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Ask A Midwife

Q. Can you find out if you're pregnant prior to a missing period? For example, if you're a week from getting your period, but having "symptoms" of being pregnant, can you find out via a home pregnancy test, or should you just wait until you've actually missed a period to be accurate? Thank you.

A. Really, it is best to wait until at least the first day of your missed period. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate at that time, although some MIGHT show up earlier. If you desperately cannot wait, a blood test is usually accurate at 7 days prior to period being due. If you test too early, and it is negative, you run the risk of adding additional emotional stress by having to wonder if it's accurate. If you wait until your period would normally be due, it will be easiest to trust the answer. Good Luck!

Vickii Gervais is a Certified Professional Midwife who has attended over 600 births.