All you need to know about Pregnancy Tests!

You can often determine if you are pregnant by noticing the signs of pregnancy. But to be sure, it’s always recommended to take a pregnancy test.

When to take the test?
It is usually suggested that a pregnancy test should be taken after the first day of your missed period. You are likely to get more accurate results, one day after your first missed period.

How to take the test?
All the pregnancy tests work by detecting the pregnancy hormone “Human Chorionic Gonadotropin” (HCG) in the urine or blood. These tests can be done at home or at the doctor’s clinic.

Urine test:
You can take a pregnancy test at home by testing a sample of urine after two weeks of conception, or when your period is due.

Blood test:
This can be done only at a hospital or clinic. A blood test is time-consuming but can detect earlier results, i.e.; within 10 days after conception.

How accurate are home conducted tests?
At-home pregnancy tests have now become common. The accuracy of the tests depends on how well you read and follow the instructions on the test kit. If the instructions are followed properly the results are 98% accurate.

Fast facts on pregnancy tests

Just like medicines have an expiry; pregnancy tests also have a best before date. Once the date passes the chemical used to detect HCG will no longer be effective and the results can be tainted.

Each brand of pregnancy test works slightly differently, so read the instructions carefully before use.

If your pregnancy test results are positive, it means you are pregnant and if it is negative, you are not pregnant.

It is advised to take a pregnancy test in the morning because the first urine contains the highest concentration of (HCG).

Consult a Gynecologist at Shenoy Hospitals to confirm a positive at-home pregnancy test with a more reliable pregnancy test and physical exam. For an appointment or if in an emergency call us at 040-41519999.