Information About Home Pregnancy Testing

Before you choose a test you should learn how they work. Home pregnancy tests look in your urine for hCG, human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This is made by the placenta once the fertilized egg (embryo) has implanted into the uterus lining. HCG levels are low at first but rapidly increase, and this hormone causes early pregnancy signs such as food cravings, tiredness, sickness and nausea.

A doctor would suggest testing after the woman misses a period, this is when the hCG is at high levels, but there are tests now that are more sensitive and offer the option of early testing. Early Response and Clearblue Easy for example can be used before a missed period. Very sensitive tests detect hCG as low as 20mIU but remember that even 3 weeks after conception hCG can be anywhere from 5 up to 50mIU. So even using a sensitive test you may get a false negative result.

Timing is crucial when looking for accurate results from home testing. After conception the embryo needs to get to the uterus before the body triggers hCG production and is officially pregnant. This can take six to twelve days of travel so you need to wait at least 12 days before you test even if using a sensitive one. Women undergoing fertility treatment should not use home tests as they can get false positives.

The cost of home pregnancy tests ranges from $8 to $20. Some are digital some have lines, but all need to have the directions read carefully. If you are not using a sensitive test wait until after a missed period so that you have enough hCG in your body to be detected. In order to make sure your results are as accurate as can be here are a few tips to follow:

Use your first urine of the day as the hCG is easier to detect in this more concentrated urine. At least 4 hour urine is best. The leaflet needs to be read carefully and followed exactly for the best accuracy. You should only read the test at the time the instructions say, usually 1 to 3 minutes after peeing on the stick. After that the test is no good. A doctor can do a blood test if you are having problems.

All there is to know about an early pregnancy test and pregnancy testing in general. Today’s special: how to get pregnant with a boy

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