The issue of pregnancy is one of the most important in the life of every woman. Some people are looking forward to the coveted two stripes, others are afraid to see them because life circumstances do not allow them to have a baby at the moment.
In both cases, pregnancy tests . This is a great opportunity to find out about the upcoming addition to the family by spending a couple of tens or hundreds of rubles at the nearest pharmacy.
But questions about the use of tests still plague many women. It’s difficult to navigate the variety of products on the market – which one is better and more accurate? The most popular question is: is it possible to use a test to determine the onset of pregnancy even before a delay ? Let's figure it out.
General information
Due to the fact that tests for early pregnancy detection , a woman can receive a positive result long before the happy news is confirmed by a gynecologist.
You can be sure that you are pregnant already in the first weeks after conception. If you use the test correctly, you can get the most accurate result. But for this you need to know exactly how to do the test, which one to buy, when to do it and when you can find out about pregnancy. All the features of rapid pregnancy diagnostics, as well as how to choose the best test, which ones are best to use at a certain period and how to understand the result, are described in this article.
How does it work?
The mechanism of all pregnancy tests is the same: they determine whether a woman’s urine contains the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) , which begins to be produced in the body after the embryo attaches to the uterus. That is, when conducting a test, the result appears when hCG appears in a woman’s urine after conception.
Positive result “two stripes” in the photo
Women are always wondering when a pregnancy . It should be taken into account that the amount of hCG after conception increases every day, but immediately after fertilization, only specialists can determine that a woman managed to become pregnant by conducting a special study of venous blood. In this way, you can get a positive result five days earlier than any of the tests will show 2 strips. Sometimes in the first days after conception, the 2nd stripe is barely visible - this depends on the level of sensitivity.
For most rapid tests, the sensitivity level starts at 25 mUI hCG. Sensitivity on some is indicated by 10 mUI hCG, but there is no evidence of this. According to many pharmacists, such sensitive tests are just an advertising ploy. It can also be considered a publicity stunt that the rapid test supposedly has the highest probability of detecting pregnancy even before a delay with an accuracy of 99%. Moreover, their price is quite high.
How do tests determine pregnancy?
Tests for home diagnostics of an “interesting situation” operate according to the same scheme - the reagent included in their composition determines the level of the hCG hormone in a woman’s urine. If pregnancy has occurred, a second line appears on the test - this is a reaction of the reagent to the hormone found in the urine.
HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a special hormone that begins to be produced only in women expecting a baby. During pregnancy, it is formed in the body, and begins to be intensively produced a couple of days after the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. In a non-pregnant woman, the normal hCG level is 0 to 5 mU/ml.
An exception may be cases when a woman has chronic diseases that affect hormonal levels, or she takes hormonal medications. Then the concentration of the hormone in the blood may be significantly higher, the test will show it, but in fact there will be no pregnancy.
Test manufacturers usually warn customers about this and recommend using other methods to diagnose pregnancy.
In a pregnant woman, the level of this hormone doubles every few days, and as a result, by the expected day of delay, the concentration of hCG becomes sufficient for the reagent to capture it. Then a second line appears on the test.
All pharmaceutical products for diagnosing pregnancy are divided by type and level of sensitivity.
Types of tests : strip strips, tablet or cassette, inkjet and electronic. There are also reusable electronic tests. They come with replaceable reagent cartridges.
Sensitivity : from 10 to 25 mU/ml.
Tests based on sensitivity level are divided into
ultrasensitive (10-15 mU/ml) and conventional (20-25 mU/ml).
The difference between them is that ultrasensitive tests can determine the fact of pregnancy even before the delay occurs. Ordinary ones may not show information that you are in an interesting position, even if the delay has already occurred.
Therefore, if it is very important for you to find out in a timely manner about the upcoming addition to the family, and to do this before the delay occurs, you need to choose the right test.
How to do it?
When to take a pregnancy test is determined by each woman independently. But at the same time, it is important to know when you can take a pregnancy test so that it correctly shows the exact result. The answer to the question of when is the best time to take a pregnancy test after conception depends on whether the woman menstrual cycle The corresponding number of days is counted after ovulation , so this determines when to take the test.
