How to Take a Pregnancy Test: A Step-by-Step Guide to Accurate Results

Taking a pregnancy test can be an emotional experience—whether you’re hoping for a positive result or not. Understanding how and when to test can help you feel more in control of the process and increase the accuracy of your results. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the best time to take a test, how to prepare, the correct steps to follow, and what to do after you get your results. Whether it’s your first time or you're just looking for a refresher, this blog will give you all the practical knowledge you need—with helpful tips and product recommendations to make the process smoother and more reliable.

When Is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test?

Timing Is Key

The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you've missed your period. At that point, your body has likely produced enough hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests, to yield an accurate result. Testing too early may not give your body enough time to build detectable hormone levels, which increases the risk of a false negative.

Testing Too Early

Many people are tempted to test early, especially if they’re experiencing early symptoms like fatigue or nausea. While early detection tests can work for some, they’re not always reliable. If you get a negative result before your period is due, try testing again a few days later. The extra time allows hCG levels to increase, improving your chances of an accurate result.

Early Detection Tests

Some brands offer early detection pregnancy tests that can detect lower levels of hCG, even before your expected period. For example, MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips are highly sensitive (25 mIU/mL) and can detect early pregnancy with up to 99% accuracy when used correctly. These are a great option if you prefer to test early but still want reliable results.

How to Prepare for Taking a Pregnancy Test

Choose the Right Test

Not all pregnancy tests are created equal. Some are more sensitive than others, and formats vary (strips, midstream, digital). Choose a test that fits your preferences and offers clear instructions. If you’re looking for budget-friendly yet accurate options, MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips are easy to use, highly rated, and come with everything you need—including urine cups for convenience.

Gather Materials

Before you begin, collect everything you’ll need:

• Your pregnancy test kit
  
• A clean container for collecting urine (if applicable)
  
• A timer or smartphone
  
• Instructions from the test packaging
  

Having everything prepared in advance makes the process less stressful and ensures you don’t miss any steps.

Read the Instructions

Each brand and format may have slightly different usage guidelines. Always read the instruction manual thoroughly before starting. Even if you’ve used a test before, directions can vary—especially in how long you need to wait before reading results and how to interpret them.

Avoid Excessive Fluids

It might seem like a good idea to drink lots of water before testing, but this can dilute your urine and lower the concentration of hCG, especially in early pregnancy. It’s best to test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Take a Pregnancy Test

Step 1: Collect Your Urine

Start by ensuring your hands are clean and dry. Depending on the test type (strip, midstream, or digital), you will either:

• Midstream test: Hold the absorbent tip in your urine stream for the time specified (usually 5–10 seconds).
  
• Strip test: Collect your urine in a clean, dry cup and dip the strip up to the marked line for a few seconds (typically 3–5 seconds).
  
• Digital test: Follow similar steps as a midstream test, but refer closely to the device’s specific instructions.
  

Use first-morning urine whenever possible—it contains the highest concentration of hCG, especially helpful in early pregnancy.

Tip: Make sure not to let the test get wet beyond the urine-absorption area, and avoid touching the result window while handling the test.

Step 2: Wait for Results

Place the test flat on a clean, dry surface and start a timer based on the test’s instruction (commonly 3 to 5 minutes). During this time:

• Don’t shake or tilt the test.
  
• Avoid peeking too early; premature readings may be incomplete.
  
• Stay calm—these minutes can feel long, but avoid pacing or rechecking. Let the test develop undisturbed.
  

Tip: Set a phone timer to stay accurate and avoid over-waiting, which could lead to confusion from evaporation lines.

Step 3: Read the Results

Once the time is up, check the results exactly as the instructions indicate:

• Strip and midstream tests usually show one line for negative and two for positive.
  
• Digital tests may display text like "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant," making them easier to interpret.
  

It’s crucial to read the test during the time frame specified. Reading it too late (e.g., after 10 minutes) could lead to misinterpreting evaporation lines as positives.

How to Interpret Your Pregnancy Test Results

Confirm the Result

• Positive Result: A second line (even a faint one) typically indicates pregnancy. Faint lines are common in early pregnancy but still signal that hCG is present.
  
