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How to test the pregnancy


How They Work, Types & Accuracy

How Does a Pregnancy Test Work.

What is a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test is a way to determine if you’re pregnant by looking at the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. From the very beginning of pregnancy, your body starts to go through changes to support growth in the grouping of cells that will develop into your baby. One thing that happens very quickly is production of hCG. This chemical is only found in pregnant women and it starts to build up once the fertilized egg implants in the uterus — about 10 days after conception.

There are two main types of pregnancy tests — urine tests and blood tests. Often, you’ll take a urine test at home with a home pregnancy test kit. This type of test can be purchased over-the-counter (you don’t need a prescription from your healthcare provider) and is available in a variety of price ranges. Blood tests to check for pregnancy are done in your healthcare provider’s office.

There are several reasons why you might take a pregnancy test. You could be trying to get pregnant and hoping for a positive result. You might have experienced an issue with your birth control. You might even be about to have a medical procedure or start a new medication that could be complicated by pregnancy. No matter what the reason, if you ever have any questions about your test results, the best thing to do is reach out to your healthcare provider. A pregnancy can also be confirmed through an ultrasound. Later in a pregnancy, an ultrasound is actually used to not only look at your baby, but make sure the timeline of development matches the dates of your conception and missed period.

How do pregnancy tests work?

When you take a pregnancy test, it’s looking for the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. You can find hCG in your urine or blood. However, this chemical needs time to build up in your body, which can cause very early pregnancy tests to come back negative. Each day of early pregnancy, your body will create more hCG. As the weeks go on, you’ll have more and more hCG in your body, which will make it more likely that a pregnancy test will show as positive.

Pregnancy tests work by reacting to the amount of hCG in either your urine or blood. In a urine test, a piece of reactive paper detects the hCG. This might then show a plus sign, double vertical lines or even the word “pregnant.” Different tests will show a positive result in unique ways. Read the directions that come with the test to know what a positive result will look like. On the test, there will also be a control window that will show up first. Seeing a symbol in this window will tell you that the test is working. Keep in mind that different brands of tests will take different amounts of time to process.

If you take a blood test, your provider will take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab. The lab will determine the amount of hCG is in your blood.

What are the different types of pregnancy tests?

There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine and blood tests. Urine tests are typically done at home — though you can have a urine test done at your healthcare provider’s office — while blood tests are done by your provider.

At-home pregnancy test

An at-home test usually uses your urine to look for hCG in your body. According to most manufacturers, at-home pregnancy tests are about 99% effective when used as instructed. That’s about the same accuracy rate as urine pregnancy tests done in your healthcare provider’s office. These tests are available in most pharmacies or grocery stores and they don’t need a prescription. They can take different amounts of time depending on the brand. It’s important to read the instructions on these tests before taking them.

When you go to take an at-home pregnancy test, you’ll typically place one to several drops of urine on a prepared chemical strip or place the strip in the urine stream. The strip is specially-designed to detect hCG. For many of these tests, hCG can be detected in your urine about 10 days after conception. However, taking it after your missed period reduces the chance of getting a false-negative.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you take a home pregnancy tests, including:

  • Using your first morning urine when possible. This is the time of day when your hCG levels will be the most concentrated and easily detected. If you do it at another time of day, try and make sure your urine has been in your bladder for at least four hours.
  • Not drinking excessive amounts of fluids before you take a pregnancy test. Many people think this will increase the volume of urine, but it can also dilute (thin out) your hCG levels.
  • Reading the directions that come with the test thoroughly before starting the test, and following every step precisely.

Blood test

Another type of pregnancy test that can be used is a blood test. Blood tests are rarely done because they’re expensive and tend to have the same result as a urine test. This type of pregnancy test is done using a small sample of blood that’s analyzed at a hospital or healthcare provider’s office. This blood test not only detects whether the pregnancy hormone is in your body, but can also determine how much of hormone is present.

A blood test for pregnancy might be done in special circumstances, such as for women who are having infertility treatments or when the healthcare provider thinks there might be a problem.

These blood tests are slightly more sensitive than urine tests because they can detect very small levels of hCG. That means they can provide a more accurate answer very early on in pregnancy — within nine to 12 days after conception. For this test, your blood sample is taken and sent to a lab for analysis. Results might take anywhere from a few hours to more than a day.

Your provider might also choose to use a blood test to compare hCG levels during the pregnancy. Your hCG levels usually double about every two days during the first few weeks of pregnancy. If the levels don’t rise, it might suggest a problem with the pregnancy. Extremely high hCG levels might mean that your carrying twins or that there’s an issue with the pregnancy.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

If you think you could be pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a test and make sure. If you are pregnant, you will need to begin prenatal care. Home pregnancy tests can differ in how early they’ll detect a pregnancy. In many cases, you might get a positive from an at-home test as early as 10 days after conception. For a more accurate result, wait until after you’ve missed your period to take a test. Remember, if you take a test too soon it could be negative even if you are pregnant. If you get a negative test and then miss your period, take another test or contact your healthcare provider.

