How to Know If You’re Pregnant: Interpreting a Pregnancy Test with Confidence

Have you ever found yourself staring at a pregnancy test, heart racing, full of doubts and questions? Maybe you’ve been counting days, noticing unusual symptoms, and wondering: Is it too early to take a test? Did I read it right?

This guide will walk you through how pregnancy tests work, when to take them, how to interpret the results, and what steps to take next.

When Is the Right Time to Take a Pregnancy Test?

Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which the body produces after embryo implantation.

✅ The ideal time to test: on the first day of your missed period or 15 days after unprotected sex. By then, hCG levels are high enough to be detected.

✅ For home tests, use your first urine of the morning — it’s the most concentrated and increases accuracy.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests use antibodies that react specifically to hCG. When the hormone is present, a chemical reaction shows up on the strip:

• Control line: confirms the test worked correctly.

• Test line: indicates the presence of hCG and therefore a pregnancy.

  
  

How to Read Pregnancy Test Results

✅ Positive (+)

Two lines appear. Even if the second line is faint, the result is positive. Next step: see a doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and estimate gestational age.

❌ Negative (-)

Only the control line appears. No significant hCG was detected. If your period is still late, it may be stress, hormonal changes, medication, or another medical reason. Consult a doctor for further evaluation.

⚠️ Invalid

If no control line appears, the test didn’t work. Take a new test.

What to Do After Taking a Pregnancy Test

Remember: a late period doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant. The most important step is to consult a healthcare professional to confirm the result and receive proper guidance.

👉 If the result is negative but your symptoms persist, your body is sending you a signal — don’t ignore it.

Having clear, science-based information about pregnancy tests empowers us to make informed choices and take care of our reproductive health.

🌈 Do you need to make an important decision about your pregnancy and want to talk to a care team anonymously? Download the Aya Contigo app or access it directly from your browser to connect with our support team and resolve your doubts in a safe, confidential space.

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Certified Sources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• National Health Services, such as the NHS in the UK