Content

• Steps
• Advice

Being pregnant can cause feelings of anxiety or excitement. A home pregnancy test can help you find the results you are looking for. New technology allows you to check the results of a pregnancy test before you miss your period. The pregnancy test detects a hormone called hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. Your menstrual cycle time and personal finances affect the type and number of pregnancy test strips you buy.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Choosing the right pregnancy test

1. 

   Count the number of days to predict your period. Determine at which stage you are in your current menstrual cycle and how sensitive the pregnancy test should be. Have you been late to the expected date of your period? Some pregnancy tests claim to detect pregnancy 5 days before the expected period, but many studies have shown that very few pregnancy tests accurately detect pregnancy before the expected menstrual period. False negative results are at risk any time you test before your expected period date. The pregnancy test is up to 99% accurate when you use it for at least 1 week after the first day of your expected menstrual cycle.

2. 

   
   
   Understand how a pregnancy test determines the outcome of a pregnancy. Many manufacturers label pregnancy tests based on their sensitivity to the hormone hCG. If you check early, you should look for a stick that can detect the hCG hormone measured in milli-international units per milliliter of urine. Symbolized as mlU / ml. For example, a test that detects a hCG level at 20 mlU / ml is more sensitive than a test that detects 50 mlU / ml. Therefore, if you do this early, look for a strip that detects hCG levels at a lower mIU / ml level.

3. 

   
   
   Choosing whether to buy a traditional stick or an electronic stick. Electronic sticks are easier to read, with words appearing indicating "pregnant" or "not pregnant". Some electronic strips also estimate how many weeks pregnant you are. These sticks are more expensive than traditional sticks. Traditional pregnancy test strips have long lines where a bar or two colored bars will appear. Basically, 1 bar means not pregnant; 2 bars means pregnant.
   • Consider buying an electronic strip as an alternative in case you can't read a traditional stick.
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Part 2 of 2: Buying a pregnancy test

1. 

   
   
   Find someone who sells pregnancy tests. Now that you know what type of test you want, determine where you can buy or use a test. Pharmacies and pharmacies, along with grocery stores, supermarkets, and even dollar exchange, sell pregnancy test strips. If you are comfortable with buying sticks, you can buy them in the neighborhood. If not then consider going to another neighborhood. Online retailers can also discreetly deliver test strips to your doorstep. Your doctor may also give you a test. If you cannot get the test strips or find it difficult to get them, the maternity support center usually offers the test strips for free.

2. 

   Compare prices. If the price is the problem, visit a nearby store or look for information online to compare prices. Pregnancy test costs can vary considerably so if you have time, consider the price. Specifically, if you plan to buy multiple test strips, it is a good idea to check the price difference. In addition, some generic brand test strips are manufactured by the same manufacturer so the branded test strips will have the same quality assurance.

3. 

   Decide how many test strips to buy. Depending on your needs and budget, consider buying at least 2 test strips at once. Although the first test will get the correct results, sometimes there are errors. Many people who use early pregnancy tests buy more than one so they can confirm the results when the predicted menstrual cycle is coming. Plus, if you hope to be pregnant and want to have a daily or weekly check-up, buy multiple cans at a promotional price.

4. 

   Check the expiry date on the test strip box before purchasing. Make sure the test strip is still valid. If the test is about to expire, buy another one. It is important that the pregnancy test has not expired. If you eventually bought the test strip and didn't use it before the expiration date, throw it away.

5. 

   Buy a pregnancy test. If you are comfortable with buying a stick at a pharmacy, then buy it. The self-checkout counter is another great solution at many major drugstores today. You just need to scan the product and pay. No one needs to know what you are buying. However, keep in mind that there is nothing to be shy about buying a pregnancy test regardless of your age or relationship status.
   • If you are uncomfortable or worried about others seeing you buying a test, ask a friend to buy it for you. If you're not with her, make sure you give her all the information she needs so she buys the right kind of stick. You can also make an appointment with your doctor and then take a test.
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Advice

• If the date of the menstrual cycle is reached, then a traditional strip may be suitable.
• If you are trying to get pregnant and know when you are ovulating, the electronic stick is capable of determining whether you are pregnant or 5-6 days before the expected missed period.
• If you are confused about the results of the pregnancy test, consider taking a photo of the test result, or bring the used test to a doctor to help you explain.