OK, so you might be pregnant. Don’t panic! The first thing you want to do is make sure you get the right test done. When you’re ready to start a family, seeing a tiny plus sign on your pregnancy test brings tears of joy. But what if the test is wrong? When can you absolutely trust the results? For pregnancy testing answers we went to Health Testing Services, a confidential pro pregnancy testing service for regular women. Here is the breakdown:
The Different Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two ways to determine if you’re pregnant: urine tests and blood tests. Both look for the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone, which is present in quickly rising levels during early pregnancy.
Urine Pregnancy Tests: Urine tests for pregnancy measure the amount of HCG present in your body. This is the one you’re probably familiar with — you pee onto a stick or into a jar.
When should you take a urine test? FIRST THING in the morning. The concentration of HCG is highest when your bladder is full in the morning, and morning is the best time to get a sample. Besides that, taking a test too early in your cycle could yield a false negative. Here’s the lowdown: Some home pregnancy tests claim to be accurate several days before your period is even missed. However, the best results usually come when you wait four or five days after a missed period to take the test. (That many??? Yeah)
Some natural variation does occur in terms of how women’s bodies register pregnancy. Production of HCG begins when a fertilized egg implants in your uterus. This typically takes about six days after the egg and sperm meet, but in up to 10% of women the implantation can take much longer.
Blood Pregnancy Tests: Blood tests are more accurate than urine tests although they also look for the HCG concentration. Because blood tests indicate the precise concentration of hormone instead of just a “yes” or “no,” they can help determine your due date. A test result of 25 mlU of HCG per milliliter of blood or higher is considered a sign of pregnancy.
Blood samples are also taken during pregnancy to monitor hormone production. When the expected levels of HCG are found, one aspect of a healthy pregnancy is assured.
Usually a woman relies on a doctor to arrange a pregnancy test. However, you can order blood testing and urine testing online through HealthTestingServices.com. The company also provides confidential screenings for thyroid issues, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and more. Their “peace of mind” packages can help you ensure a healthy pregnancy.
