After a delay
If you need to determine whether there is a pregnancy after a delay, then on what day the test is done does not matter, since the presence of hCG in the urine can be diagnosed already from the first day of the delay. In any case, test manufacturers, when answering the question of how long after a pregnancy test can be taken, claim exactly this. But in fact, experts say that pregnancy should be determined a week after the delay, that is, after the expected day of the onset of menstruation. At what delay the test accurately determines pregnancy also depends on the level of its sensitivity.
Before the delay
However, many women still rush to take a pregnancy test before the delay, choosing highly sensitive samples that have good reviews. However, it should be noted that even the most sensitive test before the delay may not always show the correct result. After all, it is important to correctly determine when testing can be done before the delay, so that even before the delay, the reliability of the result is high.
For example, if a woman has a regular cycle of 28 days, then if the procedure is done on the 23rd day of the cycle, even a sensitive jet before the delay will not detect pregnancy, since there will not be a sufficient level of hCG in the blood. Whether pregnancy will be indicated before the delay on the 26th day of the cycle also depends on the day of fertilization and the duration of the cycle, etc.
Will the test show pregnancy even before the delay?
In addition to the fact that a test to determine pregnancy before a delay must be ultrasensitive, it must also be accurate . And here a woman can get confused. Because there are often situations when the most sensitive test, done before the onset of menstruation, is silent, but a test with normal sensitivity shows the correct result.
What does this depend on? First of all, tests can lie due to the fact that the research was carried out incorrectly . It would seem that what is so difficult here? I soaked the strip in urine and waited a couple of minutes to see the result. But this is not true. Even in such a procedure, you must do everything strictly according to the instructions.
The basic rules for conducting early testing are as follows::
- The test is done early in the morning, immediately after waking up. Before the delay, testing cannot be carried out at any time of the day, in order to avoid obtaining a false negative result.
- Before the test, you should not drink water so that the concentration of hCG in the urine does not decrease.
- Urine is collected in a dry and sterile container. It is ideal to use test jars for this.
- The test strip is immersed in the container only to the clearly marked mark.
- The test holding time must strictly correspond to that specified by the manufacturer, as it can vary.
- After soaking, the strip must be placed on a flat and dry surface. You cannot wet the test.
- If a weakly positive result was obtained (a pale second line on the test), it is necessary to conduct another test a couple of days later.
It is also important to remember that the quality of the dough depends on the date of its production. The more recent the test, the more accurate it will be. Therefore, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the date of its production.
With a regular menstrual cycle
When can you do a hCG test or pregnancy test ?
If a woman has a regular cycle and there are no delays in menstruation, then the release of an egg that is ready for fertilization occurs in the middle of the cycle. That is, menstruation begins on the 30th day of the cycle, this will be the 15th day, ovulation in a 28-day cycle occurs on the 14th day. Fertilization can occur over the next two days. After the sperm has merged with the egg, it “travels” for another 4-5 days to the place of attachment in the uterus. Thus, those who are interested in how long it will take for the test to show results should take into account that on the 22nd day of the cycle, by doing a blood test, it is already possible to determine the increase in the level of hCG.
If we talk about whether a test will show pregnancy a week before your period, the most sensitive and most accurate of them can show two strips 4 days before your period, that is, when the level in the urine is more than 25 mUI. That is, with a 30-day cycle, a highly sensitive test can be performed on the 26th day of the cycle, although there is a possibility that the test will be negative on the 26th day of the cycle. If menstruation, as a rule, begins on the 28th day of the cycle, then the test is performed on the 24th day of the cycle, although even on the 28th day of the cycle the test may be negative.
FRAUTEST
This brand produces sensitive pregnancy tests that give results before the onset of menstruation. The reliability of Frautest is more than 99%, and the sensitivity is from 15 mIU/ml. The price of several types of tests is approximately 100-150 rubles. You can purchase four versions of Frautest at the pharmacy:
- The Express model is a classic pregnancy test, which is impregnated with a special reagent. The procedure is performed at any convenient time of the day or night, from the first day of missed menstruation. The maximum amount of hCG in urine is in the morning, so it is better to do the procedure immediately after waking up. The day before using Frautest Express, you should not drink a lot of liquid or use diuretics, otherwise the result may be distorted. Instructions:
- Remove the dough from the packaging and carefully grasp the colored edge.
- Place in a container with urine for 10 seconds (until the line marked with arrows).
- Place on a flat, dry surface.
- The result will be visible in 3-5 minutes (no later than 10 minutes).
- Two stripes – fertilization has occurred, one – there is no pregnancy.
