The NHS states that most pregnancy tests can be carried from the first day of a missed period, as this is when they are most reliable. The day of your expected period is when your period is due to begin, the following day is your missed period if you still haven’t started your period by then.
Some tests can be used up to six days before your missed period, or five days before your expected period, due to being much more sensitive. However, if you do the test early, there is the possibility that a negative result may not be completely accurate, as you could still be pregnant due to not yet having enough of the pregnancy hormone, hCG, to receive a positive result.
If you test again on the day of your expected period, the result accuracy rises to over 99%. For those who don’t know when their next period is due, the advice is to do the test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.
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For an exact date, you can take your first test. The First Response™ Early Result Pregnancy Test calculates the earliest opportunity this can be done based on your period pattern. The sample of urine can be collected at any time of the day.
Where to buy a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy testing kits can be purchased from pharmacists all over the country. Many supermarkets, including Tesco and Asda, also sell tests.
Free pregnancy tests are provided by sexual health services and Brook centres for under-25s - your nearest Brook centre can be found here. Certain young people’s services also offer free tests, with details being found by calling the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123.
How does a pregnancy test work?
Pregnancy tests can give a quick result and allows you to do it in private. All tests detect hCG - the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin - which starts to be produced around six days after fertilisation.
Found within a pregnancy test box are usually one or two long sticks. Although many of the tests are slightly different, you are required to pee on the stick before waiting a few minutes when the result should appear.
If a positive test is returned, you should consult the NHS website to assess your next options, depending on if you wish to continue with the pregnancy or are more unsure.
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