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Home Pregnancy
Tests When actively trying to conceive, the time comes to think about taking a home pregnancy test (hpt). When to test is often the most asked question. And that answer depends on what brand of test you choose. I have done some lengthy study on these and feel that many can be used before the first day of the missed period. Implantation of the fertilized egg usually takes place at around 7-10 days post ovulation. Though it can occur as early as 4 days and as late as 12 days. When you chart your cycle you will find out how long your luteal phase is - this will determine when menstruation should begin and thus should tell you when to take a test. However, if you are real attuned to your body, and can identify possible pregnancy symptoms before the menstruation is missed, you could see a positive pregnancy test sooner. This is true of myself. When I found out that I was pregnant with my forth child my menstrual cycle wasn’t due yet. However, I had some classic pregnancy symptoms such as food cravings starting at 5 days post ovulation. At 11 days post ovulation I tested and it was positive. It was positive again the next day. I probably would have gotten a positive sooner. There are many different brands of hpt’s that detect as little as 20 mIU/hCG (human chorionic gonadatrophin, the hormone produced when implantation occurs.) Below is a chart that shows averages of hCG starting with week 3 to week 40.
For a more detailed look at this chart go to: http://www.inciid.org/betas.html A woman can test as early as 8 days post ovulation and receive a positive hpt. On the other hand, it can take up to 17 days to see a positive hpt. And some women, though few, will never see a positive hpt - even though they are indeed pregnant. I have a good friend who never had a positive hpt with all three of her children! The next decision is to decide which brand of hpt to buy. I personally have tried just about all the brands that I could get a hold of. I have heard rumors that some are not as reliable as others and some may give a false positive. Below is a list of hpt’s--though not all that are available--and the amount of hCG they detect. These tests detect 20-25 mIU/hCG: AimStick Pregnancy Test These tests detect 40-50 mIU/hCG: Boots (U.K.) detects 50 mIU These tests detect 100 mIU/hCG: Answer detects 100 mIU This test detects 150+ mIU/hCG: Fact Plus detects 150-250 mIU I used the hpt’s bought for sale on this site with this baby. If you really want to be safe and to receive an accurate result, wait until the day that your period is due to test, otherwise you may receive a false negative. Or, if you’re like me, and feel pretty sure that you are pregnant, go ahead and test with a sensitive one--you may be pleasantly surprised. I know I was! Lori Ramsey's website: Stages in Pregnancy © 2005 by Lori Ramsey |
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