- The Double control pack contains two tests. This option is an opportunity to obtain more accurate information. The procedure is carried out according to the classical scheme.
- The Expert cassette test is distinguished by its unusual design and testing method. The accuracy of diagnosis increases several times. The kit includes a small urine pipette. Scheme for using the sensitive test:
- Use a pipette to collect 3-4 drops of urine.
- Place the liquid in one of the cassette windows.
- Place the device on a smooth, dry surface.
- After 5-10 minutes (but no more) you can see the answer in the second window.
- The Exclusive inkjet system not only has a beautiful design, but also high accuracy. The complex design of the test ensures that the most accurate information is obtained. The procedure technique is not disrupted thanks to a special protective cap. Application algorithm:
- Remove the test from the package.
- Remove the cap from it.
- Place the end of the device (indicated in white) under a stream of urine.
- Return the kolaachok to its place.
- See a positive or negative answer after 5-8 minutes on the display.
With an irregular menstrual cycle
Provided that a woman has an irregular cycle, you initially need to know the time of ovulation. Indeed, in this case, it is difficult to determine when ovulation occurred, and, accordingly, how long after ovulation to do the test. You can determine the period of ovulation:
- using an ovulation test ;
- by the level of basal temperature (it increases);
- by the manifestation of signs of PMS (whether this sign can show ovulation depends on the individual characteristics of the female body).
Having determined what time of ovulation, you need to add 12 days to this day, after which an increase in hCG in the blood is already detected under the condition of pregnancy. A high sensitivity pregnancy test can be done on the 15th day.
But the most accurate results will be those obtained after the delay. That is, keep in mind that if you are 5 days late, it makes sense to take a test.
What time of day should I do it?
When testing can be done, as a rule, the instructions for the strips are not written. That is, regardless of when and how to do it, the test will still show 2 stripes during pregnancy. But gynecologists often say that it is better to use it in the morning, when overnight urine . At the earliest stages, the accuracy in this case will be higher. When carried out during the day, the urine is less concentrated, and therefore errors are possible, and the test during pregnancy will be negative. A similar situation can occur if this procedure is carried out in the evening. To do everything more accurately during the day or evening, a woman needs to refrain from urinating for about four hours beforehand. Also during this period you need to drink less liquid so that the urine is more concentrated.
Whether it is possible to take a pregnancy test in the evening depends on the duration of the expected pregnancy. The explanation for why it needs to be done in the morning is clear: the concentration of hCG is higher in night urine. But if the period is already several days longer, doing the test in the morning or evening does not matter so much. Consequently, the answer to the question of whether it is necessary to do a test in the morning is ambiguous.
Evi-test
Next in the ranking is the sensitive German test Evitest. The manufacturer guarantees that the correct answer is 99%. A woman finds out about pregnancy at a very early stage. Sensitivity index –20 mIU/ml. The approximate cost of a convenient test is from 50 to 250, which depends on its type and the specific pharmacy.
The device is comfortable to use, can be used anywhere, at any time of the day/night (for the most accurate results, it is recommended to do it in the morning). The German manufacturer produces several types:
- The most affordable Evitest One. The package contains one test. It is taken out and lowered into urine for 3-5 seconds to a certain mark. Next, lay it out on a dry, flat surface and wait for the result, which will appear in 3-5 minutes. Sometimes it is visible after 10 minutes (if more time has passed, the result will be inaccurate). One red stripe means that fertilization has not occurred, two – confirmation of pregnancy.
- To increase the chances of testing accuracy, it is better to use the Plus type. It contains 2 test strips. It is used in exactly the same way as described above. The second is used the next day or a few days later.
- The cassette version of the Proof test is considered more convenient to use. The box with the device contains a cassette and a pipette. For professional diagnosis of pregnancy, it is very popular among women; its design allows achieving the highest level of efficiency when the reagent interacts with urine. Easy to use. Take a few drops of liquid into a pipette and place it in a special indicator recess. They record 3-8 minutes, but no more than 10. Information is provided in the form of one or two strips, as in other cases.
- Perfect is an inkjet pregnancy test, which is equipped with a holder and a cap. It is distinguished by high levels of hygiene and ease of use. Unpack the device and remove the cap from the cassette. Place the tip of the sensitive test (marked with an arrow) under the stream for no more than five seconds. Put the protective cap back on. The answer about the presence or absence of pregnancy can be seen in 5-8 minutes. The procedure is carried out at room temperature.
