Before you take a pregnancy test, it’s important to know which types of pregnancy test is right for you.

There are three main types of pregnancy tests. They are home pregnancy test(urine tests), blood tests and Ultrasound test.

Don’t worry, I will explain each of them, just continue reading…

How to choose the right type of pregnancy test

Your stage of your pregnancy will depend on the type of pregnancy test you can go for.

The most important factor to consider is how accurate you need the test to be. If you are trying to confirm a

pregnancy early on, you will need a highly sensitive test that can detect very low levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG. These tests are typically more expensive than less sensitive tests.

Another factor to consider is how easy the test is to use. Some tests require that you collect a urine sample and then dip the test strip in, while others allow you to simply urinate on the stick.

Finally, think about how soon you need the results. Some tests can give you an answer in as little as 30 seconds, while others take up to 5 minutes.

No matter which type of pregnancy test you choose, be sure you are using the right type of the pregnancy test and that is what I will walk you through now :

Home Pregnancy Tests

The most common home pregnancy test is Urine test using pregnancy strip.

Pregnancy strip works by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. HCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation of a fertilized egg.

There are two types of home pregnancy tests: those that use strips (often called dipsticks) that you dip into a cup of your urine, and those that use a plastic stick that you urinate on directly. Both types usually give you results in about 5 minutes.

The accuracy of home pregnancy tests depends on how early you take the test and how well you follow the instructions. Generally speaking, the earlier you take the test, the less accurate it is. That’s because it takes time for hCG to build up in your system. By the time you’re about 10 days past ovulation, there should be enough hCG for a home pregnancy test to give an accurate result.

The urine test cannot detects the earliest pregnancy , You may have negative result when the hCG has not yet built in your system . The best time to use pregnancy urine test is at least 2 to 7 days after you expect your menstrual flow.

Presence of single line means NOT pregnancy and presence of double line means pregnancy occured.

Blood test

This is another type of pregnancy test.

If you want to know for sure whether you’re pregnant, a blood test is the most accurate way to find out. A blood test can detect pregnancy earlier than a home pregnancy test, and can also give you more information about your pregnancy. There are two types of blood tests for pregnancy: a quantitative blood test and a qualitative blood test.

A quantitative blood test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your blood. This hormone is only present when you’re pregnant. The test can tell you how much hCG is in your blood, which can help your doctor determine how far along your pregnancy is.

A qualitative blood test simply tells you whether or not hCG is present in your blood. This type of test can’t give you as much information about your pregnancy as a quantitative blood test, but it can still be useful. If you’re trying to conceive, a qualitative blood test can let you know if you need to see a doctor.

You cannot do this test in your house , You need to visit hospital.

Ultrasound

This type of pregnancy test is the most advance as it shows the condition and wellbeing of your pregnancy.

There are two types of ultrasound that can be used during pregnancy: abdominal and transvaginal. Abdominal ultrasound is the most common type, and it is generally done during the first trimester. Transvaginal ultrasound is usually done during the second trimester.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your uterus. A transducer, which is a small hand-held device, is placed on your stomach and moved around until the image of your uterus appears on a monitor.

One advantage of an ultrasound is that it can give you an estimated due date for your baby. This can be helpful information to have, especially if you’re trying to plan for a healthy pregnancy. Ultrasounds are also generally very safe and pose no risk to you or your baby.

Another advantage of an ultrasound is that it can help detect any potential problems with your pregnancy, such as twins or triplets, low lying placenta, or abnormal fetal development. These problems can then be monitored and managed by your healthcare team.

If you think an ultrasound might be right for you, talk to your doctor or midwife about making an appointment.

See how 4-6 weeks ultrasound scan look like for pregnant mothers here

How accurate are pregnancy tests?

If you’re trying to conceive, you’re likely wondering about the accuracy of pregnancy tests. Home pregnancy tests are accurate if you follow the instructions carefully. Store-bought tests are typically about 97% accurate, but there are a few factors that can affect the results.

If you take the test too early, there may not be enough of the hormone hCG in your urine to trigger a positive result. This hormone is produced by the placenta and is what all pregnancy tests detect. hCG levels double every two to three days in early pregnancy, so if you wait a few days after a missed period, you’re more likely to get an accurate result.

There are also some medical conditions that can cause false-positive results. These include ovarian cysts, certain medications, and ectopic pregnancies. If you think you might be pregnant but get a negative result on a home pregnancy test, it’s important to follow up with your doctor to be sure.

False positives and false negatives

There are two types of pregnancy tests: those that use urine and those that use blood. Urine tests are the most common, but they’re not always accurate. A false positive occurs when the test says you’re pregnant but you’re not. This can happen if you’ve been taking a fertility drug or if you have a urinary tract infection. A false negative occurs when the test says you’re not pregnant but you are. This can happen if the test is taken too early in the pregnancy or if your urine is too diluted.

Blood tests are more accurate than urine tests, but they’re also more expensive. If you get a positive result on a blood test, it means you’re definitely pregnant. If you get a negative result, it could mean you’re not pregnant or it could just mean the test wasn’t sensitive enough to pick up on the pregnancy hormone.

Conclusion

There are a few different types of pregnancy tests available on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to choose the right test for you, depending on your needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of pregnancy tests so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

N.B: You can ask your health question here