A home pregnancy test is the best way to determine if you are pregnant. But how early can one be taken? Although there are some early signs of pregnancy that most people are aware of when trying to conceive, they aren’t universal and don’t always appear in the same way for everyone.
Missing periods could easily be caused by stress or a diet change. A stomach bug can also be mistakenly mistaken for morning sick if the woman has never been pregnant. Feeling tired can be a sign of a hectic lifestyle, but it is not necessarily a sign that you are pregnant.
It’s safer to be safe than sorry, so opt for the home pregnancy tests. Home pregnancy tests were first developed in a way that we recognize today in 1927. They are now used by doctors worldwide as well as everyday people.
Some women can detect pregnancy in as little as two weeks.
We asked Dr. Larisa Corta, an obstetrician and one of the UK’s most respected fertility specialists to assist us.
When can you have a pregnancy test?
Some home pregnancy tests claim they can tell you if your period is coming on the same day as your period. It’s also possible to know if your period will be a few days before, but that’s not always the case. It is not always possible to pinpoint the date of your period. Moreover, hCG levels can vary from one woman to another.
Every woman has a different menstrual cycle, so every woman ovulates at different times. This can affect the time of your period. Your body may have more hCG if you have conceived earlier than usual.
Even though you don’t want to wait, it is best to give it at the least one week after your period.
When is it a good idea to have a test for pregnancy?
It’s a good idea for anyone who has missed a period to have a pregnancy test.
If your goal is to conceive, but you don’t want it to be too late, wait at least one to 2 weeks after having sex. Some very sensitive tests might detect a pregnancy at that stage.
What pregnancy test should you do first?
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The NHS states that all pregnancy tests are reliable the day after your missed period. However, some tests can be used up to four or five days before your period begins. These include…
Clear Blue Early Detection Pregnancy Test
Clear Blue is one of the most trusted brands in pregnancy testing. It tests for pregnancy 79% accurately 6 days before the missed period, and 5 days prior to the expected period. The test has a simple color-changing tip that makes it easy to read the results. You can currently get one test on Amazon for less than PS6.
First Response Early Pregnancy Testing
This pregnancy test can tell you if you are pregnant six days before your missed period, and five days before your period is due. It is less accurate than the Clear Blue test (62% effective 6 days prior), but it is still 99% effective on day of missed period. Amazon offers 2 tests for as low as PS6
Clear Blue Digital Pregnancy Test
This pregnancy check is accurate to 99% from the day you expect your period to begin. However, it can be used up until 4 days before your period begins.
Clear Blue was recommended by more than 400 doctors in a 2012 study. At the moment, two PS11 tests can be purchased from Amazon.
Pregnancy tests : You may need to have a pregnancy test .
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A missed period
Missing periods in women who have regular periods is one of the most obvious signs that you are pregnant. Your period may sometimes be missed or delayed due to stress, diet and exercise, or other medical conditions.
Every woman has a different menstrual cycle, so every woman ovulates at different times. This can affect the time of your period. If your lifestyle or something else has affected your ovulation, you may have conceived earlier than usual. Even though you might not want to wait, it is best to wait at least one week after your period is over.
Mild cramps
Implantation can cause a similar feeling to menstrual cramps but without the associated period. This could be a sign that you are pregnant.
Breast tenderness
Your breasts might feel tender or larger due to an increase in estrogen and progesterone. The skin might feel swollen and your nipples may hurt.
You feel unwell
You might feel nauseated, have food aversions or exhaustion. You may also find yourself frequenting the bathroom to urinate. Be aware of your body and any unusual symptoms that could indicate you are pregnant.
How can you perform a home pregnancy test at home?
You can choose from a variety of home pregnancy tests. They range in price from PS6-12. They require you to urinate on a stick.
There are many ways to collect urine for testing. You may need to:
- Take your urine and place it in a glass. Dip a test stick in the liquid.
- Take your urine and place it in a cup. Use an eyedropper to transfer a small amount into a container
- Insert the test stick in the area where you expect your urine stream to catch it midstream
The tests will display your results after the recommended waiting period. These can be a change of color, a line or symbol such as plus orminus or the words pregnant’ and ‘not pregnant’.
You are considered pregnant if a plus symbol or line appears. It doesn’t matter if the plus symbol or line is faint. Positive results are guaranteed.
Many brands will tell you to do the test again in a few days regardless of the results.
Even if your first test is negative, that doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t pregnant. You might not have enough hCG yet. Take it again in a few more days. Your first test is almost certain to be positive. False positives are rare but can happen, especially if you’re taking a particular medication.
How accurate can home pregnancy tests be?
Home pregnancy test results are extremely accurate and claim to be between 97 and 99 percent accurate. However, as with all kits, there are some factors that can influence the results.
These are some tips to increase their accuracy:
- Make sure to check the expiry date.
- Your urine levels of hCG, or pregnancy hormone, increase with time. It can also vary between times of day. It is more difficult to detect hCG if you wait until after your missed period. It may also help to test your urine early in the morning.
- Every woman’s urine level of hCG is different. Some women will get the exact results, while others may need to wait longer.
- There are some tests that are more sensitive than others. This will impact the time you can use them to determine if you have a baby.
In case you are unsure, it is best to consult your doctor or another health care professional who can perform a pregnancy test.
What are the pregnancy tests?
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Pregnancy tests are done to check for a hormone called hCG (human-chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone is only found in pregnant women.
HCG is made only after the fertilized egg implanted itself in the uterus. This usually occurs around six days after conception. This can vary from one woman to another, but generally speaking, the more advanced your pregnancy is, the higher your body’s level of HCG.
