How Long After Spotting Should I Take a Test?

Spotting can be a sign of pregnancy.

Take the Test Immediately

If you experience spotting instead of a normal menstrual period and you have had intercourse within the last few weeks, take a pregnancy test immediately. You might be having implantation bleeding, which happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall and the lining erodes.

Wait a Few Days

If you have irregular periods (you can't predict when they will arrive, or how light or heavy your menstrual flow will be), wait a few days. The spotting might be a normal part of your menses. If your periods are pretty regular, you may be experiencing some spotting before your typical flow.

Bottom Line

Any irregularities in your cycle should be monitored, so take the pregnancy test immediately. Whether the test is positive or negative, schedule a checkup with your gynecologist afterward: You will either be dealing with a pregnancy or making sure you're not experiencing a different gynecological issue.

References

• Pregnancy-info: Pregnancy Symptoms
• Wrong Diagnosis: Menstrual Irregularities