Pregnancy support and advice » pregnancy tests

Important Facts Regarding the Early Detection Pregnancy Test

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:28:31 +0000

Once a lady is late with her cycle, the first thought that comes to mind is pregnancy. Knowing you are pregnant as soon as possible is very important. An early detection pregnancy test will come in handy during these times. Those who want a baby will want a few in the home for knowing as soon as possible that they are having a baby.

Many of the high end pregnancy tests at the pharmacy are the same you will find when you go to your physician for a test. These evaluate the hormonal levels that occur with pregnancy. There will still need to be more testing done to make sure you and the baby are healthy.

There is always a chance that the pregnancy test will be inaccurate. If you feel you are in the minority that gets a result that is not correct, you should take another test within a few days of the previous one to be sure. You need to wait at least two weeks after you ovulate or a week after your missed period.

Never purchase an early detection pregnancy test if it is beyond its expiratory date. This is vital for a true reading. In that way, you will not get an invalid result that will complicate your life. An expired pregnancy test will not offer exact results.

You will be able to get an early detection pregnancy test at most stores. Some may feel more comfortable in purchasing them on the internet. It does not take long for these to be shipped to your home so you can get your answer.

It can be very stressful waiting to find out if you are pregnant or not. Many will want to keep an early detection pregnancy test on hand for those just in case times. Guesswork is not a good idea when it comes to the probability of a new life being started.

Author: Rusty Duchuss
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How Can You Determine The Start Of Pregnancy And The Birth Date

Precious Chinwe Chibuzo — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:56:03 +0000

The start or beginning of any pregnancy can be detected in various ways; one of them is pregnancy tests, which can be through urine or the blood. This test can be done either in the clinic or at home, which ever way; both tests can only detect the state of pregnancy and not the age of the pregnancy.

Pregnancy test is very important and necessary because it helps to detect the hormones that is generated by the placenta which is been formed newly as a result of the fertilization that just took place. To determine the start or beginning of any pregnancy is often convenient from the first day of your last menstruation (LMP) and this alone is can be used to calculate the Expected delivery date (EDD).

In a normal situation, your pregnancy is considered to last for at least 40 weeks starting from the Last Menstrual Period or 38 days from fertilization date. But in case of premature and post mature delivery, the case is difference in the sense that the baby comes as early as 37 weeks for premature delivery and as late as 43 weeks in case of postmature delivery or prolonged pregnancy.
There are some tests that determine the age of the pregnancy fairly accurate but to be sure and certain, last menstrual period (LMP) as reported by you as a woman typically expressed the age of your pregnancy but the exact date of fertilization may be unknown if your recent sexual activity is limited.

In a nut shell, for you to determine the beginning of your pregnancy depends on the missed period and your last menstrual period (LMP) and to determine the Expected Delivery Date is also determined by LMP as reported by you to you doctor. Since this is the case, you as a woman has to study your body very well and avoid any non-challant attitude towards your cycle so as to be accurate in all your reports to enable you have exact date of delivery.

Author: Precious Chinwe Chibuzo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How Soon Can You Take a Home Pregnancy Test?

Amber Lowery — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:43:51 +0000

Have you just missed your period and are curious how soon you can get an accurate reading from a home pregnancy test? If you go to the drugstore, you will see many products that claim that you can get an accurate reading as soon as the day you miss your period. Find out exactly how true that is and what could happen if you take the test too soon.

When you go to the drugstore to purchase your home pregnancy test, you will likely see several products promising you accurate pregnancy test results when you are as little as one day late. The truth is that while your pregnancy can be detected this early, sometimes it won’t be.

You can take one of these over the counter tests as soon as you miss your period, but it may be too soon and the test could give you a false negative result. It is considered best to wait at least a week after you miss your period to take an over the counter home pregnancy test.

Another way to increase the chances that you get an accurate reading is to take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning when your urine has been in your bladder for a longer time. The first urine of the morning has the highest concentration of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is what most modern pregnancy tests detect.

Be sure to read and follow the exact directions that come with your home pregnancy test. Each test is different and some have specific steps to be preformed.

