Imagine sitting on your kitchen floor with your heart pounding as you hold that tiny pregnancy test. A mix of happy and nervous feelings swirling in your stomach. 

Have you ever experienced it? 

The girls who have experienced it know that every second stretches to an eternity as you wait for the dimmest sign of positive pregnancy. Well, if you are sitting there thinking of taking your first pregnancy test and wondering if you should take an early pregnancy test or not. We are here to make the decision of testing pregnancy easier. 

This blog will cover when to take early pregnancy tests and also the pros and cons of early pregnancy tests. So, hang in there while we explore the topic! 

How soon can you take a pregnancy test?

Before taking a pregnancy test, you need to know that the detection of the hCG hormone indicates a positive pregnancy. And it is mostly detected when you first miss your period. These home pregnancy tests are reliable to the day one of your missed period. Approximately two weeks after conception, the hCG hormone starts getting detected on the pregnancy strips. 

However, medical science has made some more sensitive pregnancy tests that claim to detect your hCG hormone a week before your expected date. 

One of the major things that you must keep in mind while doing an Early pregnancy test is that these tests can get you more false negatives because the tiny amount of hCG hormone is sometimes undetectable. 

Now, if you’re thinking about when to take an early pregnancy test, medical experts suggest waiting until your first period due date to check for pregnancy at home. 

Pros and Cons of Early Pregnancy Testing

While early pregnancy tests can provide you the clarity on your situation so you can plan, there are still certain considerations that need your attention. 

Pros of early pregnancy tests:

• For those anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, the early pregnancy test can alleviate the stress and suspicion. 

• Early pregnancy detection brings an opportunity for early medical guidance, especially when you are conceiving for the first time. 

• The emotional relief that you get after getting the results – positive or negative – is what early pregnancy tests are meant for.  

Cons of early pregnancy tests:

• The risk of false negatives if you are checking too early is very common. 

• The wait for results increases the stress and anxiety for a prolonged period. 

• A follow-up test for confirmation should follow the early test. It can add additional worry if the results are mismatched or ambiguous. 

Although early tests are convenient, these tests are not fully reliable. They might not be able to capture the full picture of healthy pregnancy leaving you guessing the situation and ending up being confused. 

Instead of rushing towards getting results from a pregnancy test at home, it is recommended to consult a medical provider and ask for their suggestion. Though these tests provide the needed clarity, they sometimes give you false negatives.