How long after implantation do you get a positive test

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Table of Contents Show

Here’s How Long After Implantation You Can Test for Pregnancy
Signs of Successful Implantation
Implantation bleeding
Sore Breasts
Increased Basal Body Temperature
Missed Period
The Bottom Line

If you’ve ever wondered, “how long after implantation can you test for pregnancy?”, here’s everything you need to know, plus lots of tips for first time moms!

If you’re a first time mom looking to become pregnant, some of the first things you’ll want to know are how early pregnancy can be detected and how soon you can take the test. For most, the anticipation and nervousness around taking a pregnancy test is incredibly challenging.

But, for the best results, you’ll probably need to wait longer than you’d like.

After implantation, there’s a bit of a lag before a pregnancy test can register the changes in your body. Eager first time moms might just jump the gun.

So, how long after implantation can you test for pregnancy?

Here’s everything you need to know plus early pregnancy signs and symptoms and tips for new moms.

After an egg is fertilized, it travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Once there, the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall.

This process is known as pregnancy implantation.

Once the Fertilized egg implants, the pregnancy hormone, hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), is released. hCG collects in the urine and bloodstream and can then be picked up on a home pregnancy test.

This implantation process typically takes 6-8 days.

Here’s How Long After Implantation You Can Test for Pregnancy

For the most accurate results, you should wait until after your first missed period to take a pregnancy test. But if the suspense is just too much, you can try taking a pregnancy test 1-2 weeks after intercourse (be sure to take the test in the morning). This is because the body needs time for the pregnancy hormone to build up enough to be detected.

This happens 7-12 days after an egg successfully implants. So it’s possible to pick up some faint hCG levels on a home test at this point.

However, there’s still a high likelihood of a false negative result. If you do get a negative test result, be sure to check again a bit further down the road. The amount of hCG will increase as your pregnancy progresses and become much more detectable.

It’s also possible to receive false positives. This is referred to as a chemical pregnancy (the implanted egg is unable to grow properly so the pregnancy doesn’t progress). This is rare, but if you have a positive result, you should follow up with a blood test at your doctor’s office to confirm the pregnancy. You’ll also likely establish prenatal care at this time.

RELATED: 7 DPO Symptoms: Early Signs You Could Be Pregnant

Signs of Successful Implantation

After implantation, there are a few signs you may experience to help you know you’re ready to take a test. However, these signs also mimic some of what you may experience with your monthly period. Bear this in mind, but if your body feels different from the norm, it’s worth paying attention to and possibly taking a test.

Implantation bleeding

Some women have light bleeding and spotting after successful implantation. This can be mistaken for the start of your period, but there are some key differences.

The main difference is that implantation bleeding is very temporary, lasting no more than a couple days.

It’s also different in color. Blood from implantation is usually a brownish color or light pink rather than deep or bright red like menstrual blood.

You also won’t experience heavy bleeding or clots.

If you’re hoping you’re pregnant, but don’t experience implantation bleeding, don’t fret. Only about 1/3 of women will have it.

Cramps

Cramps can accompany implantation bleeding similarly to your period. However, they are typically much milder and last for just a short period of time.

Sore Breasts

Many women experience sore breasts around the time of their period. But, this can also be a sign of pregnancy.

When pregnant, the body has elevated estrogen levels and decreased levels of progesterone. This imbalance signals lots of changes in the body to prepare for carrying a baby. One of which is increased blood flow. You’ll likely feel it in your breasts and other parts of the body, too.

If you don’t normally experience sore breasts and start to feel some tenderness, feel more full, or see more pronounced blood vessels under this skin, this could be a sign of pregnancy.

Increased Basal Body Temperature

If you’re looking into technical questions like “how long after implantation can you test,” you may also be interested in basal body temperature charting.

Those who use a basal thermometer to track their cycle may be able to detect early pregnancy. Most women experience a slight increase in basal body temperature 12-14 hours after ovulation (but, it can take up to 3 days).

If you’ve charted your temperature and notice your temperature doesn’t shift back down, this could be a sign of pregnancy. BBT and progesterone levels will stay elevated throughout pregnancy.

If you’re not pregnant, BBT should drop to normal levels just before your period.

Missed Period

One tell-tale sign of pregnancy is a missed period. This is the surest way to know whether there was successful implantation of an egg.

If you’ve waited this long after implantation, a disrupted menstrual cycle is a sure sign you should take a pregnancy test.

FAQs

How long after implantation does hCG rise?

The body is signaled to produce hCG as soon as a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, but may not be detected right away. hCG levels can typically be detected on home pregnancy tests starting 7-12 days after implantation. Levels of hCG will continue to increase as a pregnancy progresses.

Can you test positive 24 hours after implantation?

It’s very unlikely to test positive 24 hours after implantation. hCG levels are generally undetectable that soon. For the most accurate results, plan to test a couple days after your missed period or 1-2 weeks after intercourse, at the earliest.

What are the signs of successful implantation?

Successful implantation can result in implantation bleeding (light bleeding or spotting), mild and temporary cramps, sore breasts, and elevated basal body temperature. The surest sign of implantation is a missed period.

The Bottom Line

How long after implantation can you test for pregnancy? Here’s the bottom line:

If you test for pregnancy too soon after implantation you may receive inaccurate results.
hCG levels can be detected as early as 7-12 days after implantation, but for the most accurate reading, wait until after your first missed period. If you just can’t wait, test 1-2 weeks after intercourse at the earliest.
If you test early and receive a negative result, be sure to test again after your missed period.
Confirm a positive pregnancy test with your doctor to rule out chemical pregnancy (though this is extremely rare).

If you’re a new mom and eager to become pregnant, don’t get discouraged! The best thing you can do is relax and be patient.

If you have concerns about your fertility, your doctor can help you determine if there are any issues preventing pregnancy. In many cases, it’s just a matter of timing!

RELATED: Is pregnancy calculated from conception or last period?