How Long Do I Wait To See If I’M Pregnant

## How Long Do I Wait To See If I’m Pregnant?

It’s a question nearly every pregnant woman has asked – how long do I wait to see if I’m pregnant? This is a highly personal decision, depending on your individual situation and goals, but there are some general tips to consider when trying to determine the best time to find out potential pregnancy status.

### Pregnancy Tests
The safest, most accurate way to determine potential pregnancy status quickly is with a home pregnancy test. There are several types of tests on the market, and most work by detecting the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is typically present in urine within a few days of implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus, so the presence of hCG in your urine indicates a potential pregnancy. Most tests say they can accurately detect the presence of hCG within 10 days of a woman’s menstrual period, but it is important to follow the specific directions of your chosen test because the accuracy of results and the date of detectable hCG in the urine can vary with each test.

### Waiting Period
Another important factor when considering how long to wait to find out potential pregnancy status is to think about how uncomfortable you feel “waiting.” If you’re feeling particularly anxious, it may be in your best interest to take a test as soon as possible. If the test results are negative and you still have possible signs of pregnancy, then consider taking another test in a few days or talking to your health care provider for further evaluation.

### Signs of Pregnancy
If you are wondering if you are pregnant, there are several signs to look out for that can indicate potential pregnancy, such as:
* Missed Period
* Fatigue
* Nausea and vomiting
* Increased urination
* Swollen, tender breasts
* Cramping

Take a look at the table below to compare the average expected results of various pregnancy test timing options [1]:

|Test Timing Options | Accuracy of Results |
|:——————–:|:——————:|
|First day of missed period | >99% |
|Five days before missed period | >90% |
|Ten days before missed period | >60-75% |

Seeing as home pregnancy tests are most accurate after the expected start of a woman’s period, some women with regular menstrual cycles may opt to wait until the first day of a missed period to test. However, if you are feeling particularly anxious about a potential pregnancy, taking an earlier test may be in your best interest. Keep in mind that you may need to repeat the test according to the specific directions of your chosen test in order to confirm results.

### Talk to Your Doctor
Your health care provider can help explain the timing and accuracy of pregnancy tests, as well as answer any questions or provide advice if you suspect you are pregnant. If you do plan to take a home pregnancy test and the results are positive, it is important to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation and testing to confirm the results and discuss next steps.

References:

1. ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 189: Early Pregnancy Loss. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(5):e208–e214.

Irma Collins

Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.