a doctor..

 

It is recommended to use the first morning urine for the most accurate results as the hormone levels concentration is very high then.

How Pregnancy Tests Work

Pregnancy test kits help detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a pregnancy hormone that is released in blood and urine rapidly in early pregnancy when a fertilised egg implants in the uterus. hCG concentration is at its highest in first-morning urine, which is why testing with first-morning urine provides more accurate results.  One must test after a missed period, as testing too early before hCG concentration rises sufficiently, else it could give false negative results.

Types of Pregnancy Home Test Kits

When checking for pregnancy at home, there are multiple types of kits available that detect pregnancy hormones in urine to confirm pregnancy as follows.

1. Urine Test Strip

Urine test strips are one of the most popular and low-cost pregnancy testing kits. They are easy, fast, and accurate when applied properly. These kits have a test strip and a dropper. You obtain a clean urine sample in a clean cup, use the dropper to add a few drops to the specified area on the strip, and wait for the result to manifest in the form of observable lines. Two of the most commonly used urine test kits are:

The i-Know Pregnancy Test Kit is a one-time use kit that provides reliable results in just 5 minutes by detecting pregnancy from the first day of a missed period. The i-Know Ovulation Kit is used to identify fertile days by detecting LH to help plan for conception.

Why use urine test strips?

• Cost-effective and readily available

• Ideal for early detection

• Useable in privacy and comfort

• Provides visual assurance with line indicators

These test kits are perfect for frequent use or for individuals who prefer to test more often throughout their two-week wait after ovulation.

2. Midstream Tests

Midstream pregnancy test kits are a handier option for those who like a direct method of testing. These are packaged with an absorbent tip and don't need a special container to test the urine. One would need to put the tip in the flow of urine for a few seconds and wait for the result to show up.

For a quick and reliable experience, try the i-know ADVANCE Rapid One Step Pregnancy Test a home-based midstream test that offers easy, mess-free detection with high accuracy.

Benefits of midstream tests

• Less messy and cleaner

• Travel-friendly and portable

• Convenient to use on-the-go

They work much like urine strips but tend to be packaged in a plastic cover with a viewing window for the convenience of easy result reading. Midstream tests are favoured among beginners or ease-of-use-focused users.

Digital pregnancy tests

Digital pregnancy tests are the most advanced option for home testing. A digital pregnancy test showcases results clearly on a digital screen, usually as “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant. Some digital pregnancy tests also indicate the number of weeks you have been pregnant.

Why choose digital tests?

• Provides a clear, easy-to-read result with no guesswork

• More sensitive, detecting pregnancy earlier than some other tests

• Some models show estimated weeks since conception

Although slightly more expensive, digital kits offer convenience, accuracy, and reassurance, making them ideal for those who want a clear answer, especially in early pregnancy.

A few things to keep in mind while taking a home pregnancy test

Menstrual Cycle Timing

It is ideal to take a home pregnancy test once a period is missed. If the cycle lengths vary, wait until you have crossed the longest cycle duration for optimum accuracy.

Time of the Test

Test using first morning urine as hCG levels are higher at this time, providing more accurate results, especially in early pregnancy.

Type of Pregnancy Test Kit

Home pregnancy test kits differ in how quickly they can provide results. Read the instructions on the pack to avoid any confusion or incorrect testing.

False Negative and False Positive Pregnancy Test Results 

While home pregnancy tests are often accurate and reliable, at times the results can be inaccurate, giving us false negative and positive results:

• Testing too early: If we test too early in a pregnancy, hCG may not be noticed resulting in false negatives.
  
  

• Diluted urine:  Consuming too much liquids just before taking the test may dilute hCG concentration, affecting accuracy.
  
  

• Improper usage: One must ensure there are no timing errors or incorrect handling to prevent false results.
  
  

• Recent fertility treatments: Certain fertility medications or treatments may also affect hCG levels causing false positives.
  
  

Early signs of pregnancy

Early symptoms of a pregnancy may include the following which indicates it could be the time to take a pregnancy test, especially when a period is delayed:

• Breast tenderness

• Fatigue

• Frequent urination

• Sensitivity to smells

• Morning nausea

• Metallic taste

Pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person, and do not confirm pregnancy, but indicate it is time to take a test.

Conclusion

For those looking to check for pregnancy, a reliable home pregnancy test kit is ideal given the quick, accurate results it gives. It is recommended to do the test with the first morning urine, and on or after the day of your missed period. Some kits, like the i-Know pregnancy kit, provide results in just a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to take a pregnancy test, morning or night?

It is recommended to check the first morning urine for the presence of pregnancy hormone hCG for more accurate results.

What are 100% signs of pregnancy?

There are no foolproof symptoms that can confirm 100% pregnancy. A blood or urine test is required for confirmation.

How do I confirm 100% pregnancy?

Perform a blood test at a clinic to detect hCG levels and confirm pregnancy.

What is the quickest pregnancy symptom?

A missed period is a common noticeable sign, along with fatigue or breast tenderness.

After how many days can pregnancy be confirmed by a urine test?

One can test for pregnancy 10-14 days after the ovulation date or a week after the first missed period to confirm.

How does the i-Know Ovulation Kit differ from the i-Know Pregnancy Test Kit?

The i-Know Ovulation Kit is meant for identifying the most fertile days by picking up on the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge that happens 24–36 hours prior to ovulation. It's best for those who are attempting to conceive, as it assists in timing intercourse more precisely.

The i-Know Pregnancy Test Kit identifies the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in urine, secreted following implantation. It aids in verifying if a pregnancy has happened.

When can one use the i-Know Pregnancy Test Kit to get accurate results?

One can use the i-Know Pregnancy Test Kit on the first day of missed period or later. To get the most accurate result, perform the test with first-morning urine as this has the greatest concentration of hCG hormone.

Are the results from i-Know kits & I-know ovulation kits accurate?

Both pregnancy and ovulation kits help detect the presence of hCG and Luteinizing hormones, respectively. However, the results from both test kits are indicative in nature. It is recommended to confirm your pregnancy through a Registered Medical Practitioner. The I-Know Pregnancy Test Kit is extremely sensitive to hCG and can detect pregnancy as early as the first day of a missed period. The i-Know Ovulation Kit is just as good at detecting the LH surge, allowing for the prediction of ovulation with accuracy.

How many tests are included in the i-Know Ovulation Kit?

The i-Know Ovulation Kit typically includes 5 test strips, allowing you to test across multiple days leading up to your ovulation. This helps you confidently identify your fertile window with daily tracking.