It is important to understand how pregnancy tests work when you are thinking of using them. When a woman is pregnant she makes a hormone called hCG. The placenta starts making it as soon as the fertilized egg reaches the uterus and implants into the wall. HCG is detectable in your urine and is responsible for physical changes when pregnant such as tiredness, sickness, cravings and nausea.
The best time for a pregnancy test is after a missed period as the levels of hCG are high then and easily detectable. On the market are sensitive tests such as Early Response and Clearblue Easy. These can detect lower levels of hCG so can be used earlier, even before a missed period. They can detect levels 20mIU up, so timing is important here. 3 weeks after conception hCG levels could be anywhere between 5 to 50mIU, it varies between women. If your levels are low, the test will give a negative result despite you being pregnant.
Remember that even though you may have conceived you are not actually pregnant until that embryo reaches the uterus which takes 6-12 days. For any kind of accuracy you need to wait at least 12 days after conception before you even think of testing. Also know that if you have received fertility treatment you can get a false positive.
There are various types of home pregnancy tests, traditional with lines to more modern digital ones, and prices run from $8 to $20. All look for hCG and if your tests is not a sensitive one the best time is to wait until after a missed period. Read how to use it carefully and follow these tips to ensure accuracy:
Use your first urine of the day as the hCG is easier to detect in this more concentrated urine. At least 4 hour urine is best. The leaflet needs to be read carefully and followed exactly for the best accuracy. You should only read the test at the time the instructions say, usually 1 to 3 minutes after peeing on the stick. After that the test is no good. A doctor can do a blood test if you are having problems.
All there is to know about early pregnancy tests and pregnancy testing in general. Today's special: how to get pregnant with a baby girl
