When to take a pregnancy test after a delay. When is the best time to take a pregnancy test for an accurate result? What is the best pregnancy test

Despite the variety of tests, they all follow the same principle of operation, determining the amount of hCG produced during the growth of the placenta and contained in the urine. Normally (in the absence of pregnancy), its maximum rate is 5 mU / ml, however, from the first days of conception, its level begins to gradually increase. A fair question arises: when to do a pregnancy test?

Actually, it is possible to determine whether conception has occurred a week after the delay, and earlier. But in this case, the type of tests is taken into account, which, although they work according to the general scheme, still differ in the degree of sensitivity (divided by type).

The first type is able to determine the presence of pregnancy, starting with an indicator of 10 mU / ml and is particularly sensitive, since it sometimes gives a result a week after the act. The second type “catches” later dates, “focusing” on indicators starting from 25 mU/ml and above. Accordingly, they cost less. In fact, all tests determine the presence (or absence) of gonadotropin.

Test types

Stripes. The most accessible. The strip is dipped into urine, previously collected in a dry and, of course, clean dishes and aged for twenty seconds. After five minutes, the result is evaluated.

Tablet. These tests are more reliable than "strips" because the reagents are protected by plastic boxes. With a pipette, already in the kit, you need to drop the liquid into the window located on the test. The result is evaluated in this case, too, after five minutes.

Inkjet. Relate to the latest generation, the most modern and comfortable. Urine collection is not required. It is enough just to substitute the test during urination under the stream. The result also appears in five minutes.

So, the first question: when to take a pregnancy test? Definitely after a delay. HCG appears immediately after the introduction of the sperm into the uterus, but first it appears in the blood, and only then in the urine. Since implantation is possible only a week after ovulation (or a little later), and the growth of the hormone level is slow, it should take some time for the test to fix it. The time frame is determined only by this moment. In other words, the test will be able to "detect" the presence of gonadotropin only after about 12-14 days from the day of ovulation.

The lower the sensitivity of the test, the later pregnancy is determined. The most sensitive tests (jet) can show pregnancy a week before the expected period. Strip strips show pregnancy from the second day of delay. However, these are just statistics. There are cases (of course, individual) when implantation occurs later or, conversely, earlier. Therefore, an early test may not reflect reality.

When is the best time to take the test?

Regardless of what results you would like to see on the test, waiting for the morning will most likely be difficult for you. Are there any restrictions regarding the time of day? Let's try to figure it out.

To begin with, we will try to understand the principle of the test mechanism. It's pretty simple. The embryo, being implanted in the uterus, activates the production of gonadotropin - it is its presence that indicates the onset of pregnancy. Test reagents are set to capture gonadotropin, which changes the color of the test strip during a chemical reaction.

Now let's turn to logical thinking for help. If hCG is already in the blood, at a level sufficient to determine, then, accordingly, the time of day at which you will carry out the procedure has no fundamental difference - the hormone cannot disappear from the urine and its level will not decrease. However, if you decide to perform the procedure in the evening and you are not sure about the timing, then it is better to postpone the test and wait until the next day, since the concentration of hCG in the morning will be slightly higher than the night before, and therefore the test will be more reliable.

But if the delay has already occurred (at least three days, taking into account the regularity of the cycle), then a highly sensitive pregnancy test will show regardless of the selected time of day.

In addition to the above, I would like to add some recommendations:

• use only fresh urine for analysis;
• before the test, limit the amount of fluid intake;
• do not take diuretics, which will dilute the urine;
• Try not to urinate at least three hours before the test.

Can the test show an incorrect result

1. If you suddenly saw a strip appear on the test, then the probability of pregnancy is at least 99%.
2. If the line on the test is barely visible, the result should be considered positive. The reason for the weak staining lies in the still low concentration of hCG.
3. False-positive results are possible in the presence of tumors and taking certain medications.
4. A negative test in an actual pregnancy can be when:

• insufficient concentration of hCG (too early analysis);
• impaired kidney function (hCG simply does not enter the urine);
• a large amount of liquid drunk before analysis (hCG “washes out” to such a low concentration that the test simply does not recognize it). Taking into account these amendments, we summarize: with a positive test, an error is excluded, with a negative one, it is unlikely, but possible, especially with signs of pregnancy.

A related question: what are the signs of pregnancy? Perhaps these signs should be divided into two categories: probable signs and possible signs.

