Pregnancy Test
This topic will help you understand the pregnancy test and how to prepare for it.
What Is aHCGPregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test is a method to determine whether you are pregnant. If the pregnancy test is positive, it means you are pregnant. If the test is negative, it means you are not pregnant. The pregnancy test relies on the detection of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is one of the most important pregnancy hormones. These tests can use either blood or urine to search for the hormone. Home pregnancy test kits that check urine are the most common type.
When Is a Pregnancy Test Conducted?
- If you think you might be pregnant, it is good and important to take the test and be sure. The results of home pregnancy tests can vary for early pregnancy detection. In many cases, you may receive a positive result from a home test as early as 10 days after conception.
- For a more accurate result, wait until you miss your period to take the test.
Remember that if you take the test too early, it may be negative even if you are pregnant. If you get a negative test and then miss your period, take another test.
How Do You Prepare for a Pregnancy Test?
- There are two main types of pregnancy tests: home urine tests and hospital blood tests.
- Pregnancy tests do not require you to avoid activities or change your lifestyle. Below are some helpful tips you should follow to get the best results from a home pregnancy test:
- Check the expiration date of the pregnancy test on the package.
- Read the instructions that come with the test carefully before starting, and follow each step exactly.
- Place the pregnancy test strip in the urine stream while urinating.
- It is preferable to conduct a home pregnancy test in the morning after waking up, as this is when pregnancy hormone levels are most concentrated and can be easily detected. If you do it at another time of day, try to ensure your bladder has held urine for at least three hours.
Do not drink excessive amounts of fluids before taking the pregnancy test, as they can dilute your pregnancy hormone levels.
