Pregnancy Testing
Midstream Pregnancy Tests
The midstream pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG in the urine to indicate possible pregnancy.
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If you’re experiencing signs of pregnancy, testing can be the answer. These tests work by measuring the levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine.
When a fertilized egg has implanted in your uterus, this hormone is produced, which generally occurs about six days following fertilization. The levels of hCG present in your bloodstream will then rapidly rise over the next few weeks at a rate of about twice the amount every two days. Approximately a week after you would normally expect your menstrual cycle to begin, you should be able to detect hCG in your urine with pregnancy testing.
These tests are very easy to use. Depending on the test you use, you may need to collect some of your urine in a cup and dip a test strip into the collected urine, or even urinate on a test stick. Each test displays results differently. Some may indicate a result with a pink or purple line and others may display a plus or minus sign, and most work in 5 to 10 minutes.
A negative doesn't mean you are not pregnant. If you receive a negative result from a pregnancy test, this should not be taken to mean that you are not pregnant. If your cycle does not begin within a few days, it's recommended to take another test or check with your doctor to confirm whether you are pregnant or not.
It may also be possible to obtain a false positive from a test, which can be caused by a “chemical pregnancy”, which is a term for a fertilized egg that began producing hCG but then failed to continue developing for some reason. In any case, the best results from a test can be obtained from testing first thing in the morning, to ensure the highest concentration of hCG in your urine.
Other signs of pregnancy are: swollen and tender breasts, fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and a heightened sensitivity to odors. If your pregnancy test gave a positive and you exhibit any of these common signs then see your doctor for confirmation.
