FAQs regarding pregnancy tests
There are various doubts that may occur in the minds of women who wish to try out pregnancy tests kit for the first time. Given below are some common questions asked by women:
- How do pregnancy tests determine if one is pregnant or not?
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Ans: All home pregnancy tests kit rely on one principle - tracing hCG content in urine or blood sample. Commonly known as pregnancy hormone, it is only formed in the body of a pregnant woman.
Ans: One can take the test as per one's convenience within the privacy and comforts of your home using a home pregnancy kit. However, for accurate results it would be in the best interest if pregnancy tests were performed in the morning preferably 7 days after missing one's periods. Manufacturers of these kits assure 99% accurate results even if the test is done on the very first day of skipped period but the result may not always be true. To be on the safer side, perform the pregnancy tests 7 days after your missed periods.
- Is there any specific time to carry out the pregnancy tests?
Ans: Positive results indicate that you are pregnant. You must consult your doctor right away. The doctor can use a more sensitive test, ultrasound or pelvic exam to reconfirm the results. Moreover, they can also give healthy advice pertaining to your diet and lifestyle.
- What is the next step if home pregnancy show positive results?
Ans:If the test shows negative but changes around cervical regions give you a strong hunch that you are pregnant, then wait for a couple of days and perform the test once again.
- What should be the next step if results show negative?
Ans:There are various precautions. First check for the expiration date. Secondly, read the instructions carefully. Thirdly, take the test after 7 days of your missed period. Fourthly, wait for the stipulated time as mentioned in the instructions before drawing conclusions.
- What precautions should one take before taking the pregnancy test?
Ans:In general, these pregnancy test kits do tend to give 99% accurate results carried at appropriate time and in the manner as instructed.
Nevertheless, false results may occur if the concerned woman is under medications. As such, antibiotics and pregnancy control pills do not affect the test results, however any medication containing hCG compound can influence the results to give a false impression.
- Name some factors, which may affect pregnancy test results?
Ans:As such, the pregnancy tests are not at all painful. The urine test requires urine sample of measuring one cup only. Thereafter, one just has to dip the test strip or add a few drops on the absorbent material of the strip using a dropper. Serum tests may make one feel slightly uneasy but it just lasts for fraction of a second when blood is drawn from the body.
- How does the pregnancy test feel?
Ans:Pregnancy test helps to determine:
- What is the importance of pregnancy tests?
- Whether one is pregnant or not
- Detect abnormal levels of hCG
- Development of embryo for the initial 3 months.