Posted on February 15, 2010.
Your Pregnancy Test Shows Negative? Test Again! Had a romp with your husband on the bed last night? Then it's time for a pregnancy test! Ya, we know you're eager to hear the good news. That's why we're here to talk about home pregnancy tests, and more. Read more ...
Facts on home pregnancy tests
These kits are 99%, if used as directed. Even a urine pregnancy test done by your doctor has the same degree of accuracy. You can easily get a test kit on the counter. The biggest advantage of conducting tests at home is privacy.
A home pregnancy test is easy. You just need to collect urine in a clean bottle. Put 1-2 drops of urine on the chemical strip provided in the kit through a dropper. The strip detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It is a pregnancy hormone.
When you are pregnant, the hormone hCG is released into the urine through the placenta. Many of the early symptoms of pregnancy like breast tenderness and morning sickness are due to this hormone. Pregnancy kits work by detecting this hormone in the urine, which shows traces of about 10 days after fertilization. Therefore, a system may yield an incorrect result, if you take the test 10 days before conception. You may be pregnant, but the test may show negative.
Therefore, it is best to wait 5-10 days after you miss your period before taking a pregnancy test. If the test proves negative, the return after a few days. If it is still negative, wait a few more days and call your doctor for advice. You should not just test once. Test 2-3 times at intervals, and if it stops showing negative, you're not pregnant.
In some cases, the fertilized egg is not implanted in the uterus, but makes his home in the fallopian tube. This condition is called an ectopic pregnancy. In this situation, your pregnancy kit may not be able to detect levels of hCG in the urine, as it might be low. Therefore, if you think you are pregnant, even if the test proves negative, consult your doctor. It's time to go through your instincts! And yes, the ectopic pregnancy is dangerous. Ask your doctor more.
3 things to remember while taking a test
* Collect the first morning urine (it is easy to detect levels of hCG in the sample itself). If it is not possible, collect the urine that was present in your bladder for four hours or more.
* Drinking water and avoid excess fluids before taking the test. Increasing the amount of dilute urine may hCG.
* Read and follow all instructions in the package carefully. Only then can you expect the accuracy of the result.
* There are certain medications and fertility drugs that can interfere with the results of pregnancy test. For more information, check the label on the kit or consult your doctor.
There are also very sensitive pregnancy tests on the market. They detect your pregnancy just 6-8 days after ovulation. However, their accuracy is low. Most women get accurate results on tests 9-10 days after ovulation. Therefore, patience pays in case of pregnancy tests. Until then, make arrangements for the party!