Possible signs include:

• delayed menstruation with a regular cycle without failures;
• increased basal temperature;
• a change in the uterus (both the structure and size change), determined by the gynecologist;
• blueness of the cervix and the vagina itself.

Possible signs include:

• pulling pain in the lower abdomen (comparable to pain during menstruation);
• swelling and some soreness of the breast;
• "abnormal" perception of smells (this includes an aggravation of smell);
• irritability, tearfulness, nervousness;
• change in food preferences;
• nausea (and sometimes vomiting);
• frequency of urination;
• drowsiness;
• fast fatiguability.

Signs are not always diagnosed and not in all women, they can indicate not only a probable pregnancy, so you should not rely on them especially. Therefore, for absolute certainty, it is better to take into account the signs, the test indicator, and the results of the examination by the gynecologist.

Rules for using tests

Finally, we will cover in more detail the rules for using tests step by step.

1. If you have a test strip, open the sachet and take it out. In a thoroughly washed and absolutely dry glassware, collect a portion of urine. Lower the test exactly to the level indicated by the arrows for ten seconds. Lay the strip on any surface that does not absorb moisture (the rims of the container in which the urine was collected will do). Look at the result after five (maximum - after ten) minutes.
2. If you have a test cassette, open the bag, remove the test and pipette. Collect urine. Pipette four drops of urine directly into the window of the cassette. Look at the result after five (maximum - after ten) minutes.
3. If you have a midstream test (or jet test), open the sachet and remove the contents. Remove the cap. Taking the test by the handle, place it under your urine stream for 7-8 seconds so that the absorbent surface gets wet. Cap the test. See the result after five (maximum - after ten) minutes.

Already in the first minute, a slowly moving wave will begin to appear in the diagnostic field (its absence indicates an insufficient amount of urine on the absorbent surface). Then a stripe (or two) will appear. Two strips confirm pregnancy, one - denies.

The effectiveness of the test depends on the exact observance of the instructions.

Notes

1. The test must be hermetically sealed and can only be opened immediately before analysis.
2. The test is used only once.
3. Do not use expired tests.
4. Keep a close eye on the analysis time frame.
5. Do not test near heat sources.
6. At an early date, usually the second band appears longer and weaker, at a later date - faster and brighter.
7. For complete certainty, a second test is carried out a week after the first.

Expecting a baby is an exciting and tremulous time. Many expectant mothers want a baby so much that they try to find out as early as possible if they managed to get pregnant. However, there are times when pregnancy does not occur exactly when a woman would like it. In this case, she also needs to clarify the situation and find out whether a new life has arisen in it or not.

Signs of the appearance of a small crumb in the womb of a woman in each case are individual. Even the same mother can celebrate completely different things both during pregnancy and its beginning. But there are several ways to almost unmistakably recognize the emergence of new life in the womb of a woman, even if this life has just begun. One of them is a pregnancy test. How and when is this “research” carried out, what is the reliability of its results?

How to do a pregnancy test

What is this type of diagnosis, what are the principles of "work" of tests that determine pregnancy? With the birth of a new life in the mother's womb, the production of a hormone protein, chorionic gonadotropin, begins. It is he who supports the normal development of pregnancy, stimulating the production of estrogen and progesterone. The production of the hCG hormone is carried out by the chorion tissue (shell) of the embryo and begins from the moment the latter is fixed. With the development of pregnancy, the level of hCG increases. In the early stages of waiting for crumbs, the content of the hormone doubles every 48 hours. So after how many days can a pregnancy test show a true result?

How to do a pregnancy test correctly. Terms of express diagnostics

There is hardly a woman who does not care about the question of when you can take a pregnancy test in order to get a reliable result? The onset of ovulation, during which the egg, ready to merge with the sperm, leaves the ovary, normally occurs in the middle of the woman's menstrual cycle (on the 14th day if the cycle is 28 days, on the 15th day if the cycle lasts 30 days). This date may be slightly shifted, but an indicator of a normal second phase is its duration in the range of 10-16 days. Implantation of the future crumbs occurs on the 6th - 8th day after fertilization. From this moment, the production of the “pregnancy hormone” (hCG) begins.

