Which Pregnancy Test To Buy: Detailed Guide

Home pregnancy tests are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets, and it is an inexpensive option to get a quick result. However, if you are looking for test results you can trust, then buying the right test, following the instructions, taking the test at the right time, and understanding how pregnancy tests work are all key.

How do pregnancy tests work?

A pregnancy test checks for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your blood or urine. Pregnancy tests have a reactive paper inside that detects if hCG is present and gives a positive result. For the most part, home pregnancy tests have a 99-percentage accuracy when done correctly.

Types of pregnancy tests

• Home pregnancy test: Done at home using a urine sample and they are reliable and inexpensive.
• Urine pregnancy test: A urine test at the doctor is like a home pregnancy test. The doctor can also conduct additional tests for blood analysis and do an ultrasound and pelvic exam.
• Blood test: A blood analysis is rarely performed as the first test for pregnancy, but it can detect a pregnancy very early on and confirm results from a positive urine test.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

One of the first most obvious signs to take a pregnancy test is missing a period. However, there are other reasons that you may want to take a test such as:

• In early pregnancy, it is possible to feel discomfort like menstrual cramps. If you are cramping but not getting your period, then a home pregnancy test may be useful.
• As a result of the increased blood flow, your breasts may feel sensitive and seem larger. Your nipples might hurt, and veins appear darker.
• Other strange bodily symptoms may be occurring such as nausea, fatigue, food aversions, and frequent urination.
• You are worried contraception may have failed.

How to diagnose pregnancy with a home pregnancy test?

Manual tests display lines in a small window. One line is always shown as a control line but if hCG is detected in the urine, a second line appears indicating a pregnancy. A digital pregnancy test will literally spell out the result showing ‘Pregnant’ or ‘Not Pregnant.’ Retesting in a week is always recommended to confirm results. If you take a second test and get different results, then see a doctor to get a blood test and physical examination.

How to do the test correctly?

• Check the test has not expired as the chemical used to detect hCG may have degraded and results could be inaccurate.
• The earlier you take the home pregnancy test, the harder it might be to detect hCG, so it is recommended to take the test a week or two after missing a period.
• You can do a pregnancy test any time of the day but hCG levels are more concentrated first thing in the morning.
• Follow the test instructions and read the results within the time specified.

Are there false results of pregnancy tests?

Taking the test too early or incorrectly or drinking too much water that dilutes the urine are the most common reasons for an inaccurate result. Medications, birth control, alcohol and most drugs do not impact your test results. The one exception is fertility drugs that can cause false-positive results.

Can you trust the results obtained with a home pregnancy test?

Most at-home pregnancy tests are reliable when done properly and as accurate as urine tests done at the doctor. Although the methods of different kinds of pregnancy tests vary, they all look for hCG.

What to consider when choosing a pregnancy test?

Tests differ in sensitivity, ease of use, features, and price, so look for functions that are relevant to you when deciding which pregnancy test to buy.

Sensitivity

The amount of hCG required to get a positive test result varies between different types of at-home pregnancy tests according to their sensitivity. This means lower amounts of hCG can be detected so the test can be taken earlier.

Easy to understand

You want a test that is easy to read with little confusion or doubt. Digital home tests are popular because the result is a simple yes or no (pregnant/not pregnant) without having to decipher meanings of lines or symbols.

Easy to use

Ergonomic and user-friendly tests make the process less messy, and wide tip handles give better grip and are less likely to be dropped in the toilet.

Price

Cheaper pregnancy tests are still 99 percent accurate when used according to the instructions and the only disadvantages are less features, longer wait times, and basic line-based displays.

The benefits of a home pregnancy test

A pregnancy test is a quick way to determine if you’re pregnant by detecting the hCG, which is produced in the body ten days after conception. The most common and reliable pregnancy test is a urine-based test done at home and there are several benefits to choosing this test instead of visiting the doctor:

• At-home pregnancy tests are quick, easy, and inexpensive.
• Sensitive tests can detect pregnancy early.
• You can do the test in the privacy of your home without having to travel anywhere.
• Women who are trying to get pregnant need not rush to the doctor every time they miss a period.
• Getting results quickly enables women to get prompt antenatal care.
• If you are not intending to conceive, you would want to know as soon as you can to determine a course of action.