How to take a pregnancy test correctly?
Women have many questions about the use of tests:
- Can I do it before my period is missed?
- how to do it?
- Will it be positive if carried out before menstruation, etc.
A gynecologist will answer all these questions . In addition, you can learn how to use a pregnancy test by watching a video, and also see how to use it correctly in pictures.
In addition to recommendations on whether it can be done during the day, how long after the expected conception can be done and from what day the test shows pregnancy, there are general rules for using tests.
How to take a pregnancy test correctly, photo
So, you need to consider the following:
- the test must be stored under the conditions indicated on the packaging;
- the packaging must not be damaged;
- an expired product cannot be used;
- to the question whether it can be reused - the answer is negative;
- it must be opened immediately before starting the procedure;
- It is better to carry out on night urine;
- You must maintain sterility: wash your hands before carrying out, use a clean container for urine;
- before urinating, a woman should wash herself and wipe herself dry;
- You need to urinate in a clean container;
- use is carried out strictly according to the instructions: lower into urine to the level prescribed, maintain exactly the time that is recommended, evaluate the result only when recommended by the manufacturer.
Varieties
Currently, there are many different test options. The price of a rapid test may vary. But all manufacturers promise highly reliable results.
In fact, whether the test strip shows a result depends on its correct use, as well as how highly sensitive the test is. Therefore, it is important to clearly understand which of the tests are supersensitive, and when each of them will show an accurate result.
Now the most popular tests with high reliability are Evitest and Frautest . They are made in Germany, are of average cost, and rarely give false results. These popular manufacturers (Frau, Evitest) produce different types of tests. For example, the Evitest pregnancy test has several variations: tablet inkjet and strip test. The sensitivity of Evitest depends on the variety. However, if any of the Evitest products are used, the instructions for use must be followed very strictly. In addition to pregnancy tests, an ovulation test is also performed. In general, the instructions for Evitest are quite simple and accessible, so Evitest Plus, Evitest One can be used by every woman in any conditions and get the most accurate result.
In general, whether the test will show results before the delay depends on whether the woman uses it correctly. From what day the result shows also depends on the sensitivity and quality of the strip. The greatest probability of obtaining a reliable result is when testing is carried out in the first days after the delay.
The price of a pregnancy test also matters. The cheapest of them, accordingly, is with a cheap reagent.
Strip test
These tests are popular and inexpensive, and can be used from the first days of the delay. The test looks like a paper strip on which a layer of antibodies in hCG is applied.
Strip check Frautest Express
It is with her that the reaction occurs when the pregnancy test shows. That is, when a pregnancy test shows a result, this is due to the fact that the hormone contained in a woman’s urine reacts to the impregnation of the strip. As a result, a second line quickly appears on the test.
Instructions
The test is easy to do: you need to take a clean container and collect some urine in it. The strip is lowered into the urine with the tip to the mark indicated on it and held for 10 seconds. It is necessary to lower the strip on the desired side. Evaluation of the result takes from 1 to 10 minutes. Whether the second strip will show in the first minute depends on the hCG level: the lower it is, the later the second strip appears.
What day does it show?
From the first day of delay.
pros
Inexpensive.
Minuses
It’s not very convenient to use, it can make mistakes, and it won’t show until there’s a delay.
Modern strip tests
- Evitest №1
- FRAUTEST Express
- Eva (can determine from 1 day of delay)
- Secret
- BBtest
- Femitest Practical
- Femitest Practical Ultra
- Itest Plus
Tablet test
Produced in a special box with two window openings.
Tablet (cassette) - Evitest Proof
Works like a strip test. Also included is a pipette and a container for collecting urine.
Instructions
The first step is to drop 4 drops of urine into the first window. After 1-10 min. in the second, 1 or 2 stripes appear.
What day does it show?
From the first day of delay.
Positive
Inexpensive, the result is easy to determine.
Negative
There are a lot of steps to take to get done.
Modern tablet tests
- Evitest Proof
- LadyTest-C
- Frautest Expert
- Sezam
- Clearblue
- KnowNow Optima
- Femitest Handy
Jet test
The name itself determines the principle of action: it can be done by placing it under a stream of urine.
Inkjet testing method - Frautest Exclusive
It is important that those using Frautest follow the instructions for use exactly. Although the sensitivity of Frautest and others of the same type is very high, Frautest Exclusive may show a negative result if it is used incorrectly.
