If you think you are pregnant, waiting to be able to take a pregnancy test can be the most unbearable wait of your entire life. Crossing off each day on your schedule, wishing that the date of your period was there so that you could discover if you are pregnant with the baby you are dreaming about, basically wishing away parts of your life each month. Of course, with a first response pregnancy test, the wait is over!
1. Extreme Sensitivity
It is the case that most pregnancy test kits are not recommended for use until the day you are expecting your period to come. In comparison, first response pregnancy tests are slightly more sensitive (not necessarily more accurate). According to the instructions, this pregnancy test kit can reveal your impending pregnancy four days earlier than its rivals. I don't know about you but for a woman stressing over a possible pregnancy four days can mean a whole lot.
2. Multipacks
Even tests that are 99.99% accurate aren't really that accurate. 99.99% means that one out of every 10,000 women have a test that fails - and this is only true for tests done at the normal time. For an early pregnancy test, you can't achieve anywhere near 100% accuracy. If you do the math, what 99. 99% really means is that for one in every 10,000 women, their tests fail. The ability for you to test again around the time your period is due is therefore invaluable.
3. The HCG Hormone
The test actually works by measuring the hCG hormone levels in the woman's urine. If the levels are too low, then a negative result will be given. If this is the result you have, try testing again around the time your period is due when the hormone level will be higher. If you still have a negative result, but your period doesn't occur, wait another few days and test even a third time. You can take the test at any time of day but you should know that your hormone levels will be much more concentrated during the early morning. Tests provide results in as early as three minutes.
With today's increased knowledge of health and development of the fetus in the womb, there are several tests that expectant mothers will undergo to ensure the health prospects of both herself and her baby. All of these tests are standard, and you should make sure to ask your doctor about when they are scheduled and that they are all on his list.
CBC Test: CBC stands for Complete Blood Count. This test checks for anemia and other abnormalities that may occur within blood components.
Urinary Analysis: Regular urine analysis safety check for infection, protein, blood, or any other products that should not be present in the urine and that may signal complications.
RH factor: This test also tests the blood type. Differences in the blood type or Rh factor could lead to serious complications in the newborn, or in your next child. Women who are RH negative need to have additional screening done later in the pregnancy.
Immunity: A blood test is required to ensure immunity from German measles (rubella).
STD: Tests for sexually transmitted diseases are also necessary, including screenings for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. Some tests include cultures for Chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Blood glucose is checked for diabetes.
Pap smears check the cells of the cervix for abnormalities, including cancerous or precancerous cells.
Screening for bacterial and viral infections in the vagina and cervix is often performed during the second half of the pregnancy. Testing to detect bacterial vaginosis, which could increase the risk for premature rupture of membranes and subsequent labor, and a culture for group B streptococci, which can infect and harm the newborn after delivery, may be done during your pregnancy.
There are other tests that may be taken according to your own personal health history. Expectant women with high blood pressure should be regularly checked. Make sure when you visit your obstetrician that all these tests are accounted for, and consult her on any that may need to be done additionally.
Loni Gordon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Pregnancy Problems and Pregnancy. Copyright(c)2006 allpregnancyinformation.com. Visit for more articles, resources for. Loni Gordon's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.