# How Soon Is Pregnancy Test Positive?
It is normal for expecting parents to feel anxious about when to expect pregnancy test results. It’s important to understand a little about how pregnancy tests work and when you can expect to get accurate results.
## How Early Can You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is released in a pregnant woman’s body when the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall. The amount of hCG present in urine increases as the pregnancy progresses. The earliest home tests can detect pregnancy is after the first day of a missed period — about two weeks after ovulation.
Most women go to the doctor to take a pregnancy test around the time of their missed period. Most home pregnancy tests can detect hCG in urine at levels as low as 20 to 25 mIU/ml (milli-international units per milliliter). On average, a traditionally used pregnancy test can detect hCG levels of 50 to 100 mIU/mL.
## Types Of Pregnancy Tests
Some home tests are more sensitive than others at detecting hCG and can detect pregnancy earlier than others. Most tests will have a sensitivity rating:
1. **Very Sensitive Tests:** Can detect pregnancy as early as 6 to 8 days post-ovulation.
2. **Standard Sensitivity Tests:** Can detect pregnancy 10 to 12 days post-ovulation.
3. **Less Sensitive Tests:** Can detect pregnancy 14 to 21 days post-ovulation.
It is important to read the directions carefully before attempting any home pregnancy test.
## What Do Pregnancy Test Results Mean?
Home pregnancy tests can only tell you if you are or are not pregnant. If the test is positive, then you are likely pregnant. If the test is negative, then you are likely not pregnant. A negative test does not necessarily mean that you are not pregnant. It is possible that you may not be able to detect the hCG levels yet based on the sensitivity of the test and the timing of your test. It is also possible that you may have taken the test too early in your cycle, before your body produces enough hCG for the test to detect.
It is important to remember that not all pregnancy tests are created equal. Different tests measure different levels of hCG and may produce varied results. If you take a home pregnancy test and the results are negative, but you still feel you may be pregnant, wait a few days and retest or make an appointment with your doctor.
## Summary
To sum up, home pregnancy tests measure the levels of hCG present in a woman’s urine in order to detect pregnancy. The earliest a home pregnancy test can detect pregnancy is after the first day of a missed period, and results are most accurate if taken at least two weeks after ovulation. Different pregnancy tests measure different levels of hCG, so it’s important to read the directions carefully when attempting any home pregnancy test. If the test results are negative, but you still feel you may be pregnant, wait a few days and retest or make an appointment with your doctor.
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.
