Maternity & Parenting

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Pregnancy Testing: what you need to know

Can a pregnancy test be inaccurate?

If used correctly, home pregnancy test kits are accurate upto 99%.

Can you get a false positive pregnancy test? 

A false positive pregnancy test can be caused by various different factors:

• Chemical pregnancy: When an early miscarriage occurs and the pregnancy hormones (hCG) are still present in your blood, it is known as chemical pregnancy.
• Medication: hCG-containing drugs or fertility treatments can result in false positive results.
• Medical Conditions: Elevated caners that raise hCG levels or ovarian cysts.
• Recent Pregnancy: After giving birth, experiencing a miscarriage, or having an abortion, hCG might linger in your blood for a few weeks.

Can you get a false negative pregnancy test?

• Testing too early: This can result in false a negative pregnancy test because of very low levels of HCG hormones.
• Using the test incorrectly: Please use the user instructions that come with the pack
• Urine too dilute: Pregnancy test should be done on the first passed urine in the morning. This is when hCG in urine is more concentrated.

How long after unprotected sexual intercourse can pregnancy test be done?

The majority of pregnancy tests can be performed as early as the first day after a missed period. Take the test at least 21 days after your last unprotected sex if you are unsure of when your next period is due.

Will a pregnancy test show an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy produces hCG the same as any other pregnancy would, although the levels are not as high. Pregnancy tests can not be used to tell ectopic pregnancies and normal pregnancies apart. 

Can an ovulation test determine pregnancy?

Ovulation test detects Luteinizing hormone (LH) whereas pregnancy test detects HCG. HCG and LH are structurally similar. Ovulation test kits can detect pregnancy hormone although they are not designed and should not be used to detect pregnancy.

Can a blood test confirm pregnancy?  

If you’ve done a home pregnancy test and are unsure about the results then you can have a blood test to look for pregnancy. To have a pregnancy blood test near you, please contact Bredbury Medical Centre

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