Pregnancy Test When Can I Take It

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

My period is two weeks late. I might be pregnant. What should I do?

Signed,

Panic

Dear Panic,

First, you will need to be sure if you are pregnant or not. Home pregnancy tests can detect whether you are pregnant. Although some home pregnancy tests claim to detect pregnancy within a day of a missed period, more accurate results are obtained when the test is taken a week or more after a missed period. Since you are two weeks late, then the test should be fairly accurate. You can purchase a home pregnancy test at your local drugstore.

One of the top rated home pregnancy tests based on accuracy is First Response's Early Result Pregnancy test.

Home pregnancy tests look for a hormone in the urine called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). hCG is present when a woman is pregnant and the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, about a week after conception.

Another pregnancy test checks your blood, but this would have to be done by your physician.

If you decide to use the home pregnancy test, follow the directions carefully. If you are pregnant, then see your physician in order to be sure and to get optimum prenatal care for you and your baby.