If you are wondering whether or not you might be pregnant, you may be on the verge of heading off to the drug store to make the purchase of a home pregnancy test. For many women in the 21st century, the home pregnancy test has become the most important tool through which they ultimate determine whether or not they are pregnant. If you are considering the purchase and use of a home pregnancy test, there are some facts and factors that you will want to keep in mind.
The first thing that you need to appreciate when it comes to home pregnancy tests is that there are a variety of different products on the market today. Generally speaking, these home pregnancy tests rely on the same “system” to ascertain if a woman is pregnant. However, these tests have varying ways of displaying or conveying this information to a user of the test product itself.
What home pregnancy tests technically are doing is working to detect the presence of a certain type of hormone in your system, human chorionic gondotropin or hCG for short. hCG is a hormone created by the placenta and it can be detected in the urine or blood and is present when a woman is pregnant. If this hormone is detected by a home pregnancy test, the test will indicate that a woman is pregnant.
In this day and age home pregnancy tests have become extremely accurate. Indeed, the typical home pregnancy test proves to provide accurate results virtually 99% of the time. (Some tests do prove more accurate than others; however, the vast majority of home pregnancy tests are not far off this mark.)
There generally are two ways in which a home pregnancy test can be used. First, there are tests in which you dip the test stick or strip into your urine. Second, there are tests in which you urinate directly on the test stick itself.
You need to carefully read all instructions accompanying the test, Normally, a home pregnancy test takes about three minutes after it was exposed to urine until your results will be available. You really will want to “walk away” from the test stick or strip during this time period or it will seem like the longest three minutes of your life.
Home pregnancy tests have different mechanisms through which test results are provided. Some use symbols such as a + and – sign. Still other tests actually spell out the words “pregnant” and “not pregnant.” Other tests utilize a color scheme.
Home pregnancy tests that are available today are relatively inexpensive. There can be some price differences but they are not normally that significant. Again, typical home pregnancy tests have about the same accuracy rate as one another.
If you get a positive result from a home pregnancy test, you will want to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will confirm your test results. At that juncture, your doctor will begin planning with your course or prenatal care and related matters. Prenatal care is a crucial element to ensuring that you have a smooth pregnancy, that you remain healthy and that you give birth to a healthybaby when all is said and done.
HELLP syndrome is a serious complication of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure problems of pregnancy). It occurs in about 2 percent to 12 percent of women with high blood pressure of pregnancy. It usually develops before delivery, but may occur postpartum (after delivery) as well. HELLP syndrome consists of the following problems:
hemolysis – red blood cells break down.
elevated liver enzymes – damage to liver cells cause changes in liver function lab tests.
low platelets – cells found in the blood that are needed to help the blood to clot in order to control bleeding.
What causes HELLP syndrome?
The cause of HELLP syndrome is unknown. Some conditions may increase the risk of developing HELLP syndrome, including the following:
preeclampsia during pregnancy
previous pregnancy with HELLP syndrome
Why is HELLP syndrome a concern?
In addition to the risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy, which include poor blood flow to organs and possible seizures, HELLP syndrome can cause other problems. The breakdown of red blood cells may cause anemia, and blood clotting problems may occur.
A serious blood clotting complication called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may lead to severe bleeding or hemorrhage. Placental abruption (early detachment of the placenta) may also occur. Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) is also a serious complication.
Severe disease may place the mother and fetus in danger and it may be necessary to deliver the baby early to prevent further complications. Recovery from HELLP syndrome may take several days after delivery. HELLP syndrome is a serious disease and can be life threatening for both mother and her baby.
The symptoms of HELLP syndrome may resemble other medical conditions, including pregnancy-induced hypertension. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is HELLP syndrome diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medicalhistory and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for HELLP syndrome may include:
blood pressure measurement
red blood cell count
bilirubin level – a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.
liver function tests
platelet count – cells found in the blood that are needed to help the blood clot to control bleeding.
fetal monitoring (to check the health of the fetus) may include:
fetal movement counting – keeping track of fetal kicks and movements. A change in the number or frequency may mean the fetus is under stress.
nonstress testing – a test that measures the fetal heart rate in response to the fetus’ movements.
biophysical profile – a test that combines nonstress test with ultrasound to observe the fetus.
