--- title: "Pregnancy test: What to Expect | HealthAnswers" description: "A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG in urine or blood, and most home pregnancy tests are accurate from the first day of a missed period." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/pregnancy-test/ robots: noindex --- # Pregnancy test: What to Expect | HealthAnswers Tests & investigations A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG in urine or blood, and most home pregnancy tests are accurate from the first day of a missed period. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG in urine or blood, and most home tests are accurate from the first day of a missed period. If your test is positive, contact a GP or midwife to arrange antenatal care. If it is negative but you still have symptoms, wait a few days and repeat the test. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Pregnancy test, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about the pregnancy test - Levels of hCG rise in the body after implantation occurs. - First morning urine gives the most concentrated sample for testing. - A blood test for pregnancy is more sensitive than a urine test. - Testing too early can produce a false negative result. - An ectopic pregnancy can still produce a positive pregnancy test. ## How a pregnancy test works A pregnancy test detects human chorionic gonadotrophin, a hormone commonly known as hCG, which the body starts producing after implantation. Urine testing sticks for pregnancy are widely available from pharmacies and supermarkets, and most work in a similar way regardless of brand. ## How to take a pregnancy test You should follow the instructions in your test kit precisely, since timing and technique can affect the accuracy of the result. It is also worth checking the expiry date on the test before you use it, as an out-of-date test may give an unreliable result. ## What to do after a positive pregnancy test Once you have a positive pregnancy test, you should register with a midwife so that antenatal care can begin and folic acid supplements can be started. This is also a good time to think about avoiding alcohol and to seek support with stopping smoking if this applies to you. ## When to seek help in early pregnancy Pain or bleeding in early pregnancy should always be assessed, since it can sometimes indicate an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Treat severe pain or fainting as an emergency and seek help straight away. ## ! When to speak to a doctor about the pregnancy test Contact a GP or midwife as soon as you know you are pregnant so antenatal care can be arranged. Call **999** or go to A&E for severe abdominal pain or shoulder-tip pain alongside a positive pregnancy test. Call **111** for urgent advice if you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about the pregnancy test When is the best time to take a pregnancy test? You can take a pregnancy test from the day your period is due, though some tests claim to give accurate results a few days earlier. Always follow the instructions on the specific test you are using, since sensitivity can vary between brands. How rare is a false positive pregnancy test? False positive pregnancy tests are very rare, but they can happen after a recent miscarriage or with certain medicines. If you get an unexpected positive result, it is worth confirming it with your GP. Can a pregnancy test be negative even if you are pregnant? Yes, a negative result can occur if you test too early or if your urine is too diluted. Repeating the test after a few days, ideally with first morning urine, usually gives a clearer answer. Do you need a blood test at the GP to confirm pregnancy? A blood test at the GP can confirm pregnancy and help estimate dates more precisely. This is usually arranged after you have already had a positive home pregnancy test. ## Sources - [NHS — Doing a pregnancy test](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/doing-a-pregnancy-test/) - [NHS — Trying for a baby](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/)