When there is a delay in menstruation, the first thought (if we have had unprotected sex during the last month) is that we could be pregnant. To clear up any doubts, the most convenient and economical thing to do is to take a home or home-use pregnancy test. These tests are very reliable and with urine from any time of day we can check whether there is pregnancy or not.
Although they can be performed from the first day of late menstruation, the truth is that they begin to be more reliable from the tenth day onwards.
How do the pregnancy tests we use at home work?
This type of pregnancy test works by measuring the concentration levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine (known as pregnancy hormone). This type of hormone begins to develop within the woman's body at the time she becomes pregnant and is found in the tissues that will begin to form the placenta.
This type of hormone appears at the time of conception but it is true that it increases every two or three days, so performing a pregnancy test early could trigger a false negative result.
There is a developed belief that pregnancy tests are more effective if they are performed with the first urine of the day. This belief is true since at this time of day the levels of the aforementioned hormone are more concentrated and, therefore, the test can measure them better.
Negative or positive pregnancy test
The home pregnancy test or pregnancy test consists of a cartridge that contains a blotting paper stick impregnated with a product that reacts with the urine (after about five minutes have passed) and, after doing so, confirms or rules out the existence of the pregnancy hormone.
To do this, simply soak the stick with urine for at least five seconds and let it act for about five minutes (although this time varies for each pregnancy test and will be specified in the instructions). Once the estimated time has passed, three options can be given: a bar appears and, in this case, the result is negative; that two bars appear with a negative result or that nothing appears: in this case the pregnancy test is invalid and it will be advisable to repeat it.
- If the test is positive, there is no doubt: there is pregnancy.
- If it is negative, it does not always mean that you are not pregnant. It is possible that the test was done too soon and the levels of the pregnancy hormone oHGC are still low, or that the product is expired. In this case, it is advisable to repeat it after a few days.
And then what?
If you suspect that you are pregnant or the pregnancy test has been positive, make an appointment with the gynecologist as soon as possible. In public healthcare you can go to your family doctor or midwife, who will send you blood and urine tests that will confirm or rule out pregnancy.
Dr. Victoria Bravo, tocogynecologist at the Gynecology Service of the Doce de Octubre Hospital in Madrid.
The Best Building Block Sets for Creative Kids and Adult Collectors
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