Which brand of pregnancy test is the most accurate?
Some brands of tests can
pick up lower levels of hCG than others. But limited research makes it
impossible to say for sure which one is the best. Even so, two studies suggest
that First Response, Early Result Pregnancy Test may be more sensitive than
others. So for women who want test early, this may be a good choice.
How soon after a missed period can I take a home pregnancy test and get accurate results?
Many home pregnancy tests (HPTs) claim to be 99% accurate on
the day you miss your period. But research suggests that most HPTs do not
consistently spot pregnancy that early. And when they do, the results are often
so faint they are misunderstood. If you can wait one week after your missed
period, most home pregnancy tests will give you an accurate answer. Ask your
doctor for a more sensitive test if you need to know earlier.
When a home pregnancy test will give an accurate result depends on many
things. These include:
How long it takes for the fertilized egg to implant in
the uterus after ovulation. Pregnancy tests look for the hormone human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG) that is only produced once the fertilized egg has implanted
in the uterine wall. In most cases, this happens about 6 days after conception.
But studies show that in up to 10 percent of women, the embryo doesn't implant
until much later, after the first day of the missed period. So, home pregnancy
tests will be accurate as soon as one day after a missed period for some women
but not for others.
How you use them - Be sure to follow the directions and
check the expiration date.
When you use them - The amount of hCG in a pregnant woman's
urine increases with time. So, the earlier after a missed period you take a HPT,
the harder it is to spot the hCG. If you wait one week after a missed period to
test, you are more apt to have an accurate result. Also, testing your urine
first thing in the morning may boost the accuracy.
Who uses them - The amount of
hCG in the urine at different points in early pregnancy is different for every
woman. So, some women will have accurate results on the day of the missed period
while others will need to wait longer.
The brand of test - Some home pregnancy
tests are more sensitive than others. So, some tests are better than others at
spotting hCG early on.
There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Symptoms include abdominal pain, amenorrhea, and vaginal bleeding. Treatment options include observation, medication, or surgery.
Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. There are some symptoms that are more frequent in some women. These symptoms include a missed period, nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight gain, headaches, food cravings, and mood changes.
Amenorrhea is a condition in which there is an absense of menstrual periods in a woman. There are two types of amenorrhea, 1) primary and 2) secondary. Treatment of amenorrhea depends on the type (primary or secondary). In prmiray, surgery may be an option and in secondary amenorrhea medication or lifestyle changes may be treatment options.
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions, including producing the female egg cells, conception, and producing female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle. During menopause the female reproductive system gradually stops making the female hormones necessary for the reproductive cycle to work.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Trying to get conceive, or become pregnant can be challenging, frustrating, and an emotional rollercoaster for some couples. There are things you can do to chart progress, which may ultimately lead to a successful healthy pregnancy, or, when necessary, lead to discussions with a fertility specialist. Being aware of your menstrual cycle, charting your fertility pattern, knowing the reasons for infertility, and treating infertility are key points to discuss with your partner and physician.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.