In general, taking a home pregnancy test is an easy task. You simply hold the stick (or whatever your test came as) under your stream of urine for a few seconds. Then, you just wait a bit for the results. Look at the example that came with your test to know exactly what to look for as the test develops.

If you test negative and you still have not had your period after another couple of days, you can always test again or call your doctor. Doctors offices use urine testing but can also preform blood testing that is more accurate at detecting early pregnancy.

Author: Amber Lowery
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

3 Tips For Getting Pregnant Fast

Kristen Burgess — Sat, 29 May 2010 04:43:36 +0000

1. Chart

Charting your cycle is a great way to get an idea of your fertility. In fact, it’s often the best way to get pregnant fast.

You’ll pinpoint your ovulation by charting. This allows you time intercourse for exactly when you’re going to be ovulating (and the days around that). You’ll know for sure that you’re trying to conceive on the right days.

Charting is also a great help to your care provider if you decide to seek outside help. Your provider will be able to look at your past cycles, which can greatly speed up his or her ability to help you get pregnant.

In fact, charting your cycles can help you to figure out what your issues may be – right in the comfort of your own home. You’ll be able to find out if you’re actually ovulating or not. You can see if you have a luteal phase defect (something that can usually be corrected at home!)

Charting is invaluable to getting pregnant quickly. It’s easy to learn the basics and get started right away – no matter where you’re at in your cycle now.

2. Know What Fertility Testing Can be Done at Home

As I mentioned above, you can often figure out why you’re not conceiving at home. Your charting is the first place to start.

The second thing to look at is at-home fertility tests. Today these tests are just as easy to use as pregnancy tests are (and more importantly, can help you get to where you need that pregnancy test!)

There are several types of strips you can use:

FSH test strips: These test for Follicle Stimulating Hormone and can help you determine the quality and supply of your eggs.

LH test strips: These test for Luteinizing Hormone and can help you determine when yu’re about to ovulate. Using these strips to determine when ovulation is about to occur (they predict ovulation within around 24-48 hours) is one of best ways to get pregnant quickly.

Fertility Monitors: These monitors use LH in tandem with Estradiol (Estrogen) to predict when you’re about to ovulate. Monitors are more expensive than other tests but can still be used in the comfort of you own home. They also give you a lot more “advance warning” and overall picture of your cycle than simple test kits.

Sperm Quality: There are at-home sperm quality tests on the market. They may not be quite as accurate as the lab results from the doctor, but the technology is always improving. If the thought of going to the doctor doesn’t appeal to your man, an at-home test could be a good choice. They’re often bundled with female test kits, giving you information on both partners.

3. Use a Sperm Friendly Lubricant

Sperm need a friendly, nourishing environment to get to the egg quickly. This is usually provided by your cervical mucus. But if your mucus pattern is confusing, or if you don’t have a lot, consider using a lubricant.

It’s important not to pick just any lubricant – you need a sperm safe one. Most lubricants actually harm sperm. There are formulations on the market now that are not just safe, they’re actually good for sperm.

These lubricants have a proven track record for assisting in conception, and in helping women conceive faster, so consider using one.

With these three hints you’ll be able to enhance your chances of getting pregnant – and enhance your chances of conceiving quickly.

Author: Kristen Burgess
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How to Get Pregnant Sooner

Lauren Dzuris — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:28:28 +0000

Getting pregnant seems like it is either a surprising thing or something that takes forever. It can be very frustrating if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for the past few months and you keep buying pregnancy tests that just give you the response of “Not Pregnant.” Not only are you wasting your money but you’re wasting your time.

If you’re looking to increase your chances of getting pregnant you may want to continue reading below to find out how you can speed up the process.

Test – First of all, you should really just go to the doctor and get a fertility test with your significant other. This will allow you to know whether or not you can actually have children. You wouldn’t want to keep trying for years and get even more frustrated.

Days – They say that there are certain days you can try to get a better chance of it working. It is said that around the 14th of your period is the best time to try. Your body and cycle are going through changes which can help.

Not every day – The people that really want to have a baby think that doing it every day will increase their chances. Although, that makes it harder. You want your partner to produce as much sperm and get a really big build up to increase your chances. So the more you do it, the less sperm there usually is.

