Pregnancy is a serious matter and so is getting an accurate pregnancy test. There are numerous types of pregnancy tests in the market, with each one claiming to be easier and more accurate than the other. How would you know which one is best for you?

Pregnancy tests are used to detect the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is secreted by the placenta shortly after fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus. This usually happens about six days after the egg and sperm merge.

There are two types of pregnancy tests: blood and urine. The blood pregnancy test is done with the help of a doctor, while the urine pregnancy test can be done by you. Between the two, the blood test is the more accurate pregnancy test. It not only tells you if you have HCG, but it can also determine how much HCG is present, which is very helpful in dating a pregnancy.

Urine tests are still accurate, of course, but they simply detect if HCG is present and nothing more. Also, the results are more likely to be inaccurate in home pregnancy test kits, simply because of clumsiness or not being able to follow the instructions properly.

These days, many women prefer to take the urine test because they are affordable and convenient. It can save you from the embarrassment of spreading the news that ended up as a false alarm, or it can calm your nerves when you think you are pregnant but you are not yet ready for it. If you want to take the test in the privacy of your own home, then here are some tips to ensure that you have an accurate pregnancy test

If you are not doing the test with your first morning urine, then make sure that you did not take in a large amount of liquid before taking the test since it can dilute your urine and make HCG undetectable.

Most doctors recommend that for one hundred percent accuracy, you should wait until you miss your period before taking this test.

If you are taking medications, check the package to verify if they could affect your results. Usually fertility drugs can alter results in both the urine and blood test.

Most brands advise users to repeat the test after a few days no matter what results you get. A negative result does not mean you’re not pregnant. You might have taken the test too soon so it is best to conduct it again to be sure

A home pregnancy test is reasonably accurate but your menstrual cycle can also alter its results – especially if you have irregular periods. It is still best to confirm the results with a doctor.

Most importantly, if you get a positive result after conducting an accurate pregnancy test, make sure that you seek prenatal care immediately by consulting your doctor. Seeing your doctor in the early stages of pregnancy will help you and your baby stay healthy.