What are the advantages of using a home pregnancy test?

There are quite a few advantages to using a home pregnancy test, including:

  • Pregnancy tests are inexpensive.
  • They’re easy to use.
  • Home tests provide results quickly.

According to pregnancy kit manufacturers, most at-home pregnancy tests are 97% to 99% accurate when you use them as instructed. Positive results can be trusted, but you can get a falsely negative result very early in pregnancy.

Blood tests tend to be more expensive and, for many women, the wait for an appointment can be difficult. Home tests allow you to quickly know if you’re pregnant shortly after conception.

Are all home pregnancy testing methods the same?

Most brands of at-home pregnancy tests are reliable. Although the exact testing method of different pregnancy tests can differ from one type to the other, they all look for hCG in your body. Some tests might do this through urine while others look for the pregnancy hormone in your blood. If you’re using an at-home test, most will give you the same result. The difference with your at-home tests will be the sensitivity of the test. Some might be more sensitive than others and produce a positive result — detect hCG in your urine — sooner than others. For the most accurate reading, it’s still recommended that you wait till you’ve missed your period. At that point, all tests should be accurate.

Are there any medications that can change the result of my pregnancy test?

For the most part, medications do not change your pregnancy test results. Antibiotics, birth control, alcohol and many other drugs do not impact your test results. The main reason for a false-negative is testing too early. You might also get a false-negative if you use a home test incorrectly. It’s important to follow the directions on your test kit to make sure you get an accurate result.

However, fertility drugs are one exception. These medications can sometimes cause a false-positive on your pregnancy test. If you’re taking fertility medications, reach out to your healthcare provider about your results to make sure they are accurate.

What should I do after getting a positive pregnancy test?

If you take a pregnancy test at home and it’s positive, there are a few things you should do, including:

  • Take your prenatal vitamins — pick a vitamin with folic acid included in the ingredient list. It’s recommended that you actually start taking these vitamins before becoming pregnant. This is because the folic acid can help prevent birth defects.
  • Call your healthcare provider for an appointment. This appointment might not happen for a while — sometimes several weeks — but it’s a good idea to call your provider and make the appointment.
  • Make sure to pursue healthy habits. It’s recommended that you don’t drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy. You may also want to limit the amount of caffeine you consume each day during pregnancy.

Doing a pregnancy test - NHS

If you have missed a period and recently had unprotected sex, you may be pregnant. Pregnancy tests are most reliable from the first day of your missed period.

When you can do a pregnancy test

You can carry out most pregnancy tests from the first day of a missed period. If you don't know when your next period is due, do the test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.

Some very sensitive pregnancy tests can be used even before you miss a period.

You can do a pregnancy test on a sample of urine collected at any time of the day. It doesn't have to be in the morning.

Where you can get a pregnancy test

You can buy pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists and some supermarkets. They can give a quick result and you can do the test in private.

The following places provide free pregnancy tests:

  • sexual health services
  • some young people's services – call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for details
  • Brook centres for under-25s – find your nearest Brook centre

You may also be able to get a pregnancy test free of charge from your GP.

How does a pregnancy test work?

All pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which starts to be produced around 6 days after fertilisation.

Most pregnancy tests come in a box that contains 1 or 2 long sticks. You pee on the stick and the result appears on the stick after a few minutes. All tests are slightly different, so always check the instructions.

Will a pregnancy test work if I'm on the pill?

Yes.

Some methods of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, contain hormones, but these hormones will not stop a pregnancy test working.

No method of contraception is completely effective, so it's important to take a pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant.

Pregnancy test results

Home pregnancy tests are accurate as long as you follow the instructions correctly.

A positive test result is almost certainly correct. However, a negative test result is less reliable.

The result may not be reliable if you:

  • do not follow the instructions properly
  • take the test too early

Some medicines can also affect the results.

If you get a negative result and still think you're pregnant, wait a few days and try again. Speak to your GP if you get a negative result after a second test but your period has not arrived.

Continuing with the pregnancy

If you're pregnant and want to continue with the pregnancy, contact your GP or a midwife to start your antenatal care. You can use the pregnancy due date calculator to work out when your baby is due.

If you're not sure you want to be pregnant

If you're not sure about continuing with the pregnancy, you can discuss this confidentially with a healthcare professional. Your options are:

  • continuing with the pregnancy and keeping the baby
  • having an abortion
  • continuing with the pregnancy and having the baby adopted

As well as a GP or a nurse at your GP surgery, you can also get accurate, confidential information – from the age of 13 – from the following:

  • sexual health services
  • the MSI Reproductive Choices website
  • the British Pregnancy Advisory service website
  • the National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory service website

All these services – including community contraceptive clinics – are confidential. If you're 13 or older, the staff won't tell your parents. They'll encourage you to talk to your parents, but they won't force you. 

