What tests are done to check you are pregnant?
If you think you may be pregnant, there are two main ways to test:
- At home test kits. This is the most convenient way to find out if you are pregnant. At home urine tests are very reliable, as long as you follow the instructions carefully. The test kits can be bought online, or from a supermarket or pharmacy.
The price and brand of the test kit does not affect the accuracy, but some more expensive tests may have additional features, such as estimating the number of weeks pregnant at the time of testing.
- Discuss with your GP or practice nurse. If you wish to, you can book an appointment with your GP or a practice nurse who will discuss any symptoms you may be having and organise a urine or blood test to confirm the pregnancy.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
Most tests can be taken from the first day after your missed period, and some brands even before – however these tests are more accurate after your missed period start date.
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
Home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate, if the tests instructions are followed correctly
Can you get a false negative result?
A false negative is where the test result shows negative even though the person is pregnant. This can happen if the test is taken too early in the pregnancy, the test is read too soon after using it, or if the urine is diluted (the best time to use a urine pregnancy test is in the morning when the urine is naturally most concentrated).
If you think you may be pregnant, and the test is showing negative, take another test again in one week, or speak to your GP/practice nurse who may arrange a test at the GP surgery/clinic.
Can you get a false positive result?
A false positive is where the test result shows positive even though the person is not pregnant. This is very rare, but may happen if you’ve experienced a very early pregnancy loss soon after the fertilised egg attached to the uterus lining (sometimes known as a biochemical pregnancy).
This may also rarely happen if you take a test soon after taking some fertility medications (if they contain HCG), during menopause, or with some medical conditions where the ovaries are effected.
If you think you have had a false positive result, it is worth considering if there is any reason like those above that may have affected the test an either waiting for a time period that the test would not be affected if safe to do so, or speaking to your GP/practice nurse for advice.
What should I do if I find out I am pregnant?
As soon as you find out you are pregnant, please telephone your GP surgery and let them know that this is a new pregnancy. You will then get an appointment made for your first ‘booking’ appointment with a midwife.
The appointment will be up to an hour long, and the midwife will ask about your medical history, including pregnancy history, family history and your partner’s history
You can also tell the midwife about any concerns you have and ask questions, book further antenatal appointments, and start to consider where you might wish to book your delivery.
Some people may wish to know more information about not continuing with the pregnancy, and this information can be found confidentially via the British Pregnancy Advice Service (BPAS) where you can speak to an advisor about what reproductive choices are available.