It is on its content in the urine that tests react, showing the presence or absence of a fetus in the mother's womb. The sensitivity of the test, indicated in the instructions for it, shows the minimum required amount of the hormone in the biomaterial (urine), which is able to recognize the "indicator" reagent. According to this criterion, you may see 10 mIU/ml, 20 mIU/ml, or 25 mIU/ml on the test. The lower the value, the more accurate the result will be and the test will recognize the conception that has occurred earlier. In most cases, the manufacturer recommends using the test no earlier than the 1st day of missed menstruation. But, if fertilization and implantation were successful, the embryo develops normally, then already at 10-12 DPO (the days are counted from the moment of ovulation), the most sensitive tests (10 mIU / ml) will “stripe”. Therefore, pregnancy tests in the early stages of embryo development are the simplest and most affordable way to diagnose a “special situation”. Impatient girls and women can start express diagnostics 3 to 4 days before menstruation (data are indicated for a 28-day cycle). But it’s better to wait for the “delay” anyway - you will save yourself from unjustified hopes or hasty disappointments.

How to do a pregnancy test correctly. Rules for the use of rapid tests

So, there was a sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives, the end of the cycle is approaching and the woman is already eager to know if conception has occurred? So it's time to go to the pharmacy and get a rapid test to detect pregnancy. When and how to take a pregnancy test? During the home analysis, it is important to follow a few simple rules:

• Do not use tests if the tightness of their packaging is in doubt or if the expiration date has passed. Such a study can hardly claim objectivity.
• Open the package immediately before testing.
• During testing, strictly follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer - lower the test to the indicated mark, observe the time frame for keeping it in the urine and subsequent evaluation of the results.
• Each test can only be used once. Then it becomes unusable.
• Use only clean containers for urine.
• The time of day for home analysis is one of the most controversial issues. If the expected pregnancy is very short (4-5 obstetric weeks) or testing is carried out even before the delay of menstruation, it is strongly recommended to use the morning portion of urine with the highest content of the hCG hormone. If this is not possible, do not urinate for 3-4 hours and conduct a rapid test. In cases where the diagnosis is carried out at a later date, this factor is no longer decisive and a pregnancy test is also carried out during the day.

If everything is done correctly - 90% - 95% that you will get a true result.

Reliability of pregnancy tests

A few tedious minutes have passed and 2 or 1 strip flaunts on your test. How reliable are pregnancy tests, do they show a true result? If the test was of high quality, the diagnosis was performed according to the rules, then the probability of an error is small. And yet she is.

A false negative result is possible in the following cases:

• Testing was carried out with violations.
• Analysis performed too early.
• Pregnancy is, but there are endocrine disorders.
• The level of the hormone is too low - a miscarriage may occur.

Important! If menstruation was supposed to start 1 - 2 weeks ago, and the test is still "silent", the woman should definitely visit a gynecologist. You should also determine the level of the hCG hormone in the blood - this study will give an accurate result.

A positive result in the absence of pregnancy can be in such cases:

• Violation of the ovaries.
• No more than 2 months have passed since the birth.
• There is a tumor that produces the hormone hCG (choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole).
• The test has expired.

If the result is doubtful in a woman, the test should be repeated after 2 days or undergo an additional examination.

Pregnancy tests: types and instructions for diagnosing

The whole variety of tests that determine the presence or absence of pregnancy is divided into several groups.

strip strips

The most popular and widespread type of express tests. Their attractiveness is due to a combination of low cost and high reliability. This test is a paper strip with a reagent applied. Evitest pregnancy tests, according to the instructions, have a sensitivity of 20 mIU / ml, however, this does not prevent the reagent from detecting the presence of the hormone in the urine even before the next menstruation (1 to 2 days before).

• Prepare a clean container.
• Collect a few milliliters of urine in it.
• Dip the test strip into the prepared biomaterial for 5-10 seconds to the indicated mark.
• Place the test on a dry horizontal surface.
• Evaluate the result after 3 - 7 minutes. (but not more than 10 minutes).

Tablet pregnancy test

If you purchased a cassette test, a urine container will come with it. Apart from this, you will also receive a special pipette for transferring drops of urine to the test.

• Collect a small amount of urine in a container.
• Take a pipette and collect a few drops of biomaterial.
• Place it in the test window and wait a few minutes (up to 10).
• You evaluate the result in another window - 1 or 2 strips.

This diagnostic method is more reliable than its predecessor, but also more expensive.

Inkjet pregnancy test

The most technically convenient test. A urine collection container is not required for diagnosis. In addition, using this type of test, you can find out about the presence of pregnancy even 5 days before the expected "delay". The negative side is the high cost.

• Take out the test and remove the cap.
• Take the test by the handle and direct its special surface for 5 seconds under the stream of urine (this part of the test is marked with an arrow).
• After a few minutes (no more than 10), evaluate the result in the test window.

