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Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Pregnancy Test. What is a pregnancy test? Other names: human chorionic gonadotropin test, HCG test. What is it used for? A pregnancy test is used to find out whether you are pregnant. Why do I need a pregnancy test? Other common signs of pregnancy include: Swollen, tender breasts Fatigue Frequent urination Nausea and vomiting also called morning sickness Bloated feeling in the abdomen.
What happens during a pregnancy test? Your home test may include the following steps or similar steps: Do the test on your first urination of the morning. The test may be more accurate at this time, because morning urine usually has more HCG. Hold the dipstick in your urine stream for 5 to 10 seconds. For kits that include a collection cup, urinate into the cup, and insert the dipstick into the cup for 5 to 10 seconds. After a few minutes, the dipstick will show your results.
The time to results and the way the results are shown will vary between test kit brands. Your dipstick may have a window or other area that shows a plus or minus sign, a single or double line, or the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
Keep in mind that your period can sometimes be delayed or skipped due to stress , diet , exercise , or certain medical conditions. Also pay attention to your flow if you suspect pregnancy. Take note of any difference in the color, texture, or amount of blood. Implantation can also produce a feeling similar to menstrual cramps. In early pregnancy, you may feel this discomfort and think your period is just around the corner, but then it never comes. Your breasts may feel tender and appear bigger due to increased blood flow.
Your nipples might hurt and the veins might look darker under the skin. As the weeks go on, these symptoms may get stronger before your HCG levels even out late in the first trimester. You know yourself, so pay attention to your body. Any unusual physical symptoms could prompt you to take a pregnancy test.
Human error or defects can also result in unplanned pregnancy. Birth control pills can be difficult to remember to take each day. Condoms can break and tear or otherwise be used incorrectly. According to Planned Parenthood, nearly 18 in every women relying on condoms for contraception get pregnant each year.
According to Planned Parenthood, less than one out of every women using an IUD gets pregnant each year. Sexually active women in their reproductive years have a chance of pregnancy every month, even when using protection. There are certain signals your body might send that should prompt you to take a pregnancy test. Book a doctor appointment, test, lab or procedure in minutes. Check out the obstetricians and gynecologists in your area. Since urine is more concentrated in the morning, a test taken then is more likely to produce a positive result than one taken later in the day.
Still, most urine tests will be positive by one to two days after a missed period. You should wait to take a pregnancy test until the first day of your missed period.
This, of course, assumes you have a regular menstrual cycle that can be easily tracked and predicted. An at-home ovulation predictor kit can help you track fertilization. Order yours today from LetsGetChecked. Learn More. Symptoms that signal it may be time to take a pregnancy test, according to Dr. Merhi, include:. You can take a pregnancy test any time of the day. At-home pregnancy tests are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration FDA , meaning their accuracy and labeling is evaluated before they reach store shelves.
When it comes to the accuracy of at-home pregnancy tests, research shows if the test is used as directed, an inaccurate result is rare. Should you receive a positive at-home pregnancy test result, your doctor will often perform an in-office blood test to confirm the presence of HCG.
Fatigue is a common symptom of early pregnancy. There may be no other likely causes, such as stress or a lack of sleep. It may be difficult for a pregnant woman to make it through the day without a nap or the opportunity to rest. Fatigue during early pregnancy is usually due to changes in the hormone progesterone. The fatigue usually eases, and pregnant women may find they have more energy starting in the second trimester.
Unusual cravings and food aversions are common in the first trimester, though they sometimes persist through the entire pregnancy. Some women crave non-food items, such as dirt or ice. Anyone who craves things that are not food should consult a healthcare provider. Women should consider taking a pregnancy test if they are sexually active and have had a birth control mishap within the last month.
While most birth control options are effective in preventing pregnancy, a broken condom or missed birth control pill can increase the risk of conception. If a pregnancy test result is positive, see a doctor. The doctor can confirm the result with a blood test or schedule an early ultrasound. If a woman is pregnant, it is also vital to start prenatal care or discuss other options as early into the pregnancy as possible.
If a woman misses a period but is not pregnant, it is also best to speak to a doctor, who can help diagnose any underlying cause.
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