What is a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test is a test that you have to confirm that you are pregnant.

If you think you might be pregnant, you may want to confirm this by taking a pregnancy test.

You can do this by:

• using a home pregnancy test kit
• seeing your doctor or midwife

You can buy home pregnancy test kits from a pharmacy, supermarket or online.

How does a pregnancy test work?

Pregnancy tests check your urine (wee) or blood for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is made by your body during pregnancy.

hCG increases quickly for the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

hCG can be found by a blood test as early as one week after conception (when an egg is fertilised).

Urine pregnancy tests work from about 4 weeks after conception.

How to choose a home pregnancy test?

Doing a home pregnancy test is convenient and private. It's important to follow the instructions carefully.

Always check the expiry date of your pregnancy test before using it.

There are different types of home pregnancy tests. You may have to follow these steps:

1. Hold the end of a dipstick into your urine stream.
2. Collect your urine in a container and then dip a test strip into it.

The way the result is shown can vary. For example, it might show a pink or blue line, or a plus sign to show that you are pregnant.

It's best to collect your urine sample first thing in the morning, before drinking a lot of fluid.

When can I use a home pregnancy test?

Most home pregnancy tests can detect hCG levels in your urine on the day your period is due.

If you are pregnant, the amount of hCG in your body will continue to increase.

To get a more reliable result, you may want to:

• test first thing in the morning — as there will be more hCG in your urine
• test 2 to 3 days later
• re-test a week after your expected period

It's recommended that you confirm a positive home pregnancy test with a blood test done by your doctor.

What should I do if my pregnancy test is positive?

If your pregnancy blood test is positive, it is most likely that you're pregnant. It's rare that you will get a positive result that is false.

Always see your doctor or midwife if your home pregnancy test shows you are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are not always correct.

Your doctor or midwife will:

• confirm your pregnancy with a blood or urine test
• talk to you about your choices

A pregnancy blood test is more sensitive than a urine test.

What if my pregnancy is unplanned

About 1 in 2 pregnancies in Australia are unplanned. If your pregnancy is unplanned, it's best to take some time to think about what you want to do.

Your doctor can help you work through your choices.

Family Planning NSW have a booklet: Pregnancy: Working through your options.

Children By Choice have an online decision making tool.

DUE DATE CALCULATOR — Use Pregnancy, Birth and Baby's due date calculator to work out when your baby is due.

What happens once my pregnancy is confirmed?

If your pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor or midwife will:

• estimate your due date
• check your overall health
• talk to you about your medical history and any previous pregnancies
• discuss any changes you should make to your lifestyle to have a healthy pregnancy
• talk to you about the care you would like during your pregnancy
• talk to you about where you would like to have the baby

A high hCG level may be a sign you are going to have twins. It can also be a sign of some complications.

Your doctor may also advise that you have other tests, such as an ultrasound scan.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

When should I see my doctor if my pregnancy test is negative?

If your pregnancy test is negative but your period still does not come, you can re-test in a few days.

See your doctor if you:

• have been trying to get pregnant and have had 2 or more miscarriages in a row
• are younger than 35 years and have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months
• are 35 years or older and have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months

Getting a negative pregnancy test when you are trying to fall pregnant can be difficult for you and your partner.

The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) provides useful resources about emotions and feelings.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Resources and support

Speak with your doctor or family planning clinic about your pregnancy test result.

The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby maternal child health nurses can also support and guide you at this time.