Instructions
Place the tip with the filter under a stream of urine or in a container with it for 10 seconds. After this, 1 or 2 stripes appear in a special hole after 1-10 minutes.
Accuracy
Can detect hCG in urine as early as 5 days before the delay. When asked whether the test may not show pregnancy if conception has occurred, the answer is negative. The jet test will show pregnancy before the delay, as well as in the first days of the delay.
Positive
Convenient use, accuracy.
Negative
The price of a jet pregnancy test is high.
Modern inkjet tests
- Frautest Comfort
- Evitest Perfect
- Frautest Exclusive
- Femitest Jet Ultra
- Clearblue
- Clear View
- Duet
Electronic test
It is also called a digital pregnancy test.
Electronic verification method - Clearblue
Reviews from experts indicate that this is the most modern rapid test.
Instructions
You need to lower the test end with the filter into the urine and hold it until it is soaked. You can evaluate it in three minutes. If the result is positive, the word “pregnancy” or a “+” sign appears.
Accuracy
Shows pregnancy 4 days before the delay. Thanks to its high accuracy, it shows a 99% correct result 2 days before the date of menstruation.
Positive
If we evaluate the sensitivity of pregnancy tests, then it is the electronic test that has the highest sensitivity. There is no need to ask which are the most sensitive electronic tests, since they all have high sensitivity.
Negative
The price of an electronic pregnancy test is very high. How much such a test costs depends on the manufacturer, but on average the cost is about 400 rubles.
Clearblue pregnancy test (the so-called “blue” test), despite its high cost, is very popular. If electronic Clearblue is used and the instructions are followed, the result will be as accurate as possible. However, this pregnancy test, the instructions for use of which indicate that the resulting inscription on Clia Blue disappears after some time, the woman will not be able to keep as a souvenir as the first certificate of pregnancy. However, Clearblue is popular now.
Reusable digital tests
The latest invention is a test with a USB connector , which can be connected to a computer and see the result.
P-Teq Digital USB Device
The kit includes 20 cartridges treated with a reagent that reacts to the presence of hCG in urine. With this test you can check whether conception has occurred 21 times.
Accuracy
Shows the result 4 days before the delay.
Positive
If you choose such a test, it can be used many times. Some tests can also check your gestational age. But the time of conception can be determined with 92% accuracy.
Negative
It is currently very difficult to purchase replacement cartridges.
Features of pregnancy testing using tests
When confirming the fact of an “interesting situation,” the girls always focused on the following characteristic signs:
- delay of menstruation;
- nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
- enlargement and tenderness of the mammary glands;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- nausea, sometimes vomiting;
- mood swings.
Gynecologists establish pregnancy during examination, focusing on the cyanosis of the vaginal walls, enlarged uterus, closed cervix, and other signs. You can also do a blood test to check the presence and levels of the hCG hormone.
The main signs of pregnancy, in the presence of which gynecologists recommend purchasing a pregnancy test
Supersensitive or conventional tests
But today girls can independently use methods for early detection of conception. There are a sufficient number of tests that determine pregnancy when a short period of time has passed from the moment of fertilization. To understand what is the most sensitive pregnancy test before a missed period, you need to find out which hCG parameter they are able to recognize.
Regular strips show their effect when the pregnancy hormone content is 20-25 mIU/ml. Hypersensitive are those who are able to detect the level of human chorionic gonadotropin as low as 10 mIU/ml, which is typical for 7-10 days after conception.
The outer membrane of the fertilized egg (chorion), immediately after its implantation into the wall of the uterus, begins to produce the pregnancy hormone, its value increases exponentially, doubling every 1-2 days. Approximately 5 days before the start of the next menstruation, the number readable by test reagents is reached.
Rating of brands based on reviews
Based on reviews, it can be argued that the most sensitive pregnancy test before a delay is Clearblue Digital. This is a digital mini device with a period indicator in weeks. Used 5 days before the next menstruation.
Clearblue Digital - a digital test that shows the gestational age on a display
But statistics show that testing carried out 1 day before the start of critical days gives the correct result in 98% of cases, and 4 days - 65%. The analysis procedure is as follows:
- The absorbent end of the strip must be held under stream of urine for 5 seconds (the second option is to lower it into the container for 20 seconds).
- Put on the cap and set aside for 3 minutes.