Digital pregnancy test

When working with an electronic pregnancy test, follow the instructions and find out if someone has settled in your tummy. The advantage of this type of tests is not only their high sensitivity, but also the unambiguous interpretation of the meaning. A woman does not need to determine the brightness of the stripes and try to consider their number. According to, for example, the instructions for the Clearblue pregnancy test, the screen will indicate the number of weeks of pregnancy (in the case of a positive result) or a “-” icon in a circle. In tests of other brands, the inscription "pregnant" may appear.

• Open the package and take out the test.
• Dip its tip into pre-prepared urine.
• Evaluate the result.

The disadvantage of the test (in addition to the high cost) is that in a day there will be no trace of the results obtained on the screen.

Diagnosis of problems: pregnancies outside the uterus, miscarriage

Sometimes unpleasant situations lie in wait for a woman "in position" at the most unexpected moment.

Ectopic pregnancy

This pathology, unfortunately, is not a rare phenomenon. Its danger is aggravated by the fact that a woman may not be aware of the development of pregnancy outside the uterus. Seeing a second strip on a pregnancy test, a woman embraces the joy of upcoming motherhood and pleasant troubles.

Important! The production of hCG, to which pregnancy tests respond, occurs regardless of the location of the pregnancy.

That is why it is recommended to repeat the test at least 1-2 times with an interval of several days. If there is a pregnancy outside the uterus, the growth of hCG will be slower than in the case of a uterine pregnancy. To further insure herself, a woman can conduct an additional special INEXSCREEN test. It determines the content not in total hCG, but in its modified isoforms. You evaluate the result according to the given scale (below 10% - the risk of pathology is high). Thus, a woman sees whether she is at risk or if her pregnancy is not in danger.

Frozen pregnancy

In some cases, barely born life suddenly ceases to exist. How do tests behave in this case? If a woman does a “fresh” test every few days and notes a bright second strip all the time, nothing threatens her pregnancy. But suddenly the second band begins to fade. In this case, you can’t hesitate - perhaps the pregnancy can still be saved, but mandatory monitoring by a doctor is required. If the pregnancy freezes, the test line becomes paler until it disappears altogether.

It is impossible to unambiguously determine the best pregnancy test. But there are brands that have established themselves as manufacturers of reliable and reliable tests. Among them are Evitest, Clearblue, Frautest, BB test, femi test, Clear view. Regardless of the type of test you use, strict adherence to the diagnostic instructions guarantees an almost 100% result. Use high-quality tests and let them always have the desired number of bands!

A pregnancy test is an invention that helps a woman find out about an interesting situation in the early stages.

There are 4 types of test: test strip, tablet, inkjet, electronic

Now there are many types of home tests. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each. We will learn how the test works and how to do it correctly so that the result is reliable.

It works on the principle of a litmus test, which determines the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine, a special hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. Its quantity is growing rapidly in the first weeks of bearing a child: it increases by 1.5-2 times every two days. Special proteins are applied to a special sensitive part of the test, which react with hCG. If the reaction has occurred, then in the window with the result there will be two stripes, a plus sign or other markings provided by the manufacturer.

Types of tests

Among the variety of species, they can be distinguished by sensitivity and by appearance or principle of use.

Sensitivity is expressed in miles international units per milliliter (mIU/mL) and is available at 10, 20 and 25 mIU/mL. The lower the number, the higher the sensitivity and the sooner you can use the test. Most of them have a sensitivity of 20-25 mIU / ml and give results from the first day of delay. The most "advanced" (10 mIU / ml) will tell you about conception 7-10 days after fertilization. One way or another, but all types give a reliable result after a seven-day delay with a probability of 99%. Accuracy does not depend on price or appearance.
Consider their various types depending on the appearance.

Strip tests

Or test strips - are the cheapest and therefore the most common. They can be purchased not only in pharmacies, but also in many supermarkets. They got their name due to their appearance and are a thin strip that needs to be lowered briefly to a certain level in a container with morning urine, and then laid out on a horizontal surface. The result will appear in a few minutes. If one line appears, then the result is negative, two - positive.

a) jet tester; b) strip tester

Inkjet tests

They belong to the third generation instruments. They are a plastic box, inside of which there is a fibrous rod, through which urine reaches the reagent. Further, it is standard: if there is hCG in the urine, then you will see a positive result, if not, a negative one. The advantages of these devices are that urine does not need to be collected in a separate container, but it is enough to substitute it under the stream, and that it can be done at any time of the day. However, such determinants of an interesting position are much more expensive.

