Services
Pregnancy Testing
Page Contents
Overview
When can you do a Pregnancy Test?
The Facts about Pregnancy Testing
How does a Pregnancy Test Work?
Pregnancy Test Results
Continuing with your Pregnancy
Not sure about continuing with your Pregnancy?
For women who have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Other early pregnancy signs and symptoms are morning sickness, feeling tired, sore breasts, urinating more frequently than normal, and heightened senses. Some foods and drinks you have previously enjoyed have now become repellant. Although, it is essential to be aware that all women are different and not all women will notice, or even have all of the above symptoms.
If you think you are pregnant, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test, as this is the only way to know for sure. There are three main types of pregnancy tests available, from over-the-counter 'do-it-yourself' pregnancy tests, which are known as Home Pregnancy Tests (HPT), to Clinical Urine Pregnancy Tests, and Pregnancy Blood Tests. Despite the differences in testing, all pregnancy tests detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone in your body, this hormone is called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).
At P&S Chemist we provide through our pregnancy testing service the Clinical Urine Test, which is highly accurate as our pharmacist and healthcare professionals are able to help prevent any possible errors that could affect the accuracy of your test. For those who require the use of a pregnancy test, but would prefer to conduct the test in the privacy of your own home, we also provide a range of over-the-counter Home Pregnancy Tests (HPT) to purchase. Although, whatever your result, NHS England and P&S Chemist recommend that you clarify your result with a more stringent test from us at P&S Chemist, your doctor, or your local sexual health clinic.
When can you do a Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test can be undertaken from the first day of your missed period. If you do not know when your next period is due, it is advised that you undertake a test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sexual intercourse. Some sensitive pregnancy tests can be used before you miss a period, from as early as 8 days after conception.
The Facts about Pregnancy Testing
- Within NHS England, which includes P&S Chemist, a pregnancy test is free for those under 24 year-olds, if you are willing to do a Chlamydia test, the same sample would be used.
- A positive test result is extremely reliable and is almost certainly correct. Although a negative test result is less reliable. If you have a negative result and still think you are pregnant, please wait a few days and try taking a test again.
- You can do a pregnancy test on a sample of urine collected at any time of the day. It does not have to be in the morning.
- Some sensitive pregnancy tests can be used before you miss a period, from as early as 8 days after conception.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?
All pregnancy tests detect the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG), which is produced around six days after fertilisation. Most pregnancy tests come in a box that contains one or two sticks. Essentially, you urinate on the stick and the result appears after a few minutes. Despite this, all tests are different; so always check the instructions of the particular pregnancy test you are using.
At P&S Chemist the pregnancy tests we provide through our pregnancy testing service are highly accurate, as our pharmacist and healthcare professionals are able to prevent many of the possible errors that could affect the accuracy of your test.
Pregnancy Test Results
Due to the nature and accuracy of pregnancy testing devices. A positive test result is almost certainly correct. A negative testing result is less reliable, if your test provides a negative result and you still believe you may be pregnant, wait a few days and try again. Alternatively, come and request a pregnancy test at P&S Chemist, which is free if you are under 24 or at your doctor's. Even if the test provided by P&S Chemist or your general practitioner will be similar to a home pregnancy testing solution, our certified health professionals are able to help prevent many of the possible errors that could affect the accuracy of the test.
Whatever route you decide to take, it is important to remember that you should speak to us at our pharmacy or your doctor if you have a negative result after your second test but your period has yet to arrive.
Continuing with your Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and want to continue with your pregnancy, it is advisable to contact your doctor or a midwife to start your antenatal care. You can also work out when your baby is due via the pregnancy Due-Date Calculator, provided by NHS Choices, which can be found here.
Not sure about continuing with your Pregnancy?
If you are not sure if you would like to continue with your pregnancy, you can discuss this confidentially with a healthcare professional, or our pharmacist at P&S Chemist. Although your options are as follows:
- Continue with your pregnancy and keep the baby
- Having an abortion
- Continuing with the pregnancy and having the baby adopted
To assist in making a decision, you can discuss the matter with your doctor or a nurse at your doctor's surgery. Alternatively, you can also get accurate and confidential information, particularly if you are under 16, from the following locations:
- A community sexual health clinic
- Marie Stopes, in particular, the Marie Stopes website, which can be found here
- The FPA: pregnant and don't know what to do leaflet, which is a PDF file and can be accessed here
These services, including community contraceptive clinics, are entirely confidential. If you are under 16, your parents will not be informed. Although, the healthcare staff at the above services will encourage you to discuss the matter with your parents, but will not force you to do so.
If you are under 24 and prefer advice tailored to young people, the sexual health charity Brook provides a wide range of services for young people. The Brooks website contains useful information on your choices based on a positive pregnancy result. Alternatively, you could use the Ask Brook 24/7 services, which is an online resource that answers many of the key questions you might have.
Back to the Top of Page
Page last reviewed: 06/10/2021
Next review date: 06/10/2023