top of page

How Soon After Sex Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

New Beginnings

If you think you may be pregnant, waiting to take a pregnancy test can feel excruciating. If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or experienced contraception failure, you probably want to know as soon as possible. Before you begin to worry or make any plans, taking a home pregnancy test is a good first step. Of course, if you want to, skip the home test and come see us first. We can provide lab-grade pregnancy testing for you – free of charge.




When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test (For Best Results)?


Before You Miss Your Period


The earlier you take a test, the less accurate it will be. Taking a test before you miss your period or less than two weeks after sex can cause a false negative.


Some women take a test too early and assume they are not pregnant. This can be especially confusing if they spot or bleed during their first-trimester, making them believe they had their period. 


We see women already in their second trimester before they notice more obvious pregnancy symptoms. They are often shocked to find out how far along they are.


Two Weeks Later


Many women test according to the “two weeks” rule. This means waiting to take a test until two weeks after unprotected sex. It can provide accurate results for women who are on a predictable 28-day cycle and who ovulating once and at a regular interval. 


However, some women’s cycles are not as predictable, or medications such as birth control and antibiotics can change their cycle and date of ovulation. Even stress can cause interruptions. 

After You Miss Your Period


The best time to take a pregnancy test is the day your period is supposed to start or after you realize your period is late. If your results are still unreadable or inconclusive, retake one the next day. For more accurate results, take a test when you first wake up. The hCG hormone is higher and more concentrated in the morning. 


If the test is negative, but you still think you may be pregnant, wait a few more days and test again. HCG nearly doubles about every two days in early pregnancy.

Pregnancy Confirmation


Taking a pregnancy test is the first step. We’re your second. At your pregnancy confirmation appointment and options consultation, you can find out if the pregnancy is viable and how far along you are. We will also share evidence-based medical information on your pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. 


A home pregnancy test is an indicator of pregnancy, not a confirmation. That’s why you need an ultrasound to verify an intrauterine pregnancy. 


Whether you are considering an abortion or are wanting to continue your pregnancy, we are here with options, answers, and support. 

All our services are free of charge and we do not benefit from any decision you make. 

Sources:

29 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.

New Beginnings Center of Hope with My Choice Pregnancy Services

get in touch

HOURS

quick links

Wed | Thurs | Fri  11am - 5pm

Saturday  10am - 1 pm

By appointment only

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Disclaimer: New Beginnings Center of Hope (NBCOH) and it's on-site medical partner, My Choices Pregnancy Services (MCPS), are committed to providing you with everything you need to make an informed pregnancy decision.  We believe women and men have a right to get information from a resource that will not profit from the choices and pregnancy decisions they make. All NBCOH & MCPS services are free and confidential.  New Beginnings Center of Hope serves Jamaica, Rosedale, Laurelton, Far Rockaway, and all of Brooklyn and Queens New York.

 

We are a 501c3 non-profit in the state of New York. We are not a medical clinic. And while we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can answer your questions about side effects, what to expect, and more. Contact us to learn more.

The information on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical or legal advice.​ We are committed to protecting your health information. Please be aware that communicating via unencrypted text messaging or messaging services has some level of risk of being read by a 3rd party. 

Terms of Use & Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices

© 2025 - NEW BEGINNINGS CENTER OF HOPE - All Rights Reserved

bottom of page