Tablet tests

They belong to the second generation. Their principle of operation is the same as that of the previous ones, however, the strip itself is enclosed in a plastic case and urine must be dripped onto it with a pipette, which is included in the kit. These tests are also used in hospitals. It will also come in handy if you want to keep it as a keepsake.

Electronic tests

The most modern and most expensive. But using them is a pleasure. These are advanced inkjet tests. Instead of the resulting stripes on the LCD screen of the unit, “pregnant” will be displayed if you will soon become a mother, or “not pregnant” if not. That is, you do not need to check the strips with the instructions and worry about whether you did and understood everything correctly. In addition, it is these tests that have a sensitivity of 10 mIU / ml and can report the onset of conception even before the delay in menstruation.

a) tablet tester; b) electronic tester

How long can you take a pregnancy test

The answer to this question depends on which device you decide to use. Electronic can be used a week after intercourse, which could lead to conception. All the rest should be used 4-5 weeks after a probable conception or after 1-2 weeks after a missed period. In general, if you have an irregular cycle, then it is better to count the time from the unfinished intercourse, rather than waiting for a delay.

When is the best time to test

To get the most reliable result, several conditions must be met: morning urine must be used (in the case of strip testers), because it contains the highest hCG content and should be analyzed 4-5 weeks after unprotected intercourse or 1-2 weeks of delay. Urine should be collected in a clean container, having previously completed hygiene procedures.

Is it necessary to take a pregnancy test in the morning?

Home pregnancy tests detect pregnancy by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a pregnancy hormone, in the urine. The concentration of hCG in the urine is highest in the morning, therefore it is preferable to use morning urine. However, modern devices are able to diagnose fertilization by a lower concentration of hCG, at any time of the day.

Can I take a pregnancy test during the day?

As already noted, the highest concentration of hCG in the urine is in the morning. However, during the day you can also get a reliable result, just with a lower probability.

Can I take a pregnancy test in the evening?

The level of hCG, to which all home gadgets respond, decreases in the evening and the probability of reliable results in the evening is lower. However, when using electronic testers or after a long delay (about 2 weeks), even in the evening you will get accurate results.

Pregnancy test during menstruation

Of course, the most understandable sign of pregnancy is a delay in menstruation. But what to do if a woman is sure of her interesting position, and menstruation has come? Is it possible to do a test? Yes, you can. Menstrual bleeding will not affect its results in any way, because. it reacts to the level of hCG in the urine. However, if you decide to check during menstruation, then you need to do it right: in the morning, having made a preliminary toilet of the genitals and inserting a swab into the vagina so that blood does not enter the vessel with urine (the container, by the way, must also be sterile).

Regular Cycle Tests

The instructions of most of them are designed specifically for a regular cycle, because. it is recommended to carry out after a delay in menstruation. Read the instructions carefully before use. Pay attention to the sensitivity of the tester and on what day it is proposed to use it to obtain a reliable result. As a rule, it is 1-2 weeks after the delay of menstruation, or 1-2 days (electronic types).

Unstable Cycle Tests

In fact, nowadays most women have cycles with one or another deviation from month to month. No special pregnancy tests, however, are provided for them. In this case, you need to use the usual ones, only count from the date of unprotected intercourse and use the device 4-5 weeks after it.

Tests for ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous pathology that needs to be diagnosed as early as possible in order to start treatment as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the test here will not help you: in this case, it will also show a positive result.

If your answer is yes, see your doctor to confirm pregnancy and rule out an ectopic

Sometimes it happens that in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the second strip of a positive test is not as bright as the first. But it does not give a 100% guarantee. To exclude pathology, it is necessary to do an ultrasound as soon as possible.

Negative pregnancy test result

In this situation, however, there can be two answers:

1) You are not pregnant (in most cases).

2) You are pregnant. This happens if home diagnosis is carried out too early and the level of hCG in the urine has not reached a level that the tester can determine. In addition, it may be expired or defective.

In women suffering from kidney disease, the second strip may appear much later. In any case, it is better to repeat the study in 2-3 days for clarification.

Positive pregnancy test

After you see positive results and the first emotions subside, you will need to make an appointment with a doctor. He will prescribe an ultrasound scan and conduct an examination to confirm the fact of conception and diagnose the place of attachment of the fetal egg (uterine or ectopic). After that, the doctor will discuss the pregnancy management plan, prescribe the necessary tests and give recommendations.

