Do you believe that you could be pregnant? There's always a chance of pregnancy even if you use the best birth control methods. This is because pregnancy comes from one sperm and one egg. Determining whether or not you're pregnant can quickly happen by just taking a pregnancy test.
Once you’ve taken your test, you may also like to look at outdoor activities for toddlers, and how to make your child successful in life.
Early pregnancy tests and regular pregnancy tests check if there is a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin in your body. If it's in your body, then you're pregnant. When the egg links itself to the uterus, the hormone is released.
Depending on the pregnancy test, it may require a urine sample from you. Here are several methods to share your urine for the test:
● Pee into a cup and put a testing stick inside of the cup
● Pee into a cup and utilize an eyedropper to help separate a small portion of the fluid into a different container
● Have a urine stick placed where you will urinate so that it catches a sample midstream
If you take a pregnancy test after experiencing a missed period, it has 99 percent effectiveness. These pregnancy tests are convenient because you can take them at home. Just open the package and follow the instructions given. Then wait the amount of time before you can view your results.
Once the results are ready, it should appear in one of the following ways:
● A line
● Change in color
● Words like "not pregnant" or "pregnant."
● Symbols like minus or plus
When Can I Take Pregnancy Test?
So the important question is, when is the earliest you can take a pregnancy test? Knowing when to test pregnancy is important because testing too early can cause inaccurate results. Ideally, you should wait until at least after you missed your period before attempting any early pregnancy tests. Another time frame you may use before taking early pregnancy tests is waiting until at least about one or two weeks after your last sexual intercourse. It typically takes some time before your body can produce any trace of HCG. So how soon can you tell if you're pregnant, or how early can you detect pregnancy? Once the egg is successfully implanted, it takes about 7 to 12 days to see any type of accurate readings. Too early testing will cause inaccurate results. Also keep in mind that pregnancy symptoms may vary when you start to notice them. Now let's go over signs that you should take a pregnancy test.
1. You Notice You Missed Your Period
One of the most significant signs of potential pregnancy is a missed period. You must monitor your cycle closely to ensure you aren't missing your period. Women typically have about a menstrual cycle that lasts 28 days, so consider taking a pregnancy test if it's been over a month since the last time you've had your period.
Remember that certain health conditions, such as exercise, diet, and stress, can cause you to skip or delay your period.
Also, look out for signs such as spotting or light bleeding. This happens when the egg begins to implant itself deeper. Notice if there are any differences in the amount of blood, texture, or color. If you do test positive for pregnancy, you should contact your doctor right away.
2. You're Experiencing Cramps
The egg implantation process can almost mimic the feeling of normal menstrual cramps. You may feel as if your period is coming soon. However, it never arrives. If this happens, you'll want to take a pregnancy test. Each woman is different and will vary in hormone levels.
3. Your Breasts are Hurting
Pregnancy causes an influx in progesterone and estrogen production to help support the growth of the baby. Due to an increased blood flow in your breasts, they may feel bigger and more tender. The veins around it may look dark, and the nipples may even hurt a little. However, this doesn't guarantee a pregnancy. Some women experience some breast tenderness or discomfort before their period.
4. You Don't Feel Well
Sometimes early pregnancy may cause you to feel sick. Additional symptoms may include:
● Exhaustion
● Nausea
● Frequent urination
● Food urinations
These symptoms may happen more frequently or get stronger since your HCG levels are leveling out, especially in the first-trimester stage. If you experience any unusual sensations or sickness, you may want to take a pregnancy test.
5. If Your Contraception Method Didn't Work
Contraceptives methods, such as condoms and birth control pills, aren't 100% effective. No matter how careful you practice safe sex, there could always be a chance of pregnancy. If the contraception failed, consider taking a test.
Any defects or errors may cause an unplanned pregnancy to occur. About every 9 out of 10 women may get pregnant if they do not follow the birth control method as instructed.
In addition, condoms can be worn wrong or break accidentally. It’s estimated that 18 out of 100 women who use condoms as a contraceptive method have gotten pregnant.
You can always contact your doctor for alternative contraception methods, such as using an IUD. Women who use an IUD have less than a one percent chance of getting pregnant.
Always Get Tested When In Doubt
Even if you use protection often, sexually active women have a chance for pregnancy. Always notice any signs that could indicate pregnancy.
Accurate readings usually show if you take the test after missing a period. Hold your urine for several hours or do the test on your first bathroom visit to get better results. This increases the concentration of the HCG in a woman's body.
Testing early will allow you to get prenatal care and receive proper care. If you do test positive, please contact your doctor immediately for the next steps or options available. If you’re curious about raising a child, one thing you can check is what age should a child go to the dentist.