Doppler flow studies – a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel.
laboratory testing of liver, urine, and blood (for changes that may signal worsening of HELLP syndrome)
medications, called corticosteroids, that may help mature the lungs of the fetus (lung immaturity is a major problem of premature babies)
delivery (if HELLP syndrome worsens and endangers the well-being of the mother or fetus, then an early delivery may be necessary)
Prevention of HELLP syndrome:
Early identification of women at risk for HELLP syndrome may help prevent some complications of the disease. Education about the warning signs is also important because early recognition may help women receive treatment and prevent worsening of the disease.
19 weeks & strange lump on bottom of my foot? So this is my first pregnancy. I’m 19 weeks and yesterday, I find a strange lump on the bottom of my foot. It’s more towards the heel, but not in/on the heel. It’s probably the size of a small grape. It feels hard inside. It’s not sore unless I walk around for a while or…
19 weeks 5 days and..? Okay, I’m 19 weeks 5 days pregnant and I have been having some bleeding and brown discharge for days gone by 2-3 days. I have had bleeding and brown discharge before and they solitary last about 3-4 days. Their is not alot of blood at once and it only happen a couple times a day. The blood is lightish colored…
19 weeks pregnant and kid diagnosed beside right pyelectasis? It’s a boy and the fluid in his left kidney measures 3 mm which is normal but the fluid surrounded by his right kidney measures 5 mm which is slightly enlarged for 19 weeks, I read all about the condition but it would be nice to hear from somebody with like experience and how did it…
19 weeks pregnant and spotting? I am 19w5d pregnant, and I started bleeding a little after hubby fingered me. We didn’t have sex because it scared me. When I get a tissue and wiped myself it was just for a time red spotting. I have no cramping and it wasn’t a lot of blood just spotting. Is this majority or should…
19 weeks pregnant- fruitless gas cramps and mild diarrhea every morning.? Has anyone experienced anything similar? The doctor just told me that I can take Imodium and be sure to drink a lot of marine to stay hydrated. But I don’t see how Imodium could help because it happens about 5 minutes after I bring back up each morning. It’s just annoying- any…
19 weeks pregnant. baby moving? Several times a day, only when I’m sitting upright (like on the sofa) and watching TV or on the computer (being stillness activities) I feel this light poking about 2 inches below my belly button. Could this be the babe-in-arms poking or is it probably something else like muscles stretching? It’s always in impossible to tell apart…
19, have a tot this fall down, and wanting to shift spinal column to college to find my RN? Getting pregnant so young was a huge shock to me & my boyfriend – it was immensely unplanned. I have planned on going to college to get my RN for years and already went to tech conservatory to get my PCT (patient care technician) My boyfriend…
19weeks + and response sick again approaching nausea? it started again yesterday and ive got it now is this normal cos ive not have morning sickness before im 19w3d and every now and then i grasp nausea again. i had it the first three months then it went away but i never in actual fact threw up. my doctor told me…
1cm 50 percent efface have contractions 37 weeks…? I know that everyone is differant and that really no one can predict when and what is going to happen. However.. I keep recounting myself that It could be tonight or it could be first week of Sept. ( due date aug 24) My mother on the other hand is convinced that things are…
1cm and 50 percent efface as of two days ago , im still cramping and toddler have be moving wayyy smaller amount!? now does anyone think imin early labor? I go to the hospital and thats what the dr suggested as well and my baby was not contained by the pelvis yet cause he has be breeched this whole time and oh yeah im 37…
1cm and 80% efface.how long? So, I just got back from the docs organization and I was 1cm and 40% effaced last week. Now, I am 1cm and 80% efface now. How far away do you think labor is? I am well aware that she will come when she is equipped but I just want to hear your thoughts. Thanks ladies…
1st pregnancy, 37 weeks, False labor? I’m having very frequent, light contractions. They are not getting stronger, but they are drastically persistent. I basically feel similar to I have a lot of pressure down stairs. Sometimes the pressure stays for up to a minute. I’m currently at work, and I cant say I’m contained by any kind of pain, becuase it just feel like throbbing…