In any case, before using the test, read its instructions, because. they may differ in the waiting time for the results and in the time that you need to keep the tester in the urine container. In addition, there may be some other features of the implementation, depending on the manufacturer.
We wish you positive results and an easy pregnancy!

When a girl hopes to get pregnant (or, conversely, carefully avoids this position), she buys a test even at the slightest sign of conception. How long does a pregnancy test show a positive result depends on the individual characteristics of the female body and the research method.

How does he work

This method of self-diagnosis is common among modern women. The main advantages of testing are:

• low price;
• availability;
• ease of use;
• anonymity;
• reliable result.

To have an idea of ​​when to do a pregnancy test, you need to understand how it works. Any such device is programmed to search for a specific structure - human chorionic gonadotropin. This substance begins to be produced by the female body immediately after the attachment of the fetal egg in the cavity of the reproductive organ. First, the concentration of a unique hormone increases in the blood. Some time after implantation, it begins to increase in the urine. It is during this period that it is better to do a test in order to quickly find out about the new position.

Take a short online pregnancy test on our website in a couple of minutes and get an answer -.

When chorionic gonadotropin is detected, the strip strips develop a reagent. As a result of this, women see a positive result - two lines. When there is no pregnancy hormone in the urine or its concentration is not yet high enough, the device shows one line - the control one. It indicates that the study was carried out correctly.

HCG level in urine

In a non-pregnant state, the level of hCG in the blood does not exceed 2-3 IU. In urine, this amount is even less. Immediately after implantation, which occurs 3-7 days after the release of the egg, the number of the pregnant indicator begins to grow. Every day it increases by 1.5-2 times. How many days after conception the test will show pregnancy, it will help to approximately determine the norm table.

In this table, you can see what is the content of hCG by day from conception in the urine.

It should be taken into account the fact that the moment of sexual contact does not always coincide with ovulation. Spermatozoa can exist in a woman's body for up to 7 days. For this reason, it is necessary to count from the day the egg leaves the ovary. You can reliably determine the moment of ovulation using appropriate tests, measuring basal temperature or ultrasound.

Most sensitive tests

How many days the test will show pregnancy after conception depends entirely on its sensitivity. Modern manufacturers of research instruments promise a diagnostic accuracy of 99% even before the delay. However, one should not believe loud slogans and promising statements. It is necessary to understand the test systems in order to know from what period to use one or the other.

The sole purpose of pregnancy tests is to detect human chorionic gonadotropin in the research material. On what day after conception it will be installed depends on the sensitivity of the system. All characteristics of the device are indicated on the packaging. Tests with a sensitivity of 20 and 25 mUl / ml are running, but strips with a value of 10, 15 and 30 are also available. This figure shows the minimum level of human chorionic gonadotropin that is necessary to establish a new position.

• EVA is a test that is classified as insensitive, but accurate devices. It detects pregnancy when at least 30 mU of hCG is present in the urine, which means that the chance of a false positive result is quite small for them.
• Itest, Vera, Mon Ami, Frautest have a sensitivity of 25 mU. These tests are the most popular.
• Lady, Evitest, Mom Check with a sensitivity of 20 mU allow you to determine pregnancy 1.5-2 weeks after conception. However, before the delay, they still sometimes give a false result.
• Insure, Clever Girl, which detects 12.5 mU of hCG in urine, gives early results. According to the promises of manufacturers, they show two strips a week after ovulation.
• BB test, First Sign position themselves as highly sensitive tests. They react when the level of the pregnant hormone in the urine reaches 10 IU. According to reviews, such devices often show a false positive result.

Do you trust the manufacturers?

Many manufacturers of home diagnostic devices use a marketing ploy and indicate on the packaging of their product the exact number on which day of conception a pregnancy test will show a positive result. You can buy systems at the pharmacy or supermarket that promise an accurate answer 1, 2, 4 or even 8 days before the delay. In fact, such statements cannot be trusted. The lower the sensitivity figure of the device, the less hCG it needs to establish pregnancy, the earlier, according to the manufacturer, the test will show. Most gynecologists recommend conducting a study no earlier than on the first day of the delay. In this case, the result will be the most accurate.

Before the delay of menstruation, many of the fairer sex tests show a positive result. This is evidenced by their reviews. But often the device gives a negative answer, when after a while the pregnancy is still confirmed. The reason for a false negative result is an insufficient increase in hCG or incorrect use of the test. False positives are less common. Its causes may be internal diseases, such as tumors. If the test shows 2 lines, but the woman is definitely not pregnant, then she needs to be examined.

An obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences, director of the Repromed family clinic comments:

– Implantation of the embryo usually occurs on the 21-24th day of the cycle, the secretion of hormones that reflect the onset of pregnancy (hCG) begins during the first days after fertilization, but the concentration before implantation and the first stages of development of the trophoblast (future placenta) is too low to be detected during sampling (both blood and urine). Informative are the study of blood and urine on the 3-4th day of the delay in menstruation. Blood indicators (hCG) have quantitative characteristics and therefore reflect the situation more accurately.

Including they are important for the differential diagnosis of uterine and ectopic pregnancy. It is also important to determine the hCG of blood serum in dynamics (at intervals of 2 weeks) at the risk of regression of pregnancy.

Pregnancy tests (urinary) are also based on the detection of hCG, as a rule this is a qualitative study. For more accurate results, you need to donate blood. In any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the pregnancy test is positive (or doubtful).

How to get accurate results

When to take a pregnancy test, each woman decides for herself. If there is already a delay in menstruation, then the time of the diagnosis does not matter. When you want to do a test the very next day after conception, and you barely have the patience to wait 7-10 days after ovulation in order to examine the biomaterial for signs of pregnancy, then you need to follow certain rules:

• choose the morning time for testing (the first portion of urine after waking up contains a larger amount of human chorionic gonadotropin, since its growth occurs mainly at night);
• find a clean container for collecting material (if a tablet test or a strip strip is used, then the dishes must be clean, otherwise various liquid impurities may affect the result of the study);
• observe the time (in the instructions for use it is indicated not only when you can do a pregnancy test, but also the time that you need to keep the strip strip in the biomaterial);
• correctly interpret the result (it is necessary to evaluate the test response within 3-5 minutes, most devices become not informative after 10, and a reagent begins to appear on their surface).

Various disorders can affect the result of the diagnosis. For example, if you use the test in the evening and before that drink a lot of water, then the answer will be distorted towards the negative. For this reason, manufacturers of all devices unanimously recommend refraining from urinating 2-4 hours before the diagnosis, and also not drinking liquids during this period of time. Under such conditions, the urine will be more concentrated, which will eliminate errors and false results.

What time to take the test

When to take a pregnancy test is not so important. If you follow all the rules, then after a delay, you can conduct a study even in the evening or at night. It is not necessary to wait for the morning portion of urine. But it should be noted: the later the diagnosis is made, the more likely it is to get an accurate answer.

Taking certain medications can also affect the test result. When planning pregnancy, women may be prescribed stimulation, which includes injections of human chorionic gonadotropin. This substance is excreted from the body after about 2 weeks. Therefore, early testing can show a positive result in the actual absence of pregnancy. Taking diuretics and certain drugs to lower blood pressure accelerates the excretion of urine from the body, as a result of which the concentration of the pregnant hormone in the biomaterial decreases.

Summing up, it is safe to say that when it is better to take a pregnancy test, it is a few days after the delay. In this case, the result will be as accurate as possible, and you can conduct a study in the morning, afternoon or evening - as it is more convenient for a woman.

If patience is not enough, and you want to find out about the conception that has taken place as soon as possible, then it is better to donate blood to determine hCG. This study will give a more accurate and early result. Analysis can be carried out already from 5-7 days after ovulation (not to be confused with sexual contact). It is important to understand how a pregnancy test works: how long it shows depends on its sensitivity. The lower the IU value indicated on the package, the greater the chances of early diagnosis.

Hands are shaking, there is fog in my head, an incomprehensible mixture of emotions inside, and the reason for everything is a positive pregnancy test. Some women rejoice at him like a miracle, others begin to panic, others completely fall into a stupor. But after a few minutes / hours / days, everyone has the same question - what's next?

1. Calm down

It is better not to neglect this advice. Very often, women who really want or, conversely, are afraid to get pregnant “think out” the second strip. In any case, pulling yourself together will be a great solution.

You can not try to be distracted by something else - it will not work. Instead, taking deep, calm breaths or talking to your spouse/girlfriend will help.

2. Recheck the result

As soon as the ability to think clearly returns, it is advisable to start rechecking the result. To do this, it is better to buy 2-3 tests, but of a different brand and type. Ideally - in another pharmacy. Reading their instructions is a must. Tests may show false positive results due to misuse, storage or expired use.

