Those days between ovulation and your period can be scary. The waiting and wondering how many days after conception to take a pregnancy test, may feel almost debilitating. Whether you are trying to conceive or you are trying to avoid it, the slightest symptom of pregnancy might haunt you day and night. Only one thing can put you at ease– when to take a pregnancy test.

How Many Days After Conception to Take a Pregnancy Test

Types

Pregnancy tests come in two forms–blood or urine. Urine tests are the pregnancy kits that can be purchased over-the-counter. These home-testing options measure the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in a woman’s urine. Blood tests are administered by physicians, testing for the presence of hCG in a woman’s bloodstream. Although more convenient, the home pregnancy tests are generally less sensitive than the blood tests.

Time Frame

According to Univesrity of Virginia Health System website, the placenta of the average woman does not produce hCG until 10 days after conception. However, the University of Cincinnati NetWellness website claims a blood test can detect hCG as soon as three days after conception. Home pregnancy tests vary and usually explain on the packaging how many days before or after a woman’s period they are accurate.

Considerations

Most women choose a home pregnancy test when they first suspect they may be pregnant. Home pregnancy tests, depending on their sensitivity to hCG, may be labeled for use anywhere from a few days before a missed period to a week after. If a woman uses a test before it is able to detect hCG, she may not get an accurate result. A missed period is one of the best indicators of pregnancy. If you can wait until after your period should start, you will get a more guaranteed result.

Misconceptions

Even if a woman waits the recommended amount of time before peeing on a home pregnancy kit, it might still give her a false negative, or a negative result when she really is pregnant. A woman’s body produces more hCG over the course of her pregnancy. If you are feeling pregnant, with exhausted, nauseous or painful feelings or if you have been trying to conceive and you receive a negative result, continue to wait another five to 10 days and take another test. A few days might give your body an opportunity to build up more hCG. The next time you douse that stick, it might come up positive.

Benefits

Getting a positive result as early as possible lets a woman care for her child. If you receive a positive result on a pregnancy test at home, visit your doctor and get a blood test. He can verify your results and get you on a treatment plan that will better guarantee your health and your baby’s health.