Pregnancy Tests
You can often tell by finding at least one specific symptom if you are pregnant. You should take a home pregnancy test or visit your doctor to confirm the pregnancy if you experience any of the symptoms of pregnancy.
One day after your first missed period, you are likely to get accurate results from a pregnancy test. However, it is best to wait for your missed period at least a week to be sure. Following are some of the useful pregnancy tests.
Home pregnancy tests
On the first day of missed period, a home pregnancy test (HPT) can be used. It is possible to use some very sensitive tests much sooner.
Such tests measure human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) hormone in your urine. The hormone is present only during pregnancy in the body. When it comes into contact with this hormone, a chemical in the stick changes color. Depending on the test, waiting times will vary, but most will take about 10 minutes to provide accurate reading.
Some manufacturers recommend taking HPTs twice because if you take a test too early after your first missed period, the results can differ. In some situations, the amount of hCG is too small to detect early pregnancy.
When used properly, home pregnancy tests are reliable. It’s possible to have a false negative result that occurs when you are pregnant, but the test says you are not. Repeat the test or consult with your doctor if you missed your period and it doesn’t come in a few days.
Ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT)
Nuchal translucency screening is a scanning test that uses ultrasound to scan for extra fluid or thickening in the region at the back of the fetal neck.