Wait it out – Once you’re done trying for a baby, you don’t want to get up and go to the bathroom right away. You want to just lie on your back and let all the sperm kind of wander around. Going to the bathroom and getting up will just flush them out.

Lifestyle – The lifestyle that you’re living will also determine whether or not your body is ready. You want to eat healthy on a daily basis, take vitamins regularly, exercise on a regular basis, and get enough sleep each night. All of these play a factor in how your body functions. So, the better you take care of yourself, the better chance you have at getting pregnant.

You also want to drop the smoking and skip out on the alcohol for a while. Your body needs to be as healthy as can be and those will only work against you.

Getting pregnant may take time, but once you are you will be even more appreciative. Don’t get too frustrated, but just keep trying, and consider a few of these tips to get you there sooner!

Author: Lauren Dzuris
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Buy a Pregnancy Test Online – Find Out in the Comfort of Your Home

Mariya Wordsworth — Mon, 10 May 2010 06:56:03 +0000

These days, pregnancy tests are very effective and you should know your answer within minutes. Companies are continually changing how their tests display the results so that you are not left standing there wondering if there is or isn’t a line, and what a line or no line means. Now, you can get the pregnancy tests that say positive or negative, or even pregnant or not pregnant on them as a result so there are no more questions. Make sure you read your specific test as to how the results will be displayed, as that tends to be more confusing for women than actually seeing what the result is.

A woman can take a pregnancy test a few days before her period is due with accurate results, but it is always recommended to wait until the day your period is due, or a few days later. This is simply due to getting a good, strong result as these tests detect a hormone in the urine, and it takes 10 to 14 days for this to show up in the urine.

You can buy a pregnancy test pretty much anywhere now. Even the dollar stores sometimes stock them and they are just as reliable. For those that have been trying to conceive for a while, they may even start buying tests in bulk online; due to the amount they have gone through and expect to still go through. Some women also tend to be serial testers, so saving a few dollars on tests can be helpful.

For best results, you should use the first morning urine to take the pregnancy test. This is because the hormone that the test is looking for is more concentrated after a long period of not urinating. If you keep forgetting, leave the test sitting on the toilet so it reminds you when you get up.

Sometimes a doctor will send you for blood work early on to check your hCG levels. They are checking for the same hormone that a urine test checks for, but they may want to do these to give an idea of how far along you are, if you are have multiples, or they may want to check in case of a miscarriage. These types of pregnancy tests can detect a pregnancy about a week after ovulation, but doctors don’t do these tests as often due to the amount of time it takes to get results. Price is also a factor, as a simple urine test is accurate enough to confirm a pregnancy, and much cheaper.

A positive pregnancy test is just the start of a new journey. For many, it is a wonderful blessing, and they cannot wait to see where this journey is going to take them.

Author: Mariya Wordsworth
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Pregnancy Test Breakdown – What is in a Pregnancy Test?

Kerry Goring — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 05:26:17 +0000

If you suspect that you may be pregnant it may be time to take a test. There are two types of pregnancy tests on the market today that help to confirm pregnancy, a urine test or a more detailed blood test. No matter which test you decide to go with, both tests are looking for the same thing.

A urine test is a simple and quick way to find out if you are pregnant. Most can be found in the local drugstore and done in the privacy of your home, or it can be administered quickly at a clinic or doctors office. The results are immediate and can give you an easy yes or no answer right away.

Urine tests detect a hormone in your system called Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This hormone is secreted by the cells of the newly forming placenta that has embedded itself into the lining of the uterus and will later be secreted by the placenta itself as the pregnancy progresses. It is instrumental in supporting the production of protesterone which is needed in maintaining the body during pregnancy.

HCG can be detected in the blood stream about 11 days conception and in the urine about 14 days after. In a normal pregnancy the level of HCG found in the blood stream will double every 48-72 hrs up until 11 weeks of pregnancy, after this point, the levels stabilize and stay constant throughout the duration of the rest of the pregnancy.

HCG is an important indicator because it can be used as a measure of how a pregnancy is progressing. It is measured in units per millimeter. If your tests shows that you have anything under 5 mlU/ml, it means that you are not pregnant, while a measure of over 25mlU/ml means that you are in positive territory. Once the levels taper to around 1200mlU/ml it is in an indicator that you are heading into the second trimester.

