The Fertile and Fickle Phase
The luteal phase describes the time span, usually from ten to sixteen days, between a woman's ovulation and her menstrual period. During this time, early pregnancy testing is possible, although its accuracy depends on whether or not an egg was actually fertilised as well as whether or not it has successfully implanted in the endometrium.
After ovulation, levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) support the continued growth of the follicle that released the egg. This follicle, now called a 'corpus luteum', produces massive amounts of progesterone and estrogen, two hormones integral to a healthy and progressing pregnancy. The corpus luteum produces hormones that suppress LH and FSH production, which gradually causes the corpus luteum to atrophy and die. Estrogen and progesterone production slows as the corpus luteum dies, triggering the end of the luteal phase and the beginning of the menstrual period.
Studies of early pregnancy testing results have shown that successful fertilisation and implantation of an embryo will halt the death of the corpus luteum, keeping progesterone and estrogen levels high. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin produced by the implanted embryo cues the body not to go through the usual process of a menstrual period, but the menstrual cycle otherwise continues as normal.
Getting Results
While early pregnancy testing is possible during the luteal phase, it's often recommended that women wait until their period is already late or missing to achieve more accurate results. Early pregnancy testing, done before the embryo is implanted (which could take up to a week), will yield falsely negative results. In addition, there is little proof to support any real difference between tests used for early pregnancy testing and those used for 'standard' pregnancy testing. Both types can detect hCG levels of more than 20mlU/mL, but cannot detect a lesser amount - which means that early pregnancy testing will result in a negative result if the embryo has produced less than 20mlU/mL of hCG. Some women don't produce hCG more than 10mlU/mL until the second or third week of pregnancy!
If you want truly accurate early pregnancy testing, your best option is a visit to your doctor. With a quantitative blood test, your doctor conducts a blood-based (rather than urine-based) type of early pregnancy testing. It's also important to note that any testing, including early pregnancy testing, performed outside a clinical environment is at risk for contamination and interference. A quantitative blood test can detect as little as 1mlU/mL hCG in your bloodstream. This type of early pregnancy testing is rarely inaccurate, highly controlled, and a great first step on your journey into motherhood.
Women who are aware of their ovulation, particularly women who have charted or tracked their reproductive cycles, will probably be highly aware of their luteal phase as it's happening. It can cause mood swings, irritability, and unpredictable emotional outbursts. Early pregnancy testing in the midst of these symptoms is unlikely to help and may, in fact, only complicate matters by increasing stress. If you're truly curious and you can't wait, visit a doctor to conduct your early pregnancy testing; accuracy is more likely, and you will have made your first step towards getting to know your new 'family' doctor.
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