Pregnancy test: when and how to do it?
Pregnancy test: when to do it?
Pregnant or not? You have a doubt, and you want to have a quick and reliable answer. When and how to use pregnancy tests? Which one to choose, how to interpret the result? Find all our advice and expert opinions.
What does a pregnancy test detect?
When fertilization has occurred, the fertilized egg travels to the uterus and implants itself in the uterine wall. This is when the body begins to produce the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone signals the body to keep producing progesterone, preventing periods and supporting pregnancy. It is this hCG hormone that is detected by pregnancy tests , indicating the presence of a developing embryo.
When to take a pregnancy test?
If you have any doubts, or if your period is several days late, or if you have symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, sensitive breasts, etc.), you can take a pregnancy test. You can choose between a urine pregnancy test and a blood pregnancy test.
You can take a pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period, but waiting a few days will ensure that you have a better concentration of beta-HCG (the hormone whose presence in the blood or urine indicates pregnancy), and therefore a more reliable result.
Some tests even allow early detection , a few days before the expected date of the period. If the result is negative, it will have to be confirmed a few days later by a new test. Conversely, if it is positive , it clearly indicates the beginning of pregnancy.
When to take a pregnancy test while on the pill?
The pill is 99% reliable when taken regularly. It is therefore possible, although rare, to get pregnant while taking the pill. The risk is increased if you forget to take a pill during the pack.
"The pill is an effective form of contraception, but if you have forgotten to take it in the previous month or if you experience abnormal symptoms (missing your period if you have had one, nausea, unusual tiredness, etc.), it is recommended to take a test after the first day of your missed period."
When to take a pregnancy test with Ovitrelle?
Ovitrelle is part of the treatment when you have fertility problems and you start a PMA process. When can you take a pregnancy test after starting treatment?
"The half-life of Ovitrelle (the time required for half of the atoms to disintegrate naturally, editor's note) is approximately 30 hours, and it takes approximately 10 days for the majority to be eliminated. This is why we generally wait between 10 and 15 days after the Ovitrelle injection to do the pregnancy test . Otherwise the test risks being falsely positive , due to the presence of HCG linked to Ovitrelle and not to the pregnancy".
Once the deadline has been met, it will be possible to do a urine test and/or a blood test to be 100% sure of the result.
How to take a pregnancy test?
Regardless of the test used, urine or blood, the principle is the same: the test will detect the presence – or absence – of the beta-hCG hormone. A positive test therefore indicates that a pregnancy has started.
As for urine tests, whether you opt for the best-selling pregnancy test sold in pharmacies and drugstores, presented in the form of a stylus with impregnator , or for any other medium ( strip, cassette ), it is essential to refer to the instructions for the product in question.
So, we forget the advice of others, certainly well-intentioned, but often risky, and we only rely on the instructions provided in the test box.
Depending on the tests, the result may be displayed as YES/NO, POSITIVE/NEGATIVE, or as small bars.
In fact, improper use of the pregnancy test can lead to a non-visible or erroneous result.
It is recommended to do a pregnancy test preferably in the morning ( with the first urine ) to ensure that there is a good concentration of the beta-HCG hormone level, if it is present. It is precisely this hormone that the test will detect in the urine.
How to do a home pregnancy test?
Some home remedies or folk tricks are sometimes mentioned as home pregnancy tests , but their reliability is questionable. Pregnancy tests approved by health authorities remain the reference. Relying on unverified methods can lead to misinterpretations. "Home" pregnancy tests are not recommended for reliable results, and it is better to use approved kits for accurate confirmation.
Among these home pregnancy tests, there are:
- Homemade pregnancy test with olive oil
- The Bleach Pregnancy Test
- The toothpaste pregnancy test
- The sugar pregnancy test
- The salt pregnancy test
How good are home pregnancy tests?
No scientific study has proven the reliability of these so-called "home" techniques. It is therefore preferable to carry out a classic pregnancy test or to consult your doctor, midwife or gynecologist in case of doubt.
How reliable is a urine pregnancy test?
Urine test strips are generally 99% accurate , provided they are performed at the right time and correctly . Note: there is no such thing as a “false positive,” although there can be a “ false negative .”
After this urine test, if you want to have confirmation , you can do a blood pregnancy test. Make an appointment with a healthcare professional (general practitioner, gynecologist or midwife) so that they can prescribe a plasma beta-HCG dosage. This blood test is fully reimbursed by Social Security with a prescription.
How to get a prescription for a pregnancy test?
Your doctor may prescribe a blood test to perform a pregnancy test . The result will determine whether there is a pregnancy, thanks to the dosage of the beta-HCG hormone. Please note: urine pregnancy tests sold in pharmacies do not require a prescription (and are not reimbursed by Health Insurance).
Where to buy a pregnancy test?
To purchase a pregnancy test confidentially and easily, there are many options available to you, from local pharmacies to specialized online stores.
What are the best pregnancy tests?
There are a wide variety of pregnancy tests. The reliability of the result, positive or negative, often depends on the sensitivity of the test and the time it is taken: the more the period is late (compared to the expected date), the more reliable the result will be. It is up to you to choose the pregnancy test that is best suited to your situation, and your budget, because the price differences are significant.There are also early pregnancy tests , capable of detecting low concentrations of hCG. Well-known brands, widely tested and approved by health authorities, offer good reliability.
It is advisable to choose a test based on your specific needs , taking into account the sensitivity of the test and when it is performed.
In any case, if you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or midwife.
