Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing event for women. However, before the realization of this precious moment, every woman must ensure that she is pregnant. Thanks to modern technology, there are different ways to test for pregnancy. Here is an in-depth look at the various ways you can test for pregnancy, including urine tests, blood tests, and imaging tests.
Urine tests
Urine tests are the most common way to test for pregnancy. These tests work by detecting the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. HCG is a hormone that is only produced during pregnancy. There are two types of urinary pregnancy tests: the traditional test and the digital test. Stretch your bladder for at least a few hours before taking the test. In addition, ensure that you follow the instructions on the test kit carefully to ensure accuracy.
Blood tests
Blood tests are another way to test for pregnancy. Blood tests are more accurate than urine tests and can detect pregnancy very early. There are two types of blood tests: the quantitative hCG test and the qualitative hCG test. Quantitative hCG tests measure the exact amount of hCG in your system, while qualitative hCG tests determine the presence of hCG in your blood. Consult a doctor to determine the best type of blood test for you.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests like ultrasounds are not usually used to diagnose pregnancy but can confirm a suspected pregnancy. An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of your uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes. This type of test is usually used for women with complications during pregnancy or those unsure about the results from urine or blood tests.
Home pregnancy kits
These are over-the-counter pregnancy test kits that work by detecting the presence of hCG in your urine. They can be easily bought at any drug store and are simple, quick, and easy to use. However, note that these tests have a lower rate of accuracy compared to urine and blood tests. If you want a more accurate result, consult a doctor.
Clinical urine tests
Clinical urine tests are performed by a medical professional. They are more accurate than home pregnancy kits as they are performed under strict laboratory conditions. In addition, these tests can also detect other hormones in your urine that are not found in home pregnancy kits, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which can indicate a hormonal imbalance or fertility issues.
Reach out to a medical provider to learn more about pregnancy testing.