Pregnancy Test Use: How-To Guide
Pregnancy test technology has evolved over the years to become one of the most reliable initial indications of pregnancy for women everywhere. Knowing that you can depend on that technology to deliver such important news is a good feeling; however, there are certain precautions and steps you should take to ensure you are getting the most accurate readings on your at-home pregnancy tests.
What Are the Main Types of Pregnancy Tests?
Being unsure about a pregnancy is exciting and stressful. Standing in front of dozens upon dozens of pregnancy test varieties available only adds to that anticipation. Knowing a little bit about the different types of pregnancy tests before going to the drugstore can help you make a good, quick decision about which test will work best for your needs.
The main decision to make when deciding between pregnancy test varieties is digital versus non-digital. Although both test types display the results a little differently, they both indicate a potential pregnancy by measuring the levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (often called HCG). HCG is often referred to as the “pregnancy hormone” because it quickly begins to rise in a woman’s body after the placenta begins to form and nourish the developing embryo.
Digital tests feature a small LED screen that will typically indicate a clear YES or NO after reading your results. They may also show an error message if the pregnancy test had a difficult time reading your urine sample. Non-digital tests work similarly to digital tests, but they typically indicate a pregnancy by displaying a single line or double lines to indicate pregnant or not pregnant.
When Should I Try Taking a Pregnancy Test?
Timing is everything when it comes to taking an at-home pregnancy test. If you take the test too early, you will risk seeing a false negative, meaning the test could indicate that you aren’t pregnant when you actually might be.
You can take most at-home pregnancy tests three to four days before a missed period. However, if you try taking them any sooner than that, you are likely to see a false negative. Try to rein in your excitement; testing too early will likely lead to wasted money on a bunch of extra tests. It is best to wait until the three to four-day mark to try taking your first pregnancy test.
Once you determine which day you should take your pregnancy test, you will need to plan to take your test first thing in the morning. Theoretically, you can take your pregnancy test at any time, but morning urine is considered the best for getting the most accurate results. This is because morning urine has been sitting in your body for a few hours, which is long enough to gather lots of HCG. It is also likely that you’ll need to release a lot of urine first thing in the morning after a long sleep, so you’ll have plenty of urine to take the test correctly on your first try.
How Do I Properly Take a Pregnancy Test?
To achieve the best pregnancy test results, it is imperative that you follow the packaging’s instructions closely. Different test brands will have different requirements, so make sure you study the packaging to avoid wasting one of the tests.
Most pregnancy test brands follow the same steps, but some varieties may require different waiting times.
The pregnancy test stick will need to be able to collect enough urine in order to give you the best and most accurate results. Make sure you are comfortable and ready to use the bathroom when you decide to take the test. Any body shifting or pausing during the test could lead to inaccurate readings.
Once you are comfortable, you can begin urinating on the stick for the required amount of time. Some pregnancy tests don’t require as much time as others; following the packaging’s instructions will ensure the best results. After you are done urinating, place the pregnancy test on a flat surface for the time requested on the packaging. Once the test sits long enough to measure your results, you can use the package’s instructions to decode the symbols or messages given on the test.
At-home pregnancy tests are convenient tools for getting initial information about a possible pregnancy. However, if you are unsure of your results or discover that you are pregnant, it is best to visit your doctor right away for a medically professional assessment.
Resources— American Pregnancy Association, Parents
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