Early signs of pregnancy – a late period, tender breasts, nausea, tiredness, needing to urinate more often – are easy to confuse with premenstrual symptoms. A home test gives a clear answer, as long as you take it at the right time.
How a pregnancy test works
Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG in urine. The body starts producing it about 6 days after fertilisation, and the level then roughly doubles every few days. The more sensitive the test, the earlier it can detect hCG.
When to test
- Most reliable: from the first day of a missed period, with first-morning urine, when hCG is most concentrated.
- Earliest: a high-sensitivity test (10 mIU/mL) can detect hCG up to 5 days before your expected period, but the result is less certain this early.
- If you don’t know your cycle: test no earlier than 21 days after unprotected intercourse.
Why a test can be negative even if you are pregnant
- You tested too early and hCG is still too low
- The urine was diluted (you drank a lot beforehand)
- You read the result too early or too late
If the test is negative but your period still hasn’t started, test again after 48 hours.
What a faint line means
Even a faint test line usually means hCG has been detected. If you are unsure, repeat the test after 2–3 days: the line should become clearer.
Midstream or strips?
| Test | How to use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Midstream | Hold in the urine stream | €2.65 |
| Strips | Dip into collected urine | €1.25 |
Both detect hCG from 10 mIU/mL. Strips are the more economical choice if you plan to test several times.
Midstream test – €2.65 → Test strips – €1.25 →
After a positive result
Book an appointment with a doctor or obstetrician-gynaecologist to confirm the pregnancy and plan further care.
Common questions
Can I take the test in the evening?
Yes, but first-morning urine is the most reliable, especially in the first days after a missed period. If you test later in the day, avoid drinking a lot for 3–4 hours beforehand.
Can an ovulation test show pregnancy?
Sometimes an ovulation (LH) test turns positive in early pregnancy because hCG and LH are similar, but this is not reliable. Use a pregnancy test to confirm.
Can medicines affect the result?
Most medicines – painkillers, antibiotics, contraceptive pills – do not affect the result. Fertility treatments containing hCG can give a false positive.
Trying for a baby? Read also: how to find your fertile days and male fertility and the home sperm test.
Rapid tests are intended for preliminary screening and do not replace a doctor’s consultation.
Sources: NHS