Take An Afternoon Pregnancy Test? Everything That You Need to Know?

Do you want to know if is it ok to take an afternoon pregnancy test? Yes, You can take this test in the afternoon. You will get accurate results at that time of the day also. But there are things that you need to know before taking this test and some better recommendations. I will present experts’ opinions and science-based facts on this topic. So, Let’s dive into the subject right away!

Can I Take a Pregnancy Test In The Afternoon?

You may have heard someone saying that taking a pregnancy examination is not a good idea. Well, it may not be the best time, but it is entirely acceptable. You just need to know the science behind it. The hCG hormone levels remain constant throughout the day when you are pregnant. Their concentration can be higher at specific times, but they don’t go below the average levels. So, the kit will detect these hCG hormones even in the afternoon. 

Keep in mind that these hormones only appear when you are pregnant. If your kit does not detect any of these hormones, it can mean you are not pregnant. 

Is It Better To Take a Pregnancy Test in The Morning or Afternoon?

You can examine pregnancy any time of the day, including the afternoon. But the best time is morning, according to experts. There is a very simple science behind it. We drink enough water during the day, and the urine stay diluted. But, we don’t get to drink the required amount of water during sleeping at night. Sometimes we don’t even drink water the whole night and drink it after waking up. So, our urine is more concentrated instead of diluted in the morning. 

Concentrated urine contains a higher amount of hCG hormones. So, the pregnancy kit can easily detect them in the morning. In simpler words, you can examine in the afternoon too, but it is better to take the test early in the day, right after you wake up.

How Accurate Is a Pregnancy Test Taken in the Afternoon?

The morning is the best time and the afternoon should be a second option. Does that mean the check-up can be inaccurate at that time? Not at all! A pregnancy test is accurate at all times of the day. The chances of inaccurate results are irrelevant to the time. Yes, the test can be false sometimes. But, the reasons are mostly technical like a faulty apparatus, a medical condition, a reader’s error, or low hCG levels.

So, do not worry about the accuracy of the test taken later in the day. Check your pregnancy with full confidence. 

Can an Afternoon Urine Pregnancy Test Be Negative?

If the afternoon test is so accurate, does a negative result mean you are not pregnant? Don’t jump to conclusions just yet. Indeed, the check-up is accurate most of the time. But, it can be inaccurate based on one factor, which is the level of pregnancy hormones.

As we discussed these hormone levels remain stable most times and give accurate results. But, these levels can rarely fall down and the kit can’t detect them if this happens. That instant reduction of hormones can occur due to many reasons, such as a recent miscarriage, Miscalculated Gestational Age, or low-quality apparatus. 

If it happens to you, just take another clean kit and check again. Examining a second time can give you a more accurate result. 

Pregnancy Tests at Night: Are They Accurate?

The results are typically accurate during the day. But, what about night? This is probably your question if you are a night owl. The answer is that doctors do not recommend checking pregnancy at night. Why?

Since we drink water throughout the day and our urine gets diluted every time. So, it is the least concentrated at night. If you examine at night, the kit will not be able to detect any hCG hormone levels in your urine. So, if you must stay awake at night, wait for the morning to do the test. 

This may not apply to those who regularly stay awake at night for work or similar matters. If they sleep during the day, it means they should take tests right after waking up, be it a day or night.

How Long To Hold Urine For Afternoon Pregnancy Test?

So, you want to know how long to hold your urine. First, find out why you should hold it. When you hold it, the urine starts to accumulate in your bladder. When it stays in the bladder for some time, more urine adds to it. It means it starts to get more concentrated as it stays in the bladder. 

Holding your urine is not a good thing. But, it is necessary for a pregnancy test. You must hold it for at least 2 to 3 hours before examining it. Also, avoid drinking too much water during these hours because it will dilate the urine again. 

How Soon Will a Pregnancy Test Read Positive?

Let’s Come to the main question, how long does it really take to get a positive result after a negative? When you get pregnant, it takes 5 to 10 days for hCG hormones to appear in your urine. So, you can take the test about a week after the sex. But, the results can vary from person to person as everyone has a different body. Sometimes it can take up to 20 days, so it is better to take the test by the 20th day.

What Not to Do Before Taking A Pregnancy Test?

Sometimes the test can come negative because of your negligence, even if you are pregnant. So, here is what you should not do before examining pregnancy.

Drink Less fluids

Water is essential for the human body, and everyone must stay hydrated. People can mistake it for a pregnancy test as well. If you are going to take the test, avoid drinking too much fluids. These fluids dilate the urine, and the test’s outcome can appear false. 

Avoid Coffee and Medications

Do not consume coffee or tea before taking the test. Similarly, hold on to your medications as well for at least a few hours. These diuretics can enhance urination which means you will need to pee much more. More urine means it is gets dilated, and you need it concentrated. 

Do Not Test Too Early

It takes time for the hormones to show up in your urine. So, do not rush into taking the test after sex. Stay patient for 7 to 10 days, and you will have more accurate results.

Conclusions

Let’s summarize it. Yes, you can take a pregnancy test in the afternoon as well. You will get accurate results. But, it is recommended to tests test in the morning and never at night. Moreover, you need to remember some tips to increase the chances of positive results. Motherhood is an amazing journey and its news is even more exciting. Let’s hope you get the results you are expecting.