How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests, and When Should You Take One?

Question

I recently had a delay in my period, and I’m wondering if I should take a pregnancy test. From what I understand, pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), but how soon after a missed period can it accurately detect pregnancy?

Are home pregnancy tests just as accurate as blood tests, or should I go to a doctor for confirmation? I’ve heard that false negatives can happen if you take the test too early—how common is that?

Are there any Ayurvedic signs or natural methods that can indicate early pregnancy before taking a test? I’ve read that body temperature, cravings, and energy levels can change early on—are these reliable clues?

If anyone has experience with pregnancy tests, I’d love to hear about when you took yours and how accurate the results were.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

A home pregnancy test can detect hCG as early as the first day of a missed period, but for the most accurate results, it's best to wait at least a week after a missed period since hCG levels double every 48 hours. Blood tests at a doctor’s office are more sensitive and can confirm pregnancy earlier than urine tests. False negatives can happen if tested too soon or if urine is too diluted. Ayurveda associates early pregnancy signs with increased warmth (higher basal body temperature), morning fatigue, nausea, subtle cravings, and heightened intuition. Traditional wisdom also looks at changes in pulse (Garbha Lakshana) and glow in the face as early indicators. If in doubt, retesting after a few days or consulting a doctor is recommended.

How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests, and When Should You Take One? - #15200

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