Starting approximately two weeks after conception, a hormone called human chorionic gonadatropin (hCG) hormone is produced by the developing placenta and can be detected in urine and in blood.
This hCG detected in urine by home pregnancy test devices, which can be obtained from pharmacies and supermarkets. These are designed to detect hCG from about the time of the first missed period.

A negative pregnancy test indicates either there is no pregnancy, or the amount of hCG is not yet sufficient to be detected. If the test is positive, it confirms the pregnancy. The amount of hCG produced during pregnancy doubles every two to three days, and reaches a peak in the second or third month. If pregnancy is still suspected despite a negative urine test, the test can be repeated after two - three days.

It is important that the instructions of using the pregancy test kit are followed exactly to get a correct result. It is best to collect the urine sample first thing in the morning, before much fluid has been drunk, as otherwise there may be insufficient hCG to give a positive result.

 

Last Review Date: January 9, 2023

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