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Early-Detection Home Pregnancy Tests
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HPTs - All Your Questions Answered
The universe of pregnancy testing has definitely been transformed over the past few years. Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) are not only more affordable than they used to be, they are much more sensitive - and that means you can test earlier. This special article is not only dedicated to "updatng" you on recent changes in HPT technology, but to answering every question you might have about the home pregnancy test - from how they work to how early you can begin testing, from accuracy rates to various testing tips to ensure you are getting optimum results. We'll also offer our thoughts on which pregnancy test brands we recommend for women who are trying-to-conceive...
How does a Pregnancy Test Work?
In a nutshell, a home pregnancy test detects a special "pregnancy hormone" called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. This hormone is released by the placenta (the tissue surrounding the developing baby) the moment you become pregnant, when the fertilized egg first "implants" in the uterine lining of the womb. Once the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, the production of hCG increases rapidly and doubles in a woman's body about every 24 hours. hCG will soon show up in a woman's circulatory system and ultimately in her urine. A home pregnancy test will tell you when the "pregnancy hormone" in your urine reaches a certain concentration - and when this sensitivity threshold is crossed, you'll see your first positive result. Congratulations!
For the purposes of this article, one fact is important to remember: The date of "implantation" (when a pregnancy begins) is not the same as the date of conception. Conception - the union of egg and sperm - typically takes place within 24 hours of ovulation. Implantation, on the other hand, may take up to six days or more after conception. The fertilized egg needs time to develop before it can actually implant in the womb. Therefore, the hCG hormone will not become present in urine until after the egg implants in the uterus - typically around a week after ovulation. This fact will be important later when we discuss how early you can take a pregnancy test.