If the levels suddenly start to taper off it can indicate a problem with the pregnancy and an ultrasound may be needed as a precautionary measure.

Testing for the HCG hormone is a necessary step in starting on your pregnancy journey.

Author: Kerry Goring
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Clearblue Easy Digital Pregnancy Test

Solomon Mwale — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:44:50 +0000

Having all the pregnancy symptoms that we are having going for a test is one of the major issues that you will have to do. This will confirm and give you full confidence that you are pregnant. Many are the test that we can and had taken to confirm our pregnancy. All are depending on the advice that we have received from people that are next to us and have been our closest friends in this matter. All of us that are expecting to get pregnant we will very much appreciate to get the confirmation of the pregnancy in the early stages than the later stages. Pregnancy has been joy to many that are newly web and expecting a baby.

With the advancement in technology there has been much development that has been produced and is being used to simplify many issues that we are involved in on daily basis. All these have simplified our duties in a way that we are happy with there introduction. Apart from development of many machines there has also been the development of biological instrument that are of great help to Human for the detection of many issues that are concerning us. Among these there has been the introduction of pregnancy test equipment that you can use on your own and get the best resulted without fail. Clearblue easy digital pregnancy test is one on the pregnancy test instrument that is there in the market as of now.

It has three major features that makes it different from others that ere available in the market. Soma might have the same features like the below but not all of them. Below are the features that are making it different.

Accuracy of the test is over 99 percent making it the most perfect pregnancy test equipment that we have on the market.

Among all the tests that we have available it is only this test that will give the results in words live “pregnant” if you are pregnant and “not pregnant” if you are not pregnant.

In the same single set you will also get a pack of two digital pregnancy tests.

All the above are what makes Clearblue easy digital pregnancy test the best pregnancy test available in the market.

Author: Solomon Mwale
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

False Positive Pregnancy Test

Robert Grazian — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:43:45 +0000

False positive pregnancy test basically means HCG was detected in the urine. HCG is present in the placenta when the embryo is attached to the uterus. False pregnancy is rear by do occur. If you have done the home pregnancy test and result shows positive, we blindly accept it, after all pregnancy tests are supposed to be 99% accurate. However there are several reasons sighted about why a home pregnancy test could be misguiding.

The chances of inaccuracy rises up when the guidelines mentioned in the kit is not followed and also when the result is not read in the stipulated time. Keep a track of the time, since you will not realize how time flies when one is anxious and impatient. Double checking the result could also give you false positive pregnancy test. This possibly is the main cause of inaccurate tests. So adhere to the instructions mentioned on the kit.

If urine is contaminated with protein or medicine like phenothiczune it could interfere with the results leading to wrong results. The pregnancy tests are accurate sometimes while on the other hand it is also possible that the tests may not be accurate. There are many reasons behind this fact which we will discuss here.

When the strip changes color, the result is said to be positive, but if manipulated it could also give inaccurate results. Evaporation lines start appearing after 3-5 minutes. Reading after the stipulated time could result in inaccuracy.

If your pregnancy test result is positive consult your doctor immediately, sometimes certain types of cancer like chorocarcinama, ovarian, breast cancer can cause increase in the level of HCG, thus leading to false positive pregnancy test.

Using pregnancy kit which has crossed the expiry date could give you false indications. Always check the best before date before you proceed.

A woman who has been undergoing treatment for infertility and was given HCG injection will test positive too. The container where urine needs to be collected should be free of detergent or soap deposits; this could result in false positive pregnancy test.

Thus there are many chances of false positive pregnancy test results. The results are only due to certain chemical reactions. The presence or absence of proteins in the urine or blood may cause the pregnancy test strips to change color. Thus even if your pregnancy test is positive, it is very much possible that you are not pregnant. The best way to go about it is that when you feel that you are pregnant, you must go and see a doctor about it. Ask for the doctor’s advice with regard to your eating habits and rest while you are pregnant. This will keep you as well as your baby safe from any mishap.

