Is your period due? Maybe you're expecting a baby. Or maybe you're just feeling a little nervous about an unexpected relationship. Whatever the reason, the best way to quickly and easily find out if you're pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test . So today we're going to talk about this, how it works, and how to interpret the results.
How does a pregnancy test work?
Simply put, when you become pregnant, that is, after a fertilized egg implants itself in the wall of your uterus, your body starts producing a special hormone. We call this Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or HCG .
The level of this HCG hormone increases very rapidly during early pregnancy, doubling every two to three days. A pregnancy test checks for the presence of this HCG hormone in your urine or blood.
What are these types of pregnancy tests?
There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. Let's look at the difference between the two.
| Test type | Description |
|---|---|
| Urine Test | This is the kind you can buy at a pharmacy and make at home. It's very easy to use, convenient, and gives quick results in most cases. It's about 99% accurate if you follow the instructions exactly. |
| Blood Test | This is done in a laboratory under the direction of your doctor. It can detect pregnancy earlier than a home test (about 7-10 days after ovulation). The results can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. |
A little more information about blood tests
There are two types of blood tests.
1. Qualitative hCG test: This only checks whether the HCG hormone is present in your blood (Yes/No).
2. Quantitative hCG test (Beta hCG): This measures exactly how much hCG hormone is in the blood. Doctors use this test specifically, for example, if there is a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy, or to monitor the decline in hCG levels after a miscarriage.
How accurate is a home test?
A home pregnancy test kit that you can buy from the pharmacy is about 99% accurate if you follow the instructions exactly. However, this accuracy depends on several factors.
- How well you follow the instructions on the test.
- The time when you ovulate and the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
- How soon after becoming pregnant should you take the test?
- The sensitivity of the test kit you are using.
The simplest advice is to take the test after your period has passed , rather than on the day you expect it, to get the most accurate result.
Also, using the first urine you urinate in the morning can give you the most accurate results. This is because the urine has a higher concentration of HCG hormone after it has been in your bladder overnight. Don't drink a lot of water before taking the test, as this can dilute your urine and lower your HCG levels.
How to understand the results?
The test result may be displayed as a line, a color, a '+' or '-' sign. Digital tests may display the words "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant".
If a positive (+) result is obtained
This means you are pregnant. No matter how light the line, color, or mark on the test is, it is still considered a positive result. If this happens, your next step should be to talk to your doctor about what to do next.
Very rarely, false-positive results can occur. This means that the test shows that you are pregnant even though you are not. This can happen if there is blood or protein in your urine, or if you are taking certain medications (for example, fertility drugs).
If a negative (-) result is obtained
This means that you are most likely not pregnant. However, sometimes you may get a negative result even though you are pregnant (False-negative). This can be due to:
- If the test has expired.
- If you did the test wrong.
- If you took the test too early after getting pregnant (because the HCG level is low).
- If you drank a lot of water before the test and your urine is diluted.
- If you are taking certain medications (e.g. diuretics, antihistamines).
If you get a negative result, it's best to test again in about a week.
The difference between a faint line and an evaporation line: A faint line is usually positive. However, an evaporation line is a line that disappears after the test has been read for a longer period of time. It is not a positive sign. If in doubt, definitely do another test.
What do you do next if you test positive?
As soon as you get a positive result, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will probably order a blood test to confirm that you are pregnant. The sooner you confirm that you are pregnant, the sooner you can start prenatal care for you and your baby. This is very important for both your health and your baby's.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
My test is negative, but I haven't had my period. Why is that?
If you don't get your period even though the test is negative, there could be other reasons. You may not be pregnant. Here are some reasons:
- Severe stress.
- If you are breastfeeding.
- If you use hormonal birth control methods.
- A condition such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- Thyroid problems.
- Excessive exercise.
- Recent significant change in body weight.
Whatever the reason, it's best to talk to your doctor about this.
Emergency warning signs to watch out for!
If you have a negative result and no period, and any of the following symptoms , seek medical advice immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). These could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy.
* Severe pain on one side of the stomach.
* Pain in one shoulder.
* Vaginal bleeding that is not your period.
* Dizziness or loss of consciousness.
* Nausea or vomiting.
Take-Home Message
- A pregnancy test checks for the presence of a hormone called HCG in your body.
- For the most accurate result, test with urine first thing in the morning, after your period has passed.
- No matter how light the line on the test is, it is usually considered a 'positive' result.
- If you receive a 'positive' result, see your doctor without delay and begin any necessary prenatal care.
- If you receive a 'negative' result, have no menstrual bleeding, and have other symptoms, see your doctor to determine the cause.
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