If you're under 25 and would prefer advice specifically for young people, the sexual health charity Brook provides a range of services for young people. The Brook website contains information on pregnancy choices. You can also use the Ask Brook 24/7 service.

Video: Is the pregnancy test accurate?

In this video, a midwife explains when you can take a pregnancy test and how to do it properly.

Media last reviewed: 5 February 2020
Media review due: 5 February 2023

Page last reviewed: 9 February 2022
Next review due: 9 February 2025

How to determine pregnancy without a test

How to determine pregnancy without a test and what signs indirectly indicate that your beloved baby will be born soon? Of course, only a blood test can give a 100% guarantee, but the presence of certain signs may indicate its possible onset.

Classic signs of pregnancy

The most common early signs and symptoms may include

  • Delayed menses. Problems with the regularity of the menstrual cycle may be associated with hormonal imbalance in the body. But if the delay arose for the first time, and before that the cycle was as accurate as a clock, then it is likely that you are pregnant.
  • Early toxicosis with severe nausea and vomiting - the most common sign of an interesting situation, but not every woman has.
  • Pain in both breasts or enlargement. Nipples can become very sensitive and change color. Sometimes in the early stages, colostrum is released from them with slight pressure.
  • Pain in the pelvic region, similar to menstruation. But this sign can also indicate such a serious pathology as an ectopic pregnancy.
  • Increased amount of discharge from the genitals. This can usually be observed during ovulation. Normal discharge is clear and odorless. When a whitish tint or a curdled structure appears, thrush can also be assumed, which is a common problem for expectant mothers. But in this case, you can not do without treatment. During the period of bearing a child, it is necessary to protect your body as much as possible from any, even such a safe disease.
  • Increased or vice versa reduced libido. Every woman experiences jumps in sexual desire in one direction or the other due to hormonal changes occurring in the body. Therefore, men should treat this with understanding, knowing that they have not become less loved, but these are just signs of pregnancy.
  • Frequent urination, despite the fact that you do not drink more often and there are no inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system. A similar phenomenon is associated with a slight relaxation of the sphincter of the bladder due to hormonal processes. And with the growth of the uterus and, accordingly, with the increase in pressure on the bladder, going to the toilet will become even more frequent.

Additional symptoms of pregnancy

There are less obvious signs that may occur during the first trimester. These include:

  • Strange Desires . For example, at night I sharply wanted chocolate, and during the day - salted fish. Such desires may not be mere whims. If you want sour, then perhaps there is not enough vitamin C in the body. You want to gnaw on the wall with calcium deficiency, and sniff gasoline - with a lack of iron, anemia.
  • Constant irritability, tearfulness. The flow of hormones in a woman's body in the early stages can make her unusually emotional. So-called mood swings can be a clear sign of pregnancy.
  • Bloating . Hormonal changes can cause feelings of fullness in the abdomen, as at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
  • Bloody discharge pale pink. This symptom is called implantation bleeding. This happens when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, about 10 to 14 days after conception. Usually occurs during the normal periods of the menstrual period. But not all women have such bleeding is a sign of a normal pregnancy. Therefore, in case of detection of deviations from the normal cycle, consult a gynecologist.
  • Chair problems . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation.
  • Food aversions . When you are pregnant, you may become more sensitive to certain smells and your sense of taste may change. Like most other symptoms, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.
  • Nasal congestion . An increase in hormone levels and blood production can lead to swelling of the nasal mucosa. This can cause congestion or runny nose, nosebleeds.

90,000 first signs of pregnancy in the early stages

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Publication date: 05/17/2021

For pregnant and nursing forces Stressstress

Article 9000

Svetlana Bukharova,

Nutritionist, fitness instructor

12 years of experience. Diploma of Medical Education: DVS 1724848

All authors

Article content

  • How to understand the first signs of pregnancy without a test
  • Signs of pregnancy in the early stages will help to determine the measurement of basal temperature
  • Pregnancy symptoms - "Grandma's" methods of determining
  • Determination of pregnancy by changes in well-being and mood
  • Ask an expert on the topic of the article

Since ancient times, women have been looking for ways to find out about pregnancy as early as possible. Documents found during the study of the Egyptian pyramids (1370 BC) describe this method of early detection of pregnancy: a woman should urinate on barley and wheat seeds. If the grain sprouted shortly thereafter, the woman was considered pregnant. The method was tested by modern scientists in 1963, and it turned out that such a text is really effective in 70% of cases. This is due to an increase in the level of estrogen in the body of the expectant mother, which is excreted along with urine and accelerates the process of grain germination.

