Knowing when to take a pregnancy test will help you know
whether or not you're pregnant. If you're wanting to know when
to take a pregnancy test, the timing depends on the type of
test.
There are two basic types of pregnancy tests - the urine test
and the blood test. Both tests look for the hormone that is
only present if a woman is pregnant. This hormone is called
'human chorionic gonadotropin', also referred to as 'hCG'.
Blood tests can detect hCG about 6 to 8 days after you have
ovulated. In general, urine tests can detect hCG about 14 days
after ovulation.
When to take a pregnancy test at home is done by many women
using a pregnancy test that will test the urine to determine if
they are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are convenient,
inexpensive and are private. The urine test should be done
using your first urine when you awake in the morning. When you
have a positive home pregnancy test result, you should then see
your health care provider soon. Your health care provider will
confirm your home test result with a blood test plus a pelvic
exam.
When to take a pregnancy test is important, because if you test
too early in your pregnancy, there may not yet be enough of the
pregnancy hormone in the urine to provide a positive test
result. Most of the home pregnancy tests will be 90% accurate
if you wait and test yourself one day after your missed period
is due. If you feel you are pregnant but the home pregnancy
test is negative, repeat the test again in a week if you still
have not had your period. And if you are still getting negative
test results and think you are pregnant, be sure and see your
health care provider right away.
Pregnancy is a wonderful event that is complex, frustrating,
satisfying and exciting. Your desire to become pregnant and
having a child will have even more significance to you if it
means you'll be taking better care of yourself and your
partner. Besides knowing when to take a pregnancy test, learn
as much as you can about improving your own health so you'll be
providing that special little one the very best start to life
that is possible.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
About The Author: Read more about fertility monitors and
ovulation tests at
http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/ovulation-tests.html -
Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster
of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - visit the website for
natural health articles for women of all ages. |