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Home Pregnancy Tests

Home Pregnancy Tests

by Lori Ramsey
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When actively trying to conceive, the time comes to think about taking a home pregnancy test (HPT). When to test is the most often asked question. And that answer depends on what brand of test you choose. I have done some lengthy study on these, and feel that many can be used before the first day of the missed period.

Implantation of the fertilized egg usually takes place at around 7-10 days post ovulation. Though it can occur as early as 4 days, and as late as 12 days. When you chart your cycle, you will find out how long your luteal phase is. This will determine when menstruation should begin, and therefore when to take a test. However, if you are attuned to your body, and can identify possible pregnancy symptoms before the menstruation is missed, you could see a positive pregnancy test sooner.




This is true of myself. I just recently found out that I am pregnant with my third child. My menstrual cycle wasn't due until Sunday, March 5. However I had some classic pregnancy symptoms on February 28 at 10 days post ovulation - so I used an hpt (home pregnancy test) on February 29 at 10 days post ovulation and it was positive. It was positive again the next day, when I confirmed it with another hpt. The first day of my missed period would be on Sunday March 5, but I found out much earlier!

There are many different brands of HPT's that detect as little as 25 mIU/hCG (human chorionic gonadatrophin- the hormone produced when implantation occurs). Below is a chart that shows averages of hCG starting with week 3 to week 40. Week from the Last Menstral Period (LMP)Amount of HCG in mIU/ml35 - 5043 - 426519 - 7,34061,080 - 56,5007-87,650 - 229,0009-1225,700 - 288,00013-1613,300 - 254,00017-244,060 - 165,40025-403,640 - 117,000

A woman can test as early as 8 days post ovulation and receive a positive HPT reading. On the other hand, it can take up to 17 dpo to see a positive HPT reading. And some women, though few, will never see a positive reading HPT - even though they are indeed pregnant. I have a good friend who never had a positive hpt with all three of her children!

You next need to decide which brand of HPT to buy. I personally have tried just about all the brands that I could get a hold of. I have heard rumors that some are not as reliable as others and some may give a false positive. Below is a list of HPT's - though not all that are available- and the amount of hCG they detect. These tests detect 20-25 mIU/hCGAimStick Pregnancy Testdetects 20 mIUClearblue Easy (U.K.)detects 25 mIUConfirm 1-Stepdetects 25 mIU CVSdetects 25 mIUDay Seven (CDN)detects 25 mIUHealth Check detects 25 mIU Insta Test hCGdetects 25 mIULifesign One-Stepdetects 25 mIULifeSign 1 Midstreamdetects 25 mIUOne Step Be Suredetects 25 mIURapid Self-Test (U.K.)detects 25 mIU   These tests detect 40-50 mIU/hCG  Boots (U.K.)detects 50 mIUClearblue Easy (U.S.)detects 50 mIUEarly Bird One Step (U.K.)detects50 mIUearly Pregnancy testdetects 50 mIUe.p.t.detects 40 mIU First Response (U.K.)detects 40 mIU Hannaforddetects 50 mIU Predictor (U.K.) detects 50 mIURite-Aid detects 50 mIUSelfcare detects 50 mIUTargetdetects 50 mIU   These tests detect 100 mIU/hCG  Answerdetects 100 mIU Conceive detects 100 mIUEquate (Wal*Mart) detects 100 mIU First Response (U.S.)detects 100 mIU Precisedetects 100 mIU QTest detects 100 mIU Walgreensdetects 100 mIU   These test detect 150+ mIU/hCG  Fact Plus detects 150-250 mIU

I have used the HPT's bought from the By-His-Mercies Ministries with this baby. They are sensitive to 25 mIU of hCG. They gave me a positive at 5 minutes. I used an e.p.t. and an early Pregnancy test to confirm my results at 14 and 16 days post ovulation. If you really want to be safe, and receive an accurate result - wait until the day that your period is due, to test. Otherwise, you may receive a false negative. Or, if you're like me, and feel pretty sure that you are pregnant, go ahead and test with a sensitive brand. You may be pleasantly surprised. I know I was!

My name is Lori Ramsey. My education consists of a diploma in Business Data Processing. I also successfully completed two courses with the Famous Writers School on Basic Writing and Fiction Writing. I am a mother of two children ages 4 and 2. I am currently pregnant with my third child, due to be born in early November.

Embarking on first conception then parenting, I realize how ignorant I was at the beginning. Knowledge is power and since I have literally devoured books, magazines, and online articles on the subject of conception and pregnancy. I honestly feel I know more than the average "public" about this subject. And was shocked at how little I actually didn't know before!

My hobbies, as such, revolve around being a mother and a wife. Being a writer has been a long time dream - even to the point that I have written 16 chapters in a fiction novel and numerous articles (non published). And at present, I am focused on my pregnancy, enjoying each moment and loving the expressions on my children's faces as my belly grows. I am involved in my church, working with the nursery and am one of the leaders of the worship dance ministry. And lastly, but certainly not least, I love surfing the web!





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