And at the end of the 17th century, the so-called "olfactory" method was popular. They set fire to a cloth soaked in women's urine. If the woman did not like the smell formed during burning, it was concluded that the lady was in position. However, there are many such methods, many of them have been tested for centuries and have the right to exist. In the article we will talk about the most effective testless methods for determining the "interesting position" - both medical and folk. The latter do not guarantee 100% reliability, since they do not have scientific justification and confirmation, but they will help not to delay a visit to the gynecologist.

How to understand the first signs of pregnancy without a test

Medical methods are the most reliable in determining pregnancy without a test. If you suspect that you are in an interesting position, go to the antenatal clinic. The gynecologist will examine you and direct you to donate blood for the hCG hormone.

HCG

Blood should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The concentration of chronic genadotropin increased throughout pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the indicator is 0-5 mU / ml. If the gestational age is from one to two weeks - 25-156 mU / ml.

Ultrasound

From the seventh day, the fact of conception can be determined by ultrasound. Ultrasound is needed not only to confirm pregnancy. The doctor will also determine the condition of the reproductive organs, the location of the embryo, and exclude an ectopic pregnancy.

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Signs of pregnancy in the early stages will help determine the measurement of basal body temperature

Gynecologists call this method one of the most reliable. At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the basal temperature (BT) is kept at around 36.5 - 36.7 ° C, rises to 37 ° C by ovulation. In the event that there was no conception, after the cessation of ovulation, BT again decreases to average values. If you are pregnant, the temperature will be kept within 37 ° C.

How to measure basal body temperature?

A conventional thermometer is inserted into the rectum or vagina. The procedure should be carried out every day at the same time in the morning, without getting out of bed. When measuring temperature:

  • Stay in the same position in which you woke up
  • Measure BBT 5-8 minutes
  • Write down the values ​​(with date and time)
Important! During the period of determining the basal temperature, it is advisable not to smoke or drink alcohol.

Pregnancy symptoms - "Grandma's" methods of determination

You can determine pregnancy without a test using folk methods. They are affordable, harmless to health and help you get quick results without leaving your home.

How does iodine help determine pregnancy?

You can find out that you are pregnant with regular iodine.

What you need:

  • Napkin or sheet of paper
  • Plastic or glass containers
  • Iodine
  • Pipette

What to do:

  1. Collect some urine in a container
  2. Soak tissue/paper in urine
  3. Lay out on a flat surface
  4. Pipette iodine
  5. Place a few drops on paper

Result:

  • If the color of the iodine has not changed or changed to a bright dark blue, there is no pregnancy.
  • If iodine has changed color to lilac or lilac, you are pregnant.

Advantages of the method:

  • Everything you need is at hand
  • Early pregnancy detection

Cons of the method:

  • No 100% guarantee
  • Accurate adherence to instructions
  • Time limit: you only have 25 minutes for the test, then the urine becomes unusable

Find out about pregnancy with soda

What you need:

  • Soda
  • Urine
  • container

What to do:

  1. Collect about 150-200 ml of morning urine in a container
  2. Pour 1 teaspoon baking soda into the urine

Results:

  • The mixture bubbles and hisses, which means that the acidity is normal. you are not pregnant
  • Soda settled at the bottom, which means that my acidity is lowered. There is a high probability that conception has occurred.

Advantages of the method:

  • Cheap
  • Accessibility

Cons of the method:

  • Efficiency not confirmed by studies
  • May give a false result (due to the nature of the urine)

There is another method to test for a possible pregnancy, which does not require "chemical experiments". It consists of palpation of the pulse on the abdomen. Place your fingers on your abdomen two fingers below your navel. During pregnancy, the blood supply to this area increases, the pulse becomes more frequent and well audible.

Feeling and Mood Changes in Pregnancy Detection

There are several symptoms in early pregnancy before your period that might suggest you are pregnant before you see your doctor or buy a test. Listen to your body. You are probably pregnant if:

  • No menstruation
  • Feeling dizzy, there is a veil in front of the eyes
  • Body temperature rises to 37 - 37.5°C for a long time
  • Stuffy nose
  • Enlarged, swollen breasts, the color of the nipples changed, they became hypersensitive
  • Feeling of heaviness and pain in the navel, in the lower abdomen
  • You feel sick, your sense of smell and touch are acute
  • Overweight
  • Frequent mood swings, tearfulness
  • Weakness, increased drowsiness
  • Gastronomic "shifts" - the desire to "taste" unsuitable for food substances, such as chalk. Cravings for salty, sweet, sour
  • A sharp decrease or increase in sexual desire

There are many ways to determine pregnancy without a test, but you should not rely only on physiological changes occurring in your body and “grandmother's” tests. Finding out that you may soon become a mother is best from a gynecologist. Only a specialist will be able to prevent abnormalities in the development of the fetus and determine an ectopic pregnancy, if any. Modern diagnostic methods are very effective, and using them you can endure and give birth to a healthy baby.

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