When is a pregnancy test most reliable?

[missmiss]

Stupid question, probably, but hopefully somebody can help...

I did a pregnancy test last week, a week after my last period. The reason that I did one was because my period was unusually short and light. The test came up negative but I have been feeling 'funny' in a way I can't really put my finger on (but have had terrible heartburn, been a bit emotional, that sort of thing) and I wondered if I should test again.

When am I most likely to get an accurate result? I don't want to be pregnant, by the way, so am crossing my fingers that the first result was correct, but need to know asap if I am up le duff.

[missmiss]

Bump. Anyone? Bueller?

[japhrimel]

About 2 weeks after you ovulate a test would be near its maximum accuracy, which would normally be when your period is due. But unless you're tracking your fertility, you won't know when you actually ovulated and occasional late/missed ovulation is normal and can mess up your cycle temporarily.

[missmiss]

Oh dear, thank you. Do you think I should test again, just in case?

[flowerfairy]

I always waited until 2 weeks after my period was due. This was because usually it would turn up while waiting for the two weeks to be over or I had a happy surprise this time.

[cowboylover]

I would, I didnt get a positive untill 8 days after my period was late.

Use the first wee of the day if you can to be sure. Stress can make it late and most of the other symptons that can also be linked to pregnancy. I was the same when I didnt want to be and the nurse told me that it is also common to have (I think it was) an anvoulinary cycle which just means sometimes it does not happen.

I hope you get the result you want.

[missmiss]

That's really helpful, thanks for your answers. I will test again next week; fingers crossed...

[Riddzy]

I'm interested in this, too - I'm 9+2, but the first two tests I did (at about the five week mark when period was a weekish late) were negative! They were cheapies from Wilcos and I did one on the Monday and one on the Tuesday. Both negative.

However, just to be sure I bought an expensive clear blue and used it on the Friday. Pregnant. Was a huge shock (I still haven't really had any symptoms other than massive boobs/expanding waist).

Saw the midwife on Sat who looked a bit askance at me when I told her and said 'that shouldn't have happened' :/

Anxiously awaiting the scan in two weeks...

Good luck missmiss x

[missmiss]

Thanks, and congratulations!

[tlise]

I had a positive test when I would have been 3 weeks (5 weeks from lmp) of course its definately accurate when you are in hospital 40 weeks later :d

[DreamingofFour]

I wait until period two weeks late as sometimes have an anovulatory cycle which is about five weeks. Also really important to test first urine of the day and get a good volume - I collect a glassful and then dip stick in that to be sure, found that when I was just holding it under stream wasn't very accurate (sorry, slightly disgusting detail, always wash glass very thoroughly afterwards!!)