Am I Pregnant?

I Can't Wait to Find Out!

There's nothing quite like the desire to confirm a pregnancy. Today it's faster and easier than ever. While many home pregnancy tests claim they can tell you if you're pregnant on the day your period is due, studies have indicated that these results are often not accurate. It is better to wait for a week after a missed period to do the test - that way the results will be much more accurate.

What a Pregnancy Test Does

A pregnancy test looks for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is also called the pregnancy hormone. This hormone is produced by the body when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, usually about six days after conception. The amount of hCG in your body increases dramatically with every passing day of pregnancy.

Two Different Types of Tests

There are two types of pregnancy tests; one checks the blood for hCG and the other checks urine. Home pregnancy tests are done by checking urine, but you'll have to see a doctor to have a blood test done for final confirmation. Most women use home pregnancy tests (HPT) to determine whether they are pregnant. They are fast, easy to use and inexpensive - and you can tell if you're pregnant two weeks after ovulation. If your HPT indicates that you are pregnant, call your doctor and make an appointment right away. Your doctor can do the necessary tests and a pelvic exam to confirm the HPT results. And, seeing your doctor very early on can increase the chances for a healthy pregnancy right from the start.

So Many Different Tests to Choose From

There are several different types of HPTs that are sold over-the-counter in drug stores. Prices are different, depending upon how many tests are in the box and what the brand name is on the box. Overall, most pregnancy tests work the same way. Most instruct you to hold the stick in a stream of urine or place it in a cup of urine which you've collected. There is one test which suggests collecting the urine and then putting a few drops into a special container. Generally speaking, for accuracy, the best time to do a pregnancy test is first thing in the morning. After the stick has been exposed to the urine, you're told to wait a few minutes and then check for the results in the "results window." If you are pregnant, a line or symbol will appear. Regardless how faint the line is, if it's there, the results are positive.

Things To Do To Make Sure Your Results Are Accurate

To be sure your results are accurate using a home pregnancy test, be sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and check the expiration date before you use it. Remember that hCG increases over time, so if you do your test very early, the results may be harder to spot. Waiting at least a week after a missed period to do the test will ensure a stronger result. Since the amount of hCG in each woman varies, you may need to wait a little longer than someone else. Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and some are better than others. When you are ready purchase your HTP, ask questions and find out which is the best one to use.