• Negative Result: Only one control line means hCG hasn’t been detected—yet. If your period doesn’t start, retest in 2–3 days to be sure.
  Make sure that the control line appears, even if there’s no test line. If the control line is missing, the test is invalid and should be repeated with a new one.
  

False Negatives

A negative result can be incorrect due to several reasons:

• Testing too early: hCG might not be high enough to detect yet.
  
• Diluted urine: Especially if you've had a lot of fluids before the test.
  
• Incorrect usage: Not following instructions or using an expired test can reduce accuracy.
  

If you get a negative result but still feel pregnant or miss your period, try testing again in a couple of days.

False Positives

Though rare, false positives can occur due to:

• Chemical pregnancy: An early miscarriage that happens shortly after implantation.
  
• Certain medications: Like fertility drugs that contain hCG.
  
• Medical conditions: Some ovarian cysts or hormonal imbalances can influence the result.
  

If your test is positive and you’re unsure of its validity, follow up with your doctor for a confirmation blood test and guidance on next steps.

Tip: Take a photo of your test results immediately after the time window so you have a clear record—especially if the result fades later.

What to Do After Taking the Test

Confirm with a Doctor

If you received a positive result, it’s a good idea to confirm the pregnancy with a healthcare provider. They may perform a blood test, which can detect lower levels of hCG and confirm pregnancy earlier and more accurately than urine tests. They may also schedule an early ultrasound to assess the health and progression of your pregnancy.
Even if your test is negative but you still suspect you’re pregnant, a doctor can help identify if there’s another reason for your missed period or symptoms.

If Negative and Still Unsure

A single negative test doesn’t always mean you’re not pregnant—especially if taken too early. Here’s what to do:

• Wait 2–3 days and retest. hCG levels double every 48–72 hours in early pregnancy, so waiting a bit can make a big difference.
  
• Track your symptoms and cycle. If your period is still late and you have symptoms like nausea or sore breasts, it’s worth testing again.
  
• Check your test’s expiration and instructions. Mistakes in usage or old tests can lead to inaccurate results.
  

Consider Your Options

Whether the result is positive or negative, take time to reflect on your next steps. If you’re trying to conceive, MomMed Ovulation Test Strips can help you track your cycle and pinpoint your most fertile days for better planning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking a Pregnancy Test

Testing Too Early

This is one of the most frequent mistakes. Testing before your body produces enough hCG can lead to false negatives. Most home pregnancy tests are more reliable after a missed period. Some sensitive tests allow earlier detection, but results are still more accurate if you wait.

If you're unsure about when to test, consider using an ovulation tracker or LMP-based pregnancy calculator to estimate the right time.

Not Following the Instructions

Every pregnancy test brand works a little differently. From how long to dip the strip to how many minutes to wait, reading and following the instructions is essential. Missteps like not timing it properly or misinterpreting the results window can lead to confusion.

Always:

• Use a timer
  
• Follow the steps carefully
  
• Check what your result window should look like
  

Overlooking the Result Window

Reading the result too early or too late can both be misleading. A faint positive line may not appear right away, and evaporation lines can show up if you wait too long, giving a false impression.

Stick to the designated time frame—usually between 3–10 minutes after taking the test—and trust only the results read within that window.

Using an Expired Test

Expired tests may not function correctly because the chemicals used to detect hCG degrade over time. Always check the box or wrapper for the expiration date and make sure it's been stored properly—cool, dry places work best.

An expired test may result in faint lines, no lines at all, or incorrect results, leaving you uncertain when you most need clarity.

Using Diluted Urine

Hydrating before the test might seem helpful, but it can actually dilute your urine, lowering the concentration of hCG and making it harder to detect. For the most accurate results:

• Use first-morning urine whenever possible
  
• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids in the hour before testing

Conclusion

Taking a pregnancy test can be nerve-wracking, but understanding the process helps make it less intimidating and more accurate. The key is patience—wait until the right time, follow the instructions carefully, and choose a quality test. Whether you're just starting your conception journey or suspect you might be pregnant, reliable tools like MomMed Ovulation and Pregnancy Test Strips Kit can give you clarity and confidence. And remember, no matter the result, you're not alone—there’s always a next step, and support is available when you need it.