Discovering that you might be pregnant can be an exciting yet anxious time. f you are indeed feeling some pregnancy signs, it is better to check it before seeing the doctor. You could perform a reliable home pregnancy check just by getting information on it. This article will unfold different types of home pregnancy confirmation, both natural and with a home pregnancy test.
Pregnancy Symptoms
Before you take your pregnancy test, knowing some early symptoms will give you a feeling whether you might be pregnant. Some obvious signs would be:
- Missed Menstruation – The earliest along with the most telling sign.
- Morning Sickness – Nausea and vomiting, which are mostly morning symptoms.
- Breast Tenderness and Swelling – Due to hormonal changes, these changes can lead to breast soreness.
- Frequent Urination – Increased urination due to hormonal changes.
- Fatigue – Fatigue appears due to the increase in the hormone progesterone levels.
- Food Cravings or Aversions – Alteration in the sensitivity of taste and smell.
- Mood Swings – Emotional effects due to hormonal changes.
If you suspect yourself of having any of these, it is time to confirm your pregnancy through a test.
Ways to do a Pregnancy Test at Home?
Two primary methods are used to confirm pregnancy at home:
1. Pregnancy Test Kit (Based on Urine Examination)
Home pregnancy test kits are one of the most reliable methods to check for pregnancy. The tests check for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone produced during pregnancy.
What Are the Methods of Using Home Pregnancy Test Kits?
- The first thing to do is to purchase a good-quality pregnancy test kit available at a local chemist.
- The first urine of the morning is said to provide the most accurate results, so take the test then.
- Make sure to follow the instructions on the kit very well.
- Now, wait for some time, as mentioned in the instructions (usually a few minutes), to see the result.
A positive pregnancy test will typically have two pink lines, a plus sign, or a digital word that reads “pregnant.”
Home Pregnancy Test Kit Readings
If followed properly, they are said to give over 99% accurate results.
Negative results are likely to be false if tested too early.
If you feel you are pregnant despite a negative result, do a retest after a couple of days.
2. Natural Tests for Home Pregnancy Testing (Traditional Methods)
Some traditional home pregnancy tests do not have any scientific support but have still been held to be good indicators of pregnancy. A few of the more common ones are:
- a) Sugar Test
What to Do:
- Put some sugar in an open bowl.
- The sugar is then added with a few drops of urine.
- Some people say that if it clusters, then that means pregnancy.
- b) Toothpaste Test
What to Do:
- Take some white toothpaste in a container.
- Add a few drops of urine.
- Some people say that if it foams or changes color, then it’s a sign of pregnancy.
- c) Baking Soda Test
What to Do:
- Take two tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl.
- Add urine and observe the reaction.
- This is believed to mean pregnancy if it fizzes.
- d) Soap Test
What to Do:
- Take a piece of soap and pour some urine over it.
- Some people say this would indicate pregnancy if it foams or bubbles.
Note: These traditional methods are not medically verified. For accurate confirmation, always rely on a home pregnancy test kit or visit a doctor.
At What Time Should You Take Home Pregnancy Tests?
For accuracy:
It is best to take the test after one has missed her period.
The first urine specimen in the morning must be used since it has the highest concentration of hCG.
If your test was done too early, try doing it again two days later to confirm.
What’s Next After A Positive Pregnancy Test?
If your est is positive,
- Confirm with a Blood Test – go to a doctor for a blood test to measure levels of hCG.
- Schedule a Prenatal Checkup – see a gynecologist so he/she will start taking care of your prenatal needs.
- Eat Healthy Food – eat healthy food to help with a healthy pregnancy.
- Say No To Harmful Things – saying no to alcohol, smoking, and too much caffeine.
- Take Prenatal Pills – It has an important role in fetal development.
What Should You Do After A Negative Pregnancy Test?
- By now, if your test is negative but you feel so sure you are pregnant:
- Wait a few days and test again.
- Look for irregularities in your monthly cycle.
- Go to the doctor if your period still doesn’t come.
Conclusion
A home pregnancy test provides a convenient and easy way to check for pregnancy. While a lot of fun to experiment with, urine pregnancy tests are the most reliable. If a pregnancy is confirmed on a urine test, a doctor should be seen to confirm the pregnancy and further provide care. If there’s doubt in the test result, follow up with the healthcare provider. Getting a timely diagnosis assures happiness all the way through the pregnancy journey.