A false positive result also occurs in such cases:

• recent abortion, miscarriage;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• getting on the test of organic particles from the outside;
• treatment with hormonal drugs;
• menopause;
• oncology;
• some types of cysts, uterine fibroids and similar diseases.

You can repeat the procedure after 2-3 days, if in doubt. In the presence of pregnancy, the stripes will become brighter after this period. If the tests still show pregnancy, it's time to move on to the third step.

3. Chat with mom

And not only for moral support and sharing of joy. A conversation with her mother is needed to find out how her pregnancy and childbirth went. This information will later help the doctor to better understand how to manage the pregnancy of the expectant mother. A few questions to ask your parent:

• What weight and height was I born with?
• Were there complications during pregnancy or childbirth?
• Did you suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy?
• What childhood diseases did I have (rubella, chickenpox, etc.)?

It also makes sense to remember all your chronic or serious diseases in the past, the presence of allergies. Maybe mom can help with that too.

4. Make an appointment with a doctor

A natural and obvious step. However, as practice shows, many women postpone a visit to the doctor or do not consider it necessary to go to the clinic at all. And in vain. The sooner the expectant mother makes an appointment, the more chances the doctor has to prevent the development of pathologies in the fetus or complications during pregnancy.

If the test showed two strips not due to pregnancy or product defects, the doctor will determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

What can the doctor do during the first visits?

4.1. Submit for hCG lab test

If the period is still short, even a gynecological examination may not reveal pregnancy. But the test for gonadotropin will do just fine with this. It is much more in the blood than in the urine. If the pharmacy test showed an incorrect result, the laboratory will reveal this.

4.2. Run diagnostics

The doctor may order several blood tests, urine tests, and a thyroid examination. He will certainly recommend a general examination by a general practitioner, an ophthalmologist, an otolaryngologist, and several other specialists.

You will often have to take tests during pregnancy, almost before every visit to the gynecologist. However, it is best not to skip them as they are really important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. All procedures are aimed not only at monitoring the child's condition, but also at taking care of the mother's well-being.

Low hemoglobin levels, weak immunity, too strong hormonal surges and discomfort in general - for all this, a gynecologist can prescribe vitamins. They will improve a woman's health and even make her more attractive.

4.4. Assign an ultrasound

The first ultrasound will be scheduled no earlier than 2 weeks after the start of the delay. Its main goal is to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. It will also be able to identify problems with the genitals, if any.

Ultrasound to determine the sex of the child, the features of its development will be prescribed much later.

4.5. Coordinate visit schedule

You will have to see the doctor almost more often than your husband. If the pregnancy passes without complications, then the frequency of visits will most likely be equal to one trip per month, but not less often. Closer to the due date, a woman will have to visit the gynecologist even more often.

So that later you do not have to cancel plans and rush to get to the doctor, it is advisable to immediately discuss with the doctor the approximate schedule of visits.

5. Stock up on information

Books, reliable online sources, courses for pregnant women - all this is sure to come in handy. A woman who knows how her body and the child changes during gestation feels more confident. And confidence and calm make childbirth easier.

What is definitely better not to do is listen to adherents of traditional medicine with dubious, and often dangerous advice. These 9 months are not the best period for experiments.

6. Enjoy your pregnancy

Almost every pregnancy is accompanied by discomfort. This is natural and quite tolerable. However, it is better to try to provide yourself with the most comfortable environment.

Communication with nice people, visiting beautiful places, positive emotions have a good effect on the nervous system of the baby and his health in general. Yes, and mom from this only benefits.

And yet there is a “but”. Pregnancy is not the best time for drastic changes. Therefore, if a young mother:

• smokes she can't give up this habit sharp. It is better gradually reduce the number of cigarettes, and then smoothly refuse them;
• living on a broken schedule she will have to try slowly restore it. It makes sense to ask the future dad about it;
, it is recommended to exclude strength and intensive training. You can replace them with simple walks or yoga for pregnant women;
• loves fast food, it is desirable to reduce its quantity. A woman's tastes can change dramatically, which often provokes cravings for junk food. You should not completely deny yourself pleasure, but seriously limiting the amount of such food is a necessity. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the main diet consists of predominantly from healthy meals.
• active personality who does not sit still, she can leave her former way of life. But she will definitely have to monitor her daily schedule and nutrition, eliminate negativity and overwork.

A positive pregnancy test can be both the result of a defective product and an omen of motherhood. Regardless of this, it is better to play it safe and still visit the doctor's office. Such a step will help protect the health - yours and the baby.