Many have seen pregnancy tests hanging by the checkout in the supermarket, and these tests can easily and quickly show whether one is pregnant.
There are several types of tests, with the most common being the one often seen in supermarkets, which can indicate if one is pregnant after a few minutes. There are also tests to detect a very early pregnancy that the general test may not be able to register.
How do the tests work?
The pregnancy tests measure the hormone known as HCG hormone (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). This hormone begins to be produced shortly after fertilization, and it will therefore only be present in pregnant women.
How soon after fertilization can it be detected?
A pregnancy test can always provide a result that has an accuracy of 99%. This is provided that one follows the instructions carefully, so the test is performed correctly. However, there is greater confidence that a positive test indicates a lasting pregnancy if you wait a bit before taking the test.
However, it varies when you should take the test, depending on which test you have bought.
- The classic pregnancy test: Here, you will be able to measure HCG from the day you expect your period to start. If taken earlier, the result will be more uncertain.
- The early pregnancy test: With a test suitable for detecting early pregnancy, it can pick up very low concentrations of the HCG hormone. This can be used as early as 8 days after fertilization, which will be about 5 days before the expected start of the period.
Should the test be taken at a specific time of day?
It does not have to be, but it can be beneficial to take the test when your urine is highly concentrated. This is usually in the morning, as you have not drunk or gone to the bathroom for a longer period.
Therefore, the safest result is obtained in the morning with the first morning urine. If the urine concentration is thinner, it may be difficult for the tests to detect HCG. Thus, you may experience a less clear result if you take the test after drinking a lot of fluids, or if you have recently (within 4 hours) gone to the bathroom. The test will always come with instructions, which will also indicate if the test should or can be taken at other times of the day.
Can I see the result immediately?
Most tests show the result within the first 1-5 minutes. This can depend on the individual test, and it is again important to read the accompanying instructions thoroughly. Here, the exact timing will be specified.
It is also important not to leave the test longer than recommended, as this can make the result uncertain. After about 10 minutes, changes in colors may occur, indicating the test's result.
Risk of miscarriage
A positive result on the pregnancy test unfortunately does not mean a baby at the other end. A woman who tests positive for pregnancy has a 15-20% risk of losing the fetus.
Typically, this will happen within the first 12 weeks, which are the most vulnerable for the fetus. However, the risk of miscarriage decreases as time goes on, so the further along you are, the less the risk.
About 50% of all fertilized eggs will be expelled from the body before pregnancy is even detected. These very early pregnancies (i.e., before the 3rd week) are referred to as a "bio" because they can only be detected through chemical measurements of blood and urine.
No matter what, it is recommended that after a positive test, one makes an appointment with their own doctor. Here, one will receive the proper guidance, and one will be referred for scans and similar procedures, which can show whether the fetus is doing well.
