Pregnancy is a life-changing event. If you’re having early symptoms of pregnancy, it’s normal to consider grabbing a home pregnancy test from the store. But can you trust the results? Are pregnancy tests often inaccurate?
In this article, we’ll discuss the details of how pregnancy tests work and if the results are accurate.
How Does a Pregnancy Work?
When a woman becomes pregnant, the fertilized egg travels quickly to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining. This process of implantation kick-starts the body’s production of a hormone called hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is only produced during pregnancy, and the levels continue to rise as the pregnancy progresses.
All pregnancy tests, whether they use a blood or urine sample, test for the presence of hCG. If tests confirm high enough levels of hCG, you’ll get a positive test result.
Differences Between Blood and Urine Pregnancy Tests
Typical over-the-counter pregnancy tests that you buy at the grocery store utilize a urine sample to detect pregnancy. The strips inside a home pregnancy test will look for the presence of hCG.
If you visit your OBGYN, you’ll have a urine and a blood test conducted. Pregnancy tests that utilize a blood sample also work by detecting HCG but can detect much lower levels of the hormone than urine tests can. This is why women could find out sooner if they’re actually pregnant by visiting their doctor or clinic; as soon as 7-12 days after conception.
Timing Is Key
Both urine and blood pregnancy tests are extremely accurate when taken at the right time. Most pregnancy tests boast a 99% accuracy rate, so the results are not often wrong.
Urine tests are the most convenient and affordable option for pregnancy testing. If you suspect a pregnancy and want to test at home, wait until a day or two after a missed period to receive results you can trust.
Making a Plan
Early pregnancy detection is key to ensure you have the most options available. If you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s time to make a plan.
For no-cost pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, and answers to your pregnancy questions, schedule an appointment at Life Choices today.