How do I know if I'm pregnant
Pregnancy detection
pregnancy test
pregnant
not pregnant
ultrasound
Introduction
When the embryo implants in the wall of the uterus, the placenta forms.
This then begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropic hormone (HCG), which is first present in the blood, then in smaller quantities in the urine.
Pregnancy tests can therefore determine if you are pregnant by detecting the presence of HCG. Production of this hormone usually begins around 6 to 7 days after conception. The amount of HCG in the blood and urine then increases very quickly during the first trimester of pregnancy. The hormone concentration actually doubles every 2 to 3 days.
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Pregnancy tests are reliable as long as they are done correctly. This is why take the time to read the packaging instructions.
If in doubt due to unclear results, consult a healthcare professional.
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If your period should not appear after more than 10 days from the expected day, consult your doctor or a family planning.
I'm not panicking, I'm thinking
As we saw in the previous chapter, not having your period does not necessarily mean “being pregnant”. So don't panic, take the time to resume the scenario where it began.
- I have had protected or unprotected sexual intercourse,
About 10 days ago?
(if you are taking an oral contraceptive, have you forgotten it ? If you are taking other means to
you protect - did everything go well ?)
- I want a pregnancy, I planned it
- I do not want to be pregnant
- I haven't had my period even though I'm pretty well regulated
We also talked about alterations possible factors that could cause menstruation to be late:
- psychological shocks
(stress, bereavement, illness, etc...)
- physiological shocks
(holidays, dietary changes, moving, too intense sport, illness, etc.)
What should I do based on the answer(s) on my checklist?
I am speaking to a health professional
my doctor
He will certainly be your best advisor. He is the only one who can orient himself correctly after diagnosing your general condition. He will offer you reliable solutions. He will also suggest, if justified, that you take a blood pregnancy test or even an ultrasound.
my pharmacist
As a specialist he will offer you the best choice among the pregnancy tests at his disposal or in case of doubt he will redirect you to another specialist.
family planning
Family planning represents an institution bringing together experts in matters of sexuality and procreation. You will be warmly welcomed and benefit from personalized professional advice based on your explanations.
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As part of this organization, you will consult specialized doctors and highly qualified staff. These professionals will ask relevant questions to better understand your situation and will guide you towards the solution best suited to your needs.
I buy a pregnancy test
in pharmacy or drugstore
This is the best choice you can make because either health specialist has training and experience in this field. A good explanation regarding the results; a good explanation on the use of the test are the best assets for practicing it.
in large areas
We are personally not convinced by this way of purchasing. A pregnancy test is not done lightly, it requires experience such as having already performed it. If you have it then why not?
But in this case read the packaging instructions which may vary from one test to another.
on the Web
This is also a way to obtain a pregnancy test.
But be aware that very often shipping costs are added to the purchase. So the possible savings will not necessarily be there.
The shipping time takes some time. It is not certain that you will get it in time, especially if it comes from a region or country different from yours.
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What Lagap SA offers is that if you wish to purchase our tests, you should direct yourself to a pharmacy or drugstore closest to your home which is a customer of ours.
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We will also offer you some useful tips when handling our tests. or other tips in answer to your questions.
The principle of a pregnancy test
I buy a pregnancy test
I buy a pregnancy test
widely practiced home tests
moderately practiced home tests
home tests little practiced
home tests not or very little practiced
no information
< 55% of tests were performed correctly
Evolution in the
use of
pregnancy tests
at home
according to two relevant investigations
A little chemistry
Pregnancy tests are based on the detection of the HCG hormone in urine. Through an immunological process, certain antibodies will react in the presence of this hormone. These tests are referred to as monoclonal tests.
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The HCG hormone is secreted by the corpus luteum from the implantation of the fertilized egg (blastocyst), which is about 7 days after fertilization or from the 21st day of the cycle.
As a hormone specific to pregnant women, its presence in urine thus indicates the existence of a pregnancy.
Which test to choose
Pregnancy tests, when certified as medical devices, are generally reliable.
However, their reliability varies based on the certainty they can provide, as the interpretation of results can sometimes be subjective, given that the human eye is not infallible.
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Variations in the intensity of indicators, such as the appearance of faint or barely perceptible lines, can affect the interpretation of results and thus influence the perception of certainty.
It is important to note that some tests offer additional features that can be particularly useful when making complex decisions.