The pregnancy hormone, hCG, is made in your body when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This usually happens about 6 days after conception. But studies show that the embryo doesn't implant until later in some women. The amount of hCG increases drastically with each passing day you are pregnant.
Many home pregnancy tests claim they can tell if you're pregnant on the day you expect your period. But a recent study shows that most don't give accurate results this early in pregnancy. Waiting one week after a missed period will usually give a more accurate answer.
There are basically two types of tests. Blood tests and urine tests. Both tests check for the hGC hormone. Many women prefer the urine test bacause it can be preformed at home but to get the most accurate results a blood test is required.
Do not be afraid of the home pregnancy tests, many claim to be 99% accurate on the day you miss your period. But research suggests that most HPTs do not consistently spot pregnancy that early. And when they do, the results are often so faint they are misunderstood. If you can wait one week after your missed period, most home pregnancy tests will give you an accurate answer. Ask your doctor for a more sensitive test if you need to know earlier.
When a home pregnancy test will give an accurate result depends on many things. These include:
How long it takes for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus after ovulation. Pregnancy tests look for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that is only produced once the fertilized egg has implanted in the uterine wall. In most cases, this happens about 6 days after conception. But studies show that in up to 10 percent of women, the embryo doesn't implant until much later, after the first day of the missed period. So, home pregnancy tests will be accurate as soon as one day after a missed period for some women but not for others. How you use them - Be sure to follow the directions and check the expiration date. When you use them - The amount of hCG in a pregnant woman's urine increases with time. So, the earlier after a missed period you take a HPT, the harder it is to spot the hCG. If you wait one week after a missed period to test, you are more apt to have an accurate result. Also, testing your urine first thing in the morning may boost the accuracy. Who uses them - The amount of hCG in the urine at different points in early pregnancy is different for every woman. So, some women will have accurate results on the day of the missed period while others will need to wait longer. The brand of test - Some home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others. So, some tests are better than others at spotting hCG early on. Keep in mind that many over-the-counter medications can effect the outcome of any pregnancy test.
Copyright 2006 WomanCentric Inc.
Most Sensitive Pregnancy Tests
With today's increased knowledge of health and development of the fetus in the womb, there are several tests that expectant mothers will undergo to ensure the health prospects of both herself and her baby. All of these tests are standard, and you should make sure to ask your doctor about when they are scheduled and that they are all on his list.
CBC Test: CBC stands for Complete Blood Count. This test checks for anemia and other abnormalities that may occur within blood components.
Urinary Analysis: Regular urine analysis safety check for infection, protein, blood, or any other products that should not be present in the urine and that may signal complications.
RH factor: This test also tests the blood type. Differences in the blood type or Rh factor could lead to serious complications in the newborn, or in your next child. Women who are RH negative need to have additional screening done later in the pregnancy.
Immunity: A blood test is required to ensure immunity from German measles (rubella).
STD: Tests for sexually transmitted diseases are also necessary, including screenings for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. Some tests include cultures for Chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Blood glucose is checked for diabetes.
Pap smears check the cells of the cervix for abnormalities, including cancerous or precancerous cells.
Screening for bacterial and viral infections in the vagina and cervix is often performed during the second half of the pregnancy. Testing to detect bacterial vaginosis, which could increase the risk for premature rupture of membranes and subsequent labor, and a culture for group B streptococci, which can infect and harm the newborn after delivery, may be done during your pregnancy.
There are other tests that may be taken according to your own personal health history. Expectant women with high blood pressure should be regularly checked. Make sure when you visit your obstetrician that all these tests are accounted for, and consult her on any that may need to be done additionally.
Both Jacqueline Flynn & Loni Gordon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jacqueline Flynn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Babies, Pregnancy Problems and Pregnancy Trimester. http://www.earlysignofpregnancy.net is the most recent women's resource site from Jacqueline Flynn. She is the founder and President of WomanCentric.com.. Jacqueline Flynn's top article generates over 6600 views. Bookmark Jacqueline Flynn to your Favourites.
Loni Gordon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Pregnancy Problems and Pregnancy. copyright?2006 allpregnancyinformation.com. Visit for more pregnancy articles, resources for. Loni Gordon's top article generates over 6600 views. Bookmark Loni Gordon to your Favourites.
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