Generally, on the first day of pregnancy, a woman's body begins to produce the pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG). However, hCG levels are very low in the early stages of pregnancy and may not be detectable by a pregnancy test strip. If a pregnancy test strip is used on the first day of pregnancy, the result may be negative, indicating that the woman is not pregnant.
Typically, if a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, a pregnancy test strip can be used approximately 15 to 20 days after pregnancy, before the expected next menstrual period. This is because at this point, hCG levels have risen sufficiently to be accurately detected by a pregnancy test strip. Although some highly sensitive pregnancy test strips may detect pregnancy around 10 days after conception, due to individual differences and variations in hCG levels, it is recommended to take another test before the expected menstrual period to ensure accuracy. The timing of when a pregnancy test strip can detect pregnancy depends on the woman's menstrual cycle and hCG levels. To obtain accurate results, it is advisable to take the test before the expected menstrual period and confirm as needed. If there are any doubts, it is best to consult a doctor or gynecological specialist.
