Pregnancy is a life changing process and be it planned or a surprise there is a void that needs to be filled an answer to the question “Am I Pregnant?” and while there are several things that follow the answer is the most important. A pregnancy test stands out as the simplest and effective means to say if one is expecting or has the chance of being one or not but the larger event is knowing when and the specific situations that one should answer to the pregnancy test. Here are five reasons you should test yourself for pregnancy, and the most opportune time for such an event for best possible accuracy of results.
1. Missed Or Irregular Menstrual Cycles
A positive sign of being pregnant is having no periods which is quite common pregnancy. If for instance one has a normal cycle and is a day or a week late there is quite a high chance of pregnancy.In instance that periods are irregular determining days for testing could be tricky. However the combination of miss cycle pain and childbirth signs may lead to tests being taken still.
When to Test: If your period has gone missing for over a week, it’s usually a good idea to consider taking a pregnancy test. If you have been observing your menstrual cycle and notice that your period has missed, then the best way to confirm your pregnancy is by taking the test as soon as possible or right after the missed date.
2. Early Pregnancy Symptoms:
Although every woman experiences pregnancy differently, some early symptoms might cause them to want to test. The first signs might include a sign of pregnancy nausea, which is common for females on a daily basis, high desire to urinate, waking up with tiredness, soreness around breast area, or abrupt mood changes. Any of these symptoms should make you take a pregnancy test at the earliest to confirm your assumptions of being pregnant or not.
When to Test: Generally, the result of a pregnancy test is most accurate when taken after the period is missed. However, there are some cases when you feel like experiencing vomiting, around breast area feeling tenderness followed by fatigue, signs of menstruation occurring, in which case you can test three days after the first missed period. If nausea persists after a week of the first missed period, then taking a test would be a good practice.
3. When a Contraceptive Method Has No Success or No Coitus Protection
A reliable pregnancy prevention method to use is contraception; however, it’s apparent that no method works all the time. Factors such as breakage of a condom, skipping a birth control pill, or any contraceptive failure can result in an unexpected pregnancy. In case you have engaged in unprotected intercourse or are of the fear of failure of contraception, then it is necessary for you to conduct a pregnancy test to ascertain your position.
When to Test:
When a woman has concerns about a failure of contraception methods or has not been protected during intercourse, it would be best to wait for a few days after a missed menstruation so as to conduct the test for better results. In the event you are not aware of when your periods are to commence, it is also you can conduct the test two weeks after the possible date of fertilization.
4. On Set of Sexual Activity
A number of factors such as changes in the frequency of intercourse or changes in the methods of contraception used could increase the chances of a woman getting pregnant. On the other hand, when intercourse is done for the first time, or there are changes in the person’s daily routine of activities, it would be a good reason for one to conduct the test, especially when there are early indications of pregnancy after the change.
When to Test:
It is always advisable to wait at least two weeks after having unprotected sexual intercourse, or after noticing a late period, before taking a test. Testing any earlier could easily give a false negative due to low levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone that is present in the urine that pregnancy tests depend on.
5. Changes In Body Weight And Unusual State:
Sometimes unexplained gain in weight, thickening or development of waists as well as fluctuation in appetite could be indicators of being pregnant. Numerous females notice how their weight grows and their body shape changes distinctly in the initial stages of the pregnancy as the hormones begin to shift.
When to Test:
If these symptoms coincide with other signs of pregnancy or delayed menstruation then you should take a pregnancy test. Although weight gain and bloating can be signs of pregnancy, they are never conclusive. It is better to test after the period has passed or after other more common signs of pregnancy have shown.
When Is the Best Time to Take A Pregnancy Test
The time a woman decides to take a pregnancy test pretty much defines the level of accuracy that the test will have. Below is a guide to when best to take a test.
- First Morning Urine:
Pregnancy tests should always be carried out during the first urine of the day as it is highly concentrated with hCG and this results in a higher accuracy.
2. Wait at Least a Week After a Missed Period:
Ideally for the best results possible, it is desirable to take the test exactly a week after your period is due which guarantees that there will be enough hCG in your body to be detected. Taking the test earlier can sometimes lead to false results such as taking the test and getting a negative result while in fact, being pregnant.
3. Use a Sensitive Test for Early Detection:
There are some tests that are able to spot hCG earlier than most tests, so in case you have missed your period or testing before it, choose Opt for an early detection test that is highly sensitive.
Conclusion
It’s understandable that sometimes taking a pregnancy is not the easiest thing to do, however, it is necessary to know for sure whether or not you’re pregnant. In case you have signs like what has been discussed above, such as early period signs, or modifications in your sexual activities, then definitely testing is advisable. First morning urine after a missed period is the best time to do so to get the most accurate results.
If you don’t feel satisfied with the results or you simply have questions regarding your status of pregnancy then it’s preferable that you contact a healthcare professional for further help.