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Tell Tale Signs of Pregnancy

Some tell-tale signs of Pregnancy.   Question Answer Pregnancy Tests Once you think that you are pregnant, it is important to confirm your suspicions with a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in the urine. This is only made when a woman is pregnant and traces of it can be found in the urine from three days after conception. As the concentration of HCG continues to build up in the urine, most tests are carried out after women have missed a period. Doing a pregnancy test very early on can sometimes give a negative result because the levels of HCG may be too low for the test to pick up on. HCG can also be detected by blood tests, but most women provide a urine sample because it is easier. Collecting a urine sample The best time to collect a urine sample is first thing in the morning. This is because levels of HCG will have built up overnight. It is important to use a clean container. If you have washed something out, make sure that you rinse it well and allow it to dry. A plastic or glass jar is the best. Where can you go for tests Pregnancy tests can be done at your local chemist, doctor or family planning clinic either free of charge or for a small fee, although there may be a small delay. These tests have the advantage of being very accurate, and also very quick. If the urine sample is tested on the spot, you probably will be given the result after twenty minutes or so. Home Pregnancy test kits Many women choose to do a home pregnancy test so that they can test in private and find out the result after a few minutes. The tests are considered to be quite accurate, although it is essential that you follow carefully the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a kit that you think will be easy for you to use and make sure that you understand what mark or symbol will appear if the test is positive. Some kits allow you to test yourself on the first day of your missed period. If you do decide to test at this point, do not assume that a negative result will be always accurate. Levels of HCG in the very early days of pregnancy may not be sufficient for a home test to pick up, and so you might need to carry out a further test. If, however, you have obtained a positive result, this is generally very reliable. The results of the test While a positive result is likely to be accurate, a negative result may be misleading. It is not uncommon for women to have a negative result and to test again a week later and find that it is positive. This is because the levels of HCG gradually build up and may not be detected early on. If you test yourself very early on and you have a negative result, it is always wise to carry out another test if you still have not had a period. If you continue to get negative results and still no period, you should consult your doctor.

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