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Why a Home Pregnancy Test?

March 14th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

A home pregnancy test is fairly accurate, can be purchased at your pharmacy and is very easy to use. The test works by testing your urine for the presence of a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG. If HCG is present the test will indicate that you are pregnant.

Home pregnancy tests have become very popular because they are less expensive than a doctor visit, provide an answer within a few minutes and can be used in the privacy of your own home. Although there are many brands on the market, the first response pregnancy test and the ept pregnancy test are two of the most popular and trusted brands.

Taking a home pregnancy test too early, may indicate that you are not pregnant even though you have already conceived. This is because HCG is not present in your system until the fertilized egg has implanted itself on the walls of the uterus which occurs 5 to 8 days after conception.

To ensure accuracy, it is best to wait at least two weeks after a missed period to take your first home pregnancy test. Regardless of the result, verify the answer by taking a second pregnancy test a few days later.

Early Pregnancy Test Options

There are only two types of pregnancy tests available today: a urine test and blood test. Both tests are designed to detect the presence of the HCG pregnancy hormone in your system. All home pregnancy tests are urine tests. A blood test can only be performed by your doctor.

Although blood tests tend to be more sensitive than urine based home pregnancy tests, HCG is not present in your system until implantation occurs. Thus the increased sensitivity of a blood test provides minimal benefit, assuming you’re using your home pregnancy test properly.

Most women still prefer the convenience and cost savings obtained with a home pregnancy test. Urine based tests have also improved greatly the last few years increasing both their effectiveness and sensitivity.

To ensure you are using the most advanced urine test possible, use a name brand such as the ept pregnancy test or the first response pregnancy test. Although there are pregnancy tests advertised on the internet for a dollar or less, you can not be sure of the quality.

Home Pregnancy Test Procedure

Home pregnancy tests are easy to use provided you read the instructions. The test procedures are not standardized so different brands function differently. If you want an accurate result please follow the directions exactly.

For example, some home pregnancy tests instruct you to place the testing stick in contact with your urine stream. Other home pregnancy tests require you to immerse the stick into a urine sample that you have collected.

After the testing stick comes in contact with the urine, it usually takes a few minutes before the results can be seen on the indicator. Some home pregnancy tests also include a control mechanism so you know that the testing device is working properly.

Final Comments

In summary, home pregnancy tests are a great way for you to easily and affordably identify whether or not you are pregnant. However to ensure accuracy you should:

buy a name brand pregnancy test such as ept or first response;
read and follow all directions exactly;
wait two weeks after missing a period to perform the first test; and
always verify your results with a second test in 2 - 5 days.

As soon as you confirm your pregnancy make an appointment to see your doctor. It’s extremely important to start taking special care of yourself to ensure the health of your developing baby.

Poor fitness and nutrition during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy can cause birth defects, malformations and a miscarriage.
To Your Health

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