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A pregnancy test typically detects the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman's urine or blood. The timing of when a pregnancy test will read positive depends on various factors, including the sensitivity of the test, the concentration of hCG in the body, and when implantation occurs.
In most cases, a pregnancy test can accurately detect pregnancy around the time of a missed period, which is usually about two weeks after conception. However, some highly sensitive pregnancy tests may be able to detect hCG levels as early as seven to ten days after conception, which is before a missed period.
For the most accurate results, it's best to wait until after a missed period to take a pregnancy test. Testing too early may result in a false negative result if the hCG levels are not yet high enough to be detected. If a woman suspects she may be pregnant but receives a negative result, she may choose to repeat the test in a few days or consult with her healthcare provider for further evaluation.
However, it's essential to note that some early pregnancy symptoms can manifest even before a pregnancy test can detect hCG. These symptoms may include nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, and changes in appetite or mood. If you're experiencing any of these signs and suspect you may be pregnant, consider taking our quiz for further insight.
