Complete pregnancy test guide
Which | How | Accuracy
By
Dr. Varshali Mali
Gynecologist & pregnancy doctor
MBBS, DNB (OBGY)
MBBS, DNB (OBGY)
Diploma in Gynecological Endoscopy - Germany
Diploma in Gynecological Endoscopy - Germany
Am I pregnant? The suspense created by this question is killing you. The question can be triggered by many events and incidents. You had an unprotected sex. You have not used any contraception methods. Your periods are missing. Your body is behaving differently than usual. You are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms and signs. This question brings anxiety, curiosity, excitement and sometimes stress too. You want to get the answer as soon as possible. This guide gives details about all the tests including home pregnancy test, clinical urine pregnancy test, pregnancy blood test, and ultrasound / sonography scan test.
How does the pregnancy tests work? Except for ultrasonography test, all these tests work on detecting the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is only found in the body during pregnancy. About six to twelve days after fertilization, a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of a woman's uterus. The cells of fertilized egg produce hCG which builds up rapidly in your body. It doubles every 2 to 3 days in the first few weeks of pregnancy reaching a peak level by 8-12 weeks. Pregnancy tests detect this hormone in urine and blood.
When should I take the pregnancy test? You can take a test any time after your period is late - that's when they work the best. You'll likely get accurate results from a pregnancy test one day after your first missed period. However, it's best to wait at least a week after your missed period, to be sure that you get the most accurate test results. The Pregnancy test is done before a missed period usually gives less accurate results. Sometimes a pregnancy test can find pregnancy hormones in your urine as early as 10 days after unprotected sex. But these results aren't super reliable, and you may get a false positive or false negative test result.
Pregnancy test works on detecting the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is generated in woman body during pregnancy and builds up rapidly. It doubles every 2 to 3 days in first few weeks of pregnancy reaching a peak level by 8-12 weeks.
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Dr. Varshali Mali, MBBS, DNB (Obs & Gyn), is a Pune-based gynecologist known for her warm, unhurried, and personal approach to women’s and maternal care. She believes every woman deserves a space where she feels heard, understood, and supported with clarity and comfort. At her clinic in Life Republic Township, she creates a homely, reassuring environment for women and parents across Hinjewadi, Wakad, Punawale, and nearby areas.
Her consultations focus on calm communication, timely connect, and making room for honest conversations. As a mother of two daughters, she brings lived empathy into her work, shaping a practice rooted in warmth, trust, and heartfelt guidance.
Disclaimer
This article is for general awareness only. It should not be considered as a medical advice and should not replace a consultation with a doctor. Every case is unique; please seek professional medical guidance for your personal condition.
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