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IS IT TIME TO TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST?
A pregnancy test has the power to change your life forever. As you walk past the pregnancy tests in the pharmacy, you count the reasons why you think you should take a pregnancy test. You had sex very close to the time you should have been ovulating. You're feeling especially tired, you think. You're feeling a little nauseous, maybe. You're checking your breasts for signs of soreness so often, you don't know if they are actually sore or if you're constant prodding is making them sore. In short, you're dying to know if you're pregnant. When should you take a pregnancy test?
You can take a pregnancy test as early as you like, but even the very accurate over-the-counter pregnancy tests available today are usually not accurate until on or slightly after the date you expect your period. This usually corresponds to two to three weeks after the time you believe you may have conceived. Today's pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine, and amounts of this hormone increase quite quickly in early pregnancy. It is possible to have a "false negative "pregnancy test, so if you test quite early (before you have missed a period or just a day or two after you were expecting your period), you may want to test for pregnancy again once you are several days late. During this time, if you are pregnant, the HCG levels in your urine will continue to increase to a point detectable by the pregnancy test.
If you perform a pregnancy test and the results are positive, it is extremely accurate (unless you have misread the results.) Some pregnancy tests are more confusing than others, so you may want to double check your results against the pregnancy test instructions.
If you have a positive pregnancy test but have a period shortly thereafter, it is likely that you experienced a very early miscarriage. If you are eager to pregnant, this is emotionally very upsetting. However, most miscarriages take place because of a problem with the developing embryo and early miscarriages are actually more common than most people realize. There is no reason to believe that you will not conceive again.
Once you take a pregnancy test and confirm that you are pregnant, you should make an appointment with your doctor. You should also begin taking an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin to ensure that you are getting enough folic acid (very important to fetal development in the early weeks of pregnancy). Also, consult your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking and make sure they are all appropriate for use during pregnancy. Early pregnancy is a critical time in your baby's development, and it is urgent that you take excellent care of yourself and your little one, from the very beginning! 
The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
Please view the complete line of Blooming Body products, designed for a more comfortable and beautifully pregnancy, by clicking here.
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