If you are trying to conceive, the wait to learn whether you are pregnant can seem endless. You may be thinking, How soon can I take a pregnancy test? or What are the signs of early pregnancy I should be aware of? So to get answers, we consulted Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified fertility doctor, who breaks down all that you need to know about early pregnancy, ovulation and testing.

The Basics of Ovulation: How to Get Pregnant

Before rushing to take a pregnancy test, it’s important to know what goes on during ovulation. According to Dr. Crawford, during the ovulation, one egg is released each month from the ovary. 

This process starts when a batch of eggs is released from the ovarian “vault.” Each egg sits in a follicle, and as the egg matures it releases estrogen.

Follicle Growth: The follicle grows over roughly two weeks, and estrogen concentrations increase. A developed egg releases about 200 picograms of estrogen, as opposed to one picogram while dormant.

High Estrogen Signs: When estrogen levels are high, you may experience an increased libido along with higher energy and changes in cervical mucus—all indications your body is trying to encourage conception.

When estrogen is high enough, the brain releases luteinizing hormone (LH), which spurs ovulation. The egg is expelled into the abdominal cavity then “sucked up” by the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm within 24 hours.

Luteal Phase: The Clue That You're Pregnant...

Shortly after ovulation, the follicle becomes the corpus luteum, a cyst that produces progesterone. Progesterone levels increase and decrease in pulses in the luteal phase, which sometimes leads to symptoms like bloating, brain fog and breast tenderness. 

These symptoms are commonly confused for signs of early pregnancy, but they are merely part of the post-ovulation process.

Progesterone’s Role: Progesterone prepares the uterus for potential implantation. If fertilization takes place, the embryo continues to develop into a blastocyst and implants into the uterine lining around 5–6 days after fertilization.

The Moment of Implantation and the Surge of HCG

ImplantationImplantation (the blastocyst is a blob of cells) attaches to the uterine cavity, creating a connection to the maternal bloodstream. It is at this time that the body begins creating human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the hormone that pregnancy tests pick up on.

HCG Production: HCG tells the corpus luteum to release more progesterone to maintain the pregnancy. In early pregnancy this hormone doubles every 48 hours so it’s a good marker to pregnancy tests.

Implantation Symptoms: Women may feel light spotting or cramping, similar to an early period, as implementation happens. This spotting is usually lighter and redder than menstrual bleeding.

When Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?

The big question: How soon can you take a pregnancy test? For the most accurate results, Dr. Crawford recommends that you wait until approximately 2 weeks after ovulation or after you’ve missed your period. 

But if you’re monitoring your cycle closely, you may notice a very faint positive as soon as 8–10 days after ovulation.

Urine vs. blood tests: Urine tests look for HCG, but concentration can depend on levels of hydration and the timing of the test. Blood tests, which are used more frequently by fertility clinics, are more sensitive at measuring HCG levels and can detect pregnancy sooner.

Early Symptoms: A few women report early pregnancy signs, like increased sensitivity to odors, nausea, or breast soreness, before receiving a positive test. These symptoms are due to increasing progesterone and HCG levels.

What to Do if You Have a Positive Test Result

If your pregnancy test is positive, Dr. Crawford recommends making an appointment with your OB-GYN or fertility clinic. Pregnancy can be confirmed with blood tests and a follow-up, where HCG levels are monitored and should be doubling as normal.

What to do: Catching the disease in its early stages means you can take informed steps to improve your health and lifestyle. Whether you’re calibrating meds, steering clear of certain groceries or just getting your domestic ducks in a row, knowledge is power, and early knowledge is better.

Final Thoughts

Educating yourself on how your body works, and the science behind conception can empower you to pursue your journey to be a parent. And when every step gets you closer to answering the question, Am I pregnant? From tracking ovulation to spotting the first early pregnancy signs.

If this was useful, pass it on to others who can use it. And be sure to check out Dr. Natalie Crawford on Instagram ( @NatalieCrawfordMD ) or her podcast for more expertise on fertility and health.

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