How Soon Can I Test?

Updated on October 12, 2008
E.A. asks from Petaluma, CA
12 answers

Hello,
So my husband and I have been trying for our second child. My period should start on the 19th and I was wondering how soon I can test? I know the test say you can test 5 days before your missed period, but I've heard stories from other people who say they had sucess testing earlier. Any ideas?
Thanks!

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B.R.

answers from Bakersfield on

I tested 16 days after and got a positive pregnancy test. Buy a pack that has 3 or 4 tests in it and give it a try. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

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T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

First of all good luck and I am sending lots of Baby Dust your way!!! If you want to test buy a multipack of tests, and test all you want, lol. I tested positive about a week after I conceived, though it was at a doctor's office. That is all the advice I have for you, I really am not sure the best time to test. Good luck!

T. Solar
Founder
http://sonoma.ca.theparentpack.org

1 mom found this helpful
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I.L.

answers from Bakersfield on

Elizabeth,
Everybody is different. I have a little girl and I'm 5 months pregnant. Both times, I took a test the day of my missed period and got negative results. The first time I tested again when my period was three days late and finally got a positive. This time, the urine tests continued to come back negative and I finally took a blood test at a week late that was of course positive.
So try the test. But don't trust a negative result too early, and if in doubt, get a blood test!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from San Francisco on

You can test up to 5 days before your period but your hormone levels may not register in your urine. If the test comes out neg, you may still be pregnant. I would reccomend waiting until the 19th. Save yourself extra tests and possible worry or disappointment. What is a few more days in the larger scheme of things?

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M.R.

answers from San Francisco on

I got a positive result about 5-6 days after intercourse. I didn't have regular periods, but I was pretty sure I knew when I conceived and it took about 5 or 6 days for a positive result. If $ is not a issue, thest daily. You can't get a false positive :) Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

G.L.

answers from Fresno on

Dr's usually say 2wks after intercourse

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K.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi Elizabeth -
It simply depends upon when your hormone levels hit a certain threshold, and this varies by individual. If you're prepared to spend money on multiple tests (if this one is negative, you'll probably want to take another one in a few days and then a few more, etc.) and are okay with whatever stress that might cause you, you can certainly try to test now. The test days 5 days likely because most women don't have high enough levels of hormones to provide accurate results until then. If it says "up to 5 days," then many pregnancies probably take longer than that.

I wish you and your husband the best and hope that you are indeed pregnant!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Dear Elizabeth,
I know how very anxious you are to have another baby, and I certainly will be hoping that you get your wish soon.
I totally understand the "wanting to know" thing, but I worry that perhaps you are a little too anxious about it.
I would wait at least until your period is due before doing a test. If you get your period, you know you can try again for the next month. If not...then test. It varies by pregnancy, but often you could get a negative result 10 times and still be pregnant if your hormone levels don't show up in your urine yet.
I know waiting sucks, but let's face it, even when you find out that you're pregnant, you have to wait another 40 weeks for the baby to get here. I remember when I got pregnant with my daughter, I wished that I hadn't found out for 4 or 5 months because the weeks just seemed to go by so slowly.
I know too many people that tried and tried and tried to have a baby. Couldn't wait to take the test. No baby. No baby. No baby. Then, when they relaxed and quit trying so hard....guess what happened? I know one couple that saw every fertility specialist in 3 different states and had numerous unsuccessful in vitro treatments. They were told they would never have a baby. So, they figured they might as well spend their money being happy just the two of them. They bought a brand new house, both got brand new cars, went on a lavish vacation. Then guess what the stork brought.....
I have a little thing on my refrigerator that says,
"Lord, Help me appreciate the wait....As well as the answer."
It's hard to do, I know.
In my experience, relaxing about it a little is the best way to get pregnant.
Be sure to let us all know how it goes!
Best wishes!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Well, if you are impatient like me you test everyday. At the Dollar Store they have test for a dollar (duh, i know). I would even test morning and at night. Like I said, I was impatient.
Granted they are not going to be as sensitive as the more expensive ones but you could at least sprinkle them in while you test with the other ones every few days. I think for me just taking the test was enough to keep me going.

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V.W.

answers from Sacramento on

I got my first positive 6 days before my missed period last time.

What you may want to do is to pick up one of the combo packs from http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/

The tests are cheap, and you can also get ovulation predictor kits. This can help you to optimize your 'pregnancy attempts' :)

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Elizabeth,

I tested 6 days before my period was supposed to come and it came out with a faint positive. I would check on maybe the 14th and see-- sometimes it shows up right away sometimes its longer depending on your hcg levels. I would only do it on your first morning pee though- you will have the most concentrated urine then to test and have a higher probability that it is accurate. If its negative, try again on maybe the 21st. Its supposed to double every 48 hours. Good luck to you and I hope that you are!!

Molly

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J.P.

answers from San Francisco on

You're best bet is to wait until at least your period is due. There are some many factors that affect the level of HSG in your urine and early testing can lead to unneeded heartache. I know you want to know but a few days won't make a lot of difference.

1 mom found this helpful
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