How And When To Take A Pregnancy Test Correctly
Do you have questions about whether you are pregnant? The best way to solve them is by taking a test. Here we tell you how to take a pregnancy test.
When you have doubts about whether or not you are pregnant, it is best to take a pregnancy test. Although the most effective will be a blood test performed at your medical center, the market offers the possibility of buying tests that will give you a quick response to your condition.
The symptoms of a pregnancy can make you think that you are expecting a baby. However, a delay in your menstruation can be the full stop to decide to do a pregnancy test.
How to do a pregnancy test
The steps to follow are very easy. In each test box you will find instructions on how to use it and how to read the results. Even so, if there is something that is not easy for you to understand, consult your pharmacist. There are several types of pregnancy tests, but we are going to talk to you about the so-called homemade ones, which are those that you can easily buy at any pharmacy.
- Buy a pregnancy test at your pharmacy . When choosing, try to choose one that has a high sensitivity to hCG, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin. Your pharmacist will know how to advise you which is the most recommended.
- The pregnancy test includes a test strip that you have to soak in your urine . You can also dip the strip in a jar that contains your urine.
- If everything is correct, in 3-4 minutes the test will offer you the answer to whether or not you are pregnant.
Once you have obtained the result, if this is affirmative, go to your doctor to comment on your suspicion and the result of the test. This way you can start the protocols of care and monitoring of the pregnancy.
When to do a pregnancy test
Many women begin to suspect that they may be pregnant with the delay in menstruation. If this is your case and your period is usually regular, you can take the test when you see that you have a lack. If, on the other hand, your menstrual cycle is not regular, it is recommended that you wait a few days to take the test.
The hCG is detected at high levels from 9-14 days after fertilization , so do not rush doing the test. You may have typical pregnancy symptoms like breast swelling and pain or even nausea, but these also belong to the spectrum of symptoms of normal menstruation.
False positives and false negatives
Pregnancy tests are currently reliable methods to know if you are expecting a baby . However, false positives and false negatives can occur.
False positives
False positives can occur due to:
- Ectopic pregnancy . It is an extrauterine pregnancy. The fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, making its development unviable.
- Molar pregnancy . In the fertilization process there is a problem in the fertilized ovum. This leads to abnormal development, which is unfeasible.
- Choriocarcinoma . It is an aggressive type of cancer in the placenta.
- Tumors .
False negatives
It can also happen that a test gives you a negative result, even if you are pregnant. This is due to:
- You took the test too early . It’s good to wait until you have a late period to make sure hCG is already high in your urine.
- You are taking medication that may alter the results . If you are taking medication, it is best to consult with your doctor to see if the medication can interfere with the result.
- Low sensitivity of the pregnancy test . Some tests measure the presence of hCG when it is at very high levels, so they may not detect it on certain occasions.
- Test expired or damaged . Make sure that the test you have is in optimal condition for use.
To avoid unexpected surprises, go to your doctor when the test result is positive, and repeat the test if it is negative but you continue to notice the symptoms of pregnancy.