1st response Pregnancy test! Could I still be pregnan? I last had a menstural cycle on the 4 of July. I had intercourse and have another small menstural cycle. It lasted for only about 3days and it wasn’t an huge amount. On the third of this month, I took a 1st response pregnancy test and it was negative! On the fourth when it be supposed…
1st time pregnancy sustain? I want an epidural, but im scared. What did it feel like when you be getting yours? Did it hurt? yeah i got one end year.. they give u a needle to numb the area formerly they put in the epidural.. so just feels approaching ur getting a needle like a blood test so dont verbs I…
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1st Ultrasound–Did my doc do it right? I went in the morning for my 1st prenatal exam w/my OB. Mind you, I haven’t seen her since another doc contained by the practice took over my file…so I was already feeling similar to I probably had to repeat myself. My husband was standing in the room & I be sort of hoping someone would…
2 days behind time, pregnancy symptoms? It sounds like you could be, skulk 2 days and take another test xx I am in the exact same boat as you. I am 2 days latew ith plentiful symptoms I tested this morning as well and got a bfn( negative) bummer. I’m going to retest only the 15th of August similar to I had planned my…
2 months pregnant, how do you get the impression,? I was about 2 months when I found out I was pregnant. That be around the time the morning sickness started. I just felt tired and sick mostly. I didn’t feel anything contained by my stomach. I felt very ill , not sick once , but nauseas adjectives day and all night, backache similar…
2 Periods within One Month? Well, had my period July 1-5. TTC on my most fertile day the 16th. 2 weeks laters, yesterday. my “period” come? A week early? Started out really heavy and unsual with extreme cramping? What could this be? I’ve hear that I could’ve miscarried any advice? go doctors It is possible that you have miscarried. But next to…
2 postives try-out go and get confirmed by a fp or ob/gyn? Okay i just got two positive pregnancy tests but would close to to know if i should go straight to a OB/GYN or get it confirmed by my family doctor and afterwards go to the OB/GYN? Before picking a doctor to medically manage your pregnancy, you might consider educating yourself on the benefits…
2 pregnancy question assistance!!? 1.if you take a pregnancy test 2 week after sex will it be accurate no mistakes 2.When a girl is pregnant can the guy be the one throwing up no more than likleyu the test may be false negative you newly have to wait untill you miss your period or until you start have symtoms. Yes a man can…
2 question if you could answer within first trimester? I have 2 questions: 1. In the first trimester did your boobs stop aching at one point 2. Do you perceive the stretching of your abdomen and see blue viens, but not the popping out kind. Thanks With my first two pregnancies, I remember my boobs hurting, but not as…
2 subdivision pregnancy examine? I’d say that’s normal. I’d also like to right to be heard YOU LUCKY * you. lol I’m a little before 12 weeks and i’ve been sick almost every single friggin afternoon with my first son i didn’t get sick till i was 12 weeks and it last until I was 25-26 weeks . I wouldnt worry about nothin worryin…
20 week scan on tuesday and massively like a cat on hot bricks and excited is this the norm:? hi my 20 week scan is on the 11th so next tuesday at 10.20 nd i am so excited because i want to find out what it is and make sure the baby is ok but im soooooo worried at alike time i hope this is…
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20 weeks- belly too big or too small? (pictures included)? http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww109? You look good, I think you have commonplace bump,not big and not small either. Have a good luck and a healthy pregnancy. you’re very slim so you look just fine for 20 weeks, I don`t know a little on the big side but again I think its because of the way…
20 weeks pregnant and no tot bump? I will be 20 weeks pregnant tomorrow and this is my first pregnancy. I am alittle overweight in the tummy area but shouldn’t I be showing by now? I go for an ultrasound at 16 weeks and the baby is growing and is prefectly healthy. When will I start to get my tot bump? I didn’t show…
20 weeks pregnant and worried? That is particularly normal however if it is bothers you a lot please see a doctor so you can feel pleased or just call the doctore or nurse People have different discharge symptoms. Especially end in your pregnant, I’m sure that discharge is normal. Your vag is a self cleaning organ. You may get weird symptoms from your pregnancy….
so dont verbs 