Many women are familiar with the exciting moment of waiting for the coveted strips on a miracle invention called the “pregnancy test”. In a few minutes, all life flashes before our eyes ... Despite the many years of history and the crazy popularity of these products, a number of questions about their action remain unclear. For example, when does the test show pregnancy? We'll figure out.

The principle of the tests

The structure of modern indicators is being improved, but the principle of action remains the same.

A special reagent is applied to the control area of ​​the test, which is characterized by increased sensitivity to the hCG hormone produced by the pregnant woman.

If this substance enters the indicator zone, the device, using the programmed method, reports the presence or absence of pregnancy.

It can be:

  • second line;
  • plus sign;
  • or a simple message "pregnant."

Pregnancy tests developed in the 80s of the last century are constantly being modernized and become easier to use. A variety of models are available to modern inhabitants - from first-generation specimens to innovative mechanisms that can determine the approximate date of conception and ovulation in the next cycle.

Types of Testing Tools

Let's go from simple to complex.

  • The strip test is the most common and cheapest indicator, which is very popular among other analogues. It is a paper strip coated with antibodies that respond to chorionic gonadotropin.Its advantages are simplicity and affordability. And the main drawback is the low level of sensitivity, in connection with which it is possible to obtain false results.
  • The second model is a tablet test. It does not differ in effectiveness from the first, but is more convenient to use and more reliable in appearance. This identifier is located in a plastic case and has two openings for issuing a result. A pipette is included. This device does not need to be immersed in liquid. It is enough to send a few drops in one window and wait for an answer in another.
  • The jet test is a model of a new generation of instant action. It is directed under a stream of liquid and immediately see the result. This species is notable for its high sensitivity, due to which it can be used at any time of the day.
  • A true innovative miracle - an electronic determinant of pregnancy. It acts identically to previous instances. The only difference is in the antibody response system and in the way the result is output. The case of the device is equipped with a display on which the answer appears in the form of the words “pregnant” - “not pregnant” or signs “minus” - “plus”. The test even connects to a computer to display indicators on its screen. Its cost corresponds to the built-in functions. But he can be mistaken in the same way as simpler analogues. Some species are equipped with hypersensitive particles, due to which the device can report an approximate gestational age. And with a negative answer - calculate the optimal day of conception in the next cycle.

After how many days the test will show pregnancy

Despite the hypersensitivity of many determinants, in the first week after the end of ovulation, it is better to refrain from any checks. Fertilization has just occurred, and the fetus is still on its way to the uterus, not yet connected with the mother's body.

A week after conception, the process of producing hCG is already starting. However, at the initial stage, it accumulates in the blood, and enters the urine later.

In this regard, the recommended period for testing is the week that has passed since the first day of the delay of menstruation.

When the female body is healthy, and its endocrine system is working properly, you can initiate a check before possible menstruation. In this case, the test should also give the correct answer.

A pregnancy test will show the most accurate result in the morning. It was at this time that the concentration of the hormone in the urine was maximum. Although when using an inkjet or electronic copy, you can choose any time during the day.

How to carry out the procedure

To get a reliable answer, it is important to follow certain rules:

  • Before use, you must carefully read the instructions, as each model has a number of features.
  • The evening of the previous day, it is undesirable to drink plenty of fluids, eat fatty foods and take diuretics.
  • If a test strip is used, then after waking up, collect fresh urine and lower the determinant there to the control mark. It remains to wait 5 to 10 seconds, remove the strip and lay it on a flat surface.
  • When using the jet test, it is enough that the stream of liquid during urination falls on the indicator area. After a few minutes (the exact time should be indicated on the package), the result will be ready.

If everything is done correctly, then the reliability of the test will be close to 100%.

Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is the period between past and future menstruation. Somewhere in the middle of this time period, ovulation occurs - the egg leaves the ovary towards the uterus. Knowing the exact day of the cycle in which this process occurs, it is possible to determine the optimal time for a pregnancy test to be delayed. This will make it possible to identify the fact of fertilization at an early stage.

False positive and false negative

Tests, especially the simplest ones, sometimes make mistakes and give the wrong answer.

The reasons for a false negative result can be different:

  • low-quality copy or expiration date;
  • violation of the storage rules of the device;
  • improper conduct of the diagnosis itself;
  • not long gestation (low concentration of the hormone);
  • the presence of pathologies - with the threat of a miscarriage, the production of hCG ceases, and with an ectopic pregnancy it is excreted in smaller quantities;
  • renal disease - the hormone output is sharply accelerated, and the result is negative;
  • a large amount of fluid in the body - the concentration of gonadotropin decreases.

A positive pregnancy test is also often false. And this is what caused it:

  • malfunctions of the hormonal system;
  • Diagnosis immediately after childbirth (miscarriage, abortion) - there is still a “pregnant hormone” in the body, so the data may be incorrect;
  • treatment with drugs that increase the amount of chorionic gonadotropin - after the termination of the course, the substance is removed from the blood in two weeks, at which time testing should be carried out.

Doubting the reliability of the data, it is important to conduct a second test in a week. If your own feelings are at variance with the result obtained or strange symptoms are observed, you also need to do another test or visit a gynecologist.

Do not completely rely on the pharmacy test, wanting to diagnose an early pregnancy. Additional studies should be carried out in the form of a blood test for hCG, ultrasound and a medical examination. Only a specialist can name the exact time elapsed after conception, as well as confirm the normal development of the fetus and the successful course of pregnancy.

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