- The entry “pregnant” and the term 1-2, 2-3, 3+ (meaning weeks) or “not pregnant” will appear on the screen. The answer will remain on the display for 24 hours.
On the test screen, if you are pregnant, you can find out the duration in weeks
. Clearblue Plus is also able to show a positive result in the same period. It is simpler and more economical.
Some girls believe that the most sensitive pregnancy test before a delay is produced by the company Pharmaco. Here in first place is Sezam - an ultra-sensitive test cassette in a plastic case. It has two windows: for entering the test sample and reading the answer.
Sezam is an ultra-sensitive test cassette for determining pregnancy 7 days after conception
The fact of conception can be confirmed within 7 days from the moment of fertilization (5-7 days before the delay with hCG - 10 mIU/ml). The kit includes a pipette that measures 3 drops of urine and a container for collecting it. The result is displayed after 3 minutes. This brand's Ultra test strip is also in demand and has a similar reaction.
Ultra – ultra-sensitive test strips for quick pregnancy detection
Negative pregnancy test
A pressing question for many women is whether the test can be negative during pregnancy? Patients often ask doctors whether a rapid test can not show pregnancy.
In fact, this is possible, and why it shows a negative result during pregnancy is explained by some characteristics of the female body. The fact is that for each expectant mother, the level of hCG increases in different ways. In the first two weeks of delay, a negative value during pregnancy is possible if the woman has endocrine dysfunction and there is also a threat of miscarriage .
Why the test does not show a delay in pregnancy may be explained by the fact that the woman uses it very early . After all, some of the tests are not so sensitive.
In some cases, a woman who wants to get pregnant begins to check the “situation” too early, long before her expected period. For example, if you start testing on the 25th day of the cycle, then at this time the hCG in the blood has not yet reached the desired level. Even if a woman has a 25-day cycle, when you can get pregnant depends on the day of ovulation, so if the value is negative, you should check the result after some time. The woman decides which test to choose. But it is important to take into account that a negative value is also possible if it is used incorrectly.
Thus, the reasons for a negative test during pregnancy may be the following:
- Testing too early.
- Disorders in a woman's body.
- Incorrect application of the test.
Are the results reliable if testing is done during menstruation?
pregnancy testing during menstruation After all, sometimes a woman’s periods continue even after conception, so such an analysis is very relevant.
Menstrual blood does not affect testing, so how much a pregnancy test shows the result does not depend on menstruation. Rest assured that even if the procedure is done using blood-stained urine, the results will not be affected. This means that during pregnancy two bright stripes will appear.
Results for ectopic pregnancy
If the pregnancy is ectopic , the fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus. However, the body still produces hCG. But in this case, hCG grows slowly, and sometimes is absent altogether. That is, the usual rapid test for ectopic pregnancy shows 2 stripes. In this case, the second stripe may be barely noticeable, blurry, when compared with the one that appears during normal pregnancy. When taking a pregnancy test, you need to take into account what day it will show the result for an ectopic pregnancy: the second line appears only after a delay has occurred. What day the pregnancy test will show depends on the day of conception and the individual characteristics of the female body.
There is a special test Inexscreen , which a few weeks after the delay makes it possible to suspect that the pregnancy is ectopic. Its action is based on the determination of the modified isoform that is part of hCG. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, this figure is much higher than the 10% that is observed during a normal pregnancy.
Pregnancy and pathologies: what will the test show?
An ectopic pregnancy is a serious threat to a woman’s life, since in this case the fertilized egg is not attached to the uterus, but begins to develop, for example, in the fallopian tube. As the embryo develops, it can burst, often leading to death. What to do in this situation? The problem is that a woman will not be able to detect such a pregnancy on her own. The test will indicate a positive result, because the body will still begin to produce the hCG hormone. But in this case, the second band will be barely noticeable, since the hormone will be produced in smaller quantities.
Obvious signs of pregnancy outside the uterus are bleeding and severe pain in the lower abdomen. If you have any suspicions, you should go to the hospital immediately.
A frozen pregnancy is a very unpleasant and sad event when the embryo stops developing and dies inside the womb. It is impossible to identify it 100% on your own, but it can still be identified by some signs. Firstly, during a frozen pregnancy, all signs such as nausea or breast tenderness suddenly disappear.
Secondly, if clear stripes appeared at first, then over time the second stripe may disappear. If there is a suspicion of a frozen pregnancy, the test should be repeated.