Author: Robert Grazian
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Ways to Memorialize Your Pregnancy

Judi Cox — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:43:14 +0000

Nine months of pregnancy seems an eternity when you get that little pink positive on the test stick. In this day and age, we no longer have to wait until we start having symptoms of pregnancy, which can start as late as 8 or 10 weeks for some. Instead, we have pregnancy tests that will determine a positive just days after conception. This can make the pregnancy journey seem even longer!

While you are growing, suffering morning sickness and anxiously awaiting the new addition to the family, here are a few ways to memorialize your pregnancy; both for yourself and to pass along to the child in the future.

Write It

If you don’t already, now is a great time to take up journaling. A hardback journal to write would give you the option of writing any time, while eating breakfast, in bed, or in a waiting room. Picking out the book could be a special in itself, as you will be picking something that touches you. If your penmenship is not something you particularly want to share, journaling online offers a wide variety of options. Generally called “blogging”, a web log has been a popular method of writing thoughts, opinions and sharing knowledge with others. There are many blog communities, each offering different perks. Some provide private post options, so your posts are viewable to the general public, only to those you allow. Some allow categories, giving you the option of writing about things other than just your pregnancy. Others still, are aimed just at moms or pregnant moms. Take a look around and find one that has a good feel for you.

Pregnant Belly, Say Cheese

Take monthy pregnant belly pictures. Start at the beginning, or as soon as you are able. There may not be much of a baby belly at 8 weeks along, but when you have a whole pregnancy worth of belly shots, you’ll have fun looking at where you started and where you ended!

Some tips for taking monthy belly pictures: Be consistent. Stand the same way, by the same wall or door (or similar). Wear similar clothing (like a pair of sweatpants that you can wear almost throughout). Show bare belly, or wear a shirt – or do one of each every time. The more consistent you are, the more obvious the pregnancy changes when looking back.

Studio Pictures

You’ve got the digital camera taking your own pregnant belly pictures, but a professional photogragher will make some beautiful pictures for your baby belly book. Consider including siblings, if any, your partner, and take pregnancy pictures that aren’t so “traditional”. Strip down and wrap up in white robe, or guaze – with a dark background, this is beautiful. Siblings touching or kissing baby belly makes for a touching moment. And your partners hands on your belly, speak love. Of course, studio pictures are best towards the end of pregnancy, but don’t wait too long either!

Some studios specialize in pregnancy and newborn pictures – check your phone book or ask around.

Belly Cast It

Belly Cast, or Belly Mask, has become a popular method of preserving pregnant bellies. Belly Cast kits are inexpensive and easy to find, particularly online. They are easy to do, but don’t try to do a belly cast yourself! You will definitely need another set of hand and sometimes an extra set is helpful. No baby belly inhibitions? Make a party of it! Invite your girlfriends over for some messy fun. In the end, you have a plaster cast of your belly to decorate, hang on the wall or sit on a shelf.

Decorated Belly

Women are becoming more willing to bare their pregnant bellies. Decorating your baby belly is a fun way to show it off. Wear it around the house, or out in public. Make a party of it, or do it yourself. But don’t forget to take pictures!

Semi-permanant belly decoration – Henna is a type of skin dye that will essentially “stain” the skin, essentially, a non-permanant tattoo. Women have been using henna for years and years. Henna kits are widely available. A simple design or something elaborate – it’s all up to you! Do be careful in the sun with a henna’d baby belly. Your skin may tan and when the henna wears off in a week or more, you may end up with a reversed belly tattoo.

Paint it and wash it – Skin safe paints are a great just for fun project to do with siblings. Get into some comfy clothes, get a glass of water, juice or your pregnancy tea and sit back. Let the kids paint. Don’t forget to Take Pictures!

Belly Pillow

Whew! The pregnancy is over, or close to it. Grab your favorite maternity top, your sewing machine and some good stuffing. Sew that shirt into a pillow; square, round, or just sew up all the openings and leave it full size! This is a great momento to pass along to the baby. Do it for each pregnancy and each child will have their very own “moms favorite maternity shirt pillow”.

Regardless of how much you do to memorialize your pregnancy, enjoy as much of it as you are able to. Those nine months, though they seem long while you are counting the days, when looking back, it’s just a snippet in time.

Author: Judi Cox
Article Source: EzineArticles.com