If you are waiting for a baby angel, you can check whether you are pregnant with a simple urine test at home.
Today, we will tell you in detail about the difference between when to use a regular pregnancy test vs. when to use an early pregnancy test, and how to use it.
Pregnancy test principle
Pregnancy tests are used to confirm pregnancy by detecting the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) when fertilization occurs after ovulation. This hormone begins to be produced early in pregnancy when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus after ovulation.
When to use a regular pregnancy test vs when to use an early pregnancy test
Most regular pregnancy tests are designed to be used on the day your period is expected. If you have a normal menstrual cycle, it is recommended that you take the test on the day your period is due. During this time, hCG hormone levels are high enough to be detected by most tests.
Early pregnancy testing can be done 4-5 days before your period is due. However, in these cases, the hCG levels are not yet high enough and the accuracy may be somewhat lower compared to when your period is due. If you test before your period is due and receive a negative result, it is recommended that you test again after your period is due.
What is the difference between a regular pregnancy test and an early pregnancy test?
This is because the Early Pregnancy Test is designed to detect lower levels of the hCG hormone. However, if you test early in life, your hCG hormone levels will be very low, increasing your chances of getting a false negative result. Most regular pregnancy tests are recommended to be used on or after your expected period. During this time, hCG hormone levels increase sufficiently to increase the accuracy of test results.
How to use a pregnancy test in order
Preparing: Be careful not to drink large amounts of liquid the day before your test. This may dilute the concentration of hCG in your urine and affect your results.
Choose a time to test: It is best to use your first urine in the morning. This is because this is when the concentration of hCG in urine is highest.
Using the Tester: Follow the tester instructions exactly. In most cases, this involves exposing the test strip directly to urine or submerging the strip in a container containing urine.
Follow your waiting time: Wait the exact amount of time specified on the test package and then check your results. Waiting times may vary by product, but results are usually visible within a few minutes.
Interpretation of results: Determine whether you are pregnant based on the number and type of lines that appear in the results window. Most testers display results by showing a control line and a test line. If only the control line appears, it is negative; if both the control and test lines appear, it is positive. If no lines appear or the results are unclear, the test may have been performed incorrectly or there may be a problem with the product and you should try again with a new tester.
What to do based on your results: If you receive a positive result, see your doctor to begin managing your pregnancy and any necessary health screenings. If you receive a negative result but still experience symptoms, such as delayed menstruation, repeat the test in a few days.
We compared the differences between when to use a pregnancy test and when to use an early pregnancy test, and provided detailed information on how to use it.