Home pregnancy tests : Getting pregnant

5:17 AM | ป้ายกำกับ: blood, Getting pregnant, hCG, home pregnancy test

A pregnancy test attempts to determine whether or not a woman is pregnant. Modern pregnancy tests look for chemical markers associated with pregnancy. These markers are found in urine and blood, and pregnancy tests require sampling one of these substances.

How do I use a home pregnancy test?

First, read the directions carefully, because the instructions will vary with different brands. Some require you to urinate in a pot and then, using a dropper, place a small sample into a testing well. Others let you pee directly onto a stick. But, fundamentally, all pregnancy tests work the same way; they measure the amount of hCG in your body. What's different is how they display results (positive or negative). Some change the colour of the urine sample, others show pink or blue lines on the test strip, reveal a red plus or minus sign, or the actual words "pregnant" or "not pregnant", in a window.

Are home pregnancy tests accurate?

If you follow directions to the letter, home pregnancy tests are 97% accurate. But mistakes do happen, which is why some kits come with two tests. There are several reasons why a home pregnancy test may be negative: you may not be pregnant, or your body may not be making a normal amount of hCG. If you test too early (before the first day of your missed period), you may get a false negative result because not enough of the hormone has built up in your system. If the test comes back negative but you still suspect you're pregnant, wait a few days, read the directions carefully, and try again. False positives, when the test says you're pregnant but you're not, are rare.

If you have irregular periods, it may be harder to calculate when your period is due. Allow for your longest cycle in recent months before testing. If you have recently stopped taking the contraceptive pill, you may not know how long your natural cycle is so you may end up testing either too soon or too late. If your test is negative in either of these situations, you should test again in three days.

tip: Perform the test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.

Where can I buy one?

Home pregnancy tests may be purchased without a prescription at most high street chemists and supermarkets. You can also buy them on-line by mail order.

How are home pregnancy tests different from ones performed by doctors?

Many clinics use home pregnancy tests to verify pregnancies, in which case, they're exactly the same. Occasionally, women are given blood tests, but they aren't all that different from home pregnancy tests, either. Both types look for hCG in your body. A blood test is much more sensitive than any over-the-counter kit, which means it can determine whether you're pregnant just six to eight days after you ovulate.