Doubts often grip women if they really want to give birth, but when determining the condition, the second line will be barely noticeable. A questionable result may indicate that the result is positive, but to confirm it you should wait a little, at least a week. Then the hormone level will increase, and it will be possible to take a pregnancy test with greater confidence that the result will be positive.
But sometimes a woman convinces herself that she sees a second stripe. The places where stripes should appear if the result is positive are always marked on the preparation. Therefore, if in any doubt, you should purchase a more expensive option and check the readings again.
It doesn’t matter at all from what day of delay the test usually shows pregnancy, since each body is individual. Sometimes the incorrect result lasts more than three weeks after the delay, but it can last for months. Therefore, at the first signs, you should visit a medical office, where the doctor is more likely to tell you whether you are preparing to give birth or not during the first weeks after the delay.
The doctor will be able to determine pregnancy by the condition of the uterus, which swells slightly and changes color, as well as by a blood test for hCG, which will show the result in the first days of the delay much more reliably than conducting home tests. He will tell you how long you have left before giving birth.
Results for frozen pregnancy
positive or negative for a frozen pregnancy depends on the time when it was carried out. So, if two clear stripes initially appeared, then, after a few days, one stripe became fuzzy, and after a few days one stripe disappeared completely, you can suspect that the pregnancy has stopped. In this case, it is important to immediately visit a specialist who will determine how to check the result in this situation.
Whether a gynecologist can determine pregnancy before a delay in this case depends on the research methods.
When is the best time to conduct research?
Every woman should understand that even the most expensive and sensitive products cannot diagnose pregnancy until the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine wall and the production of hCG by chorionic villi begins. Before the implantation process, the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin in a woman’s body is approximately the same. No modern product can confirm conception.
The situation changes after the implantation of the fertilized egg into the wall of the reproductive organ. In most cases, this occurs 7-10 days after the sperm meets the egg. A few days after fertilization, hCG is detected in the girl’s blood in an amount of 5 mIU/ml. At this stage, it can be determined using a blood test.
What to do next if the result is questionable?
Regardless of which day of the cycle the test is taken, it may ultimately be questionable. This is often evidenced by the reviews that women write on each thematic forum.
Doubts arise if it is not clear how many stripes have appeared. Sometimes the second stripe is difficult to see, it is somehow blurry and indistinct. This happens in the following cases:
- Low levels of hCG in the body are associated with women’s health problems.
- A test that is no longer suitable for use (it may not work due to its expiration date or damage).
- The desire to see exactly two stripes (“I’m afraid I’m not pregnant”). Often a woman notices indirect signs - nausea, weight loss - and assures herself that she is pregnant.
What is the probability that a woman is pregnant can only be confirmed by a blood test . Can a blood test for hCG be wrong? In this case, the answer is negative.
But you can still repeat the test after taking a 2-3-day break - do it, for example, on the 31st day of the cycle, if menstruation usually begins on the 28th day. The second or third attempt will be successful.
Which tests “cheat” most often?
No matter how much manufacturers claim that their products are almost 100% effective, some of the tests we do still show unreliable results.
According to the observations of many women, the most common false negative and positive results are shown by the following tests:
- Vera test (its sensitivity is 25 mIU/ml);
- Bebicek
- Mon Ami
- Bee-Sure
- rest assured
Strip tests or strips
They are a thin strip of thick paper with a special reagent applied to it. The strip is immersed in a jar of urine, and after a few minutes you can get the result. This cannot be said to be the most accurate pregnancy test; its sensitivity is from 25 mIU/ml. The cost of such goods starts from 10 rubles and usually does not exceed 100.
Flaws
- To obtain a correct result, the test should be performed in the morning.
- If you keep the strip in a glass of urine, there is a high probability of an error.
- Not the most hygienic method.
Advantages
- Availability.
- Low price.
- They often turn out to be more accurate than expensive analogues.
- Easy to use.
Ultimately, even doctors use such tests when examining a patient, which means they can be trusted.
conclusions
What to do if a woman already has a positive test in front of her eyes depends only on her. Many expectant mothers, even those for whom pregnancy is long-awaited and planned, do not know what to do next when they see two stripes. In fact, you need to calm down and rejoice. Regardless of which week the test you choose shows pregnancy, there is still a lot of time ahead. Now it is important not to be nervous, to practice healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. And also - visit a doctor to confirm the good news and receive important recommendations.