Health for Conception and During Pregnancy

What to Eat While Pregnant

Avoiding Miscarriage

Cord Blood Banking

Packing for the Delivery Room

Tips for the New Mom

Bringing Home Baby

Getting Baby to Sleep

Budgeting for Baby

Traveling with Baby

Dressing Your Newborn

Breastfeeding Myths

Finding a Safe Baby Crib

Soothing a Newborn

Losing Weight After Pregnancy

Pregnancy Tests

There are two types of pregnancy tests, one that requires a blood analysis at a doctor's office and one that searches for the hCG hormone in urine, which can be done at a doctor's office or at home. A urine test that can be done at home, a home pregnancy test or "HPT," can be purchased at most grocery or drug stores.

The hCG hormone is created in a woman's body after a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, which happens for most women about six days after the egg is fertilized by a sperm. After fertilization, hCG begins building up in a woman's body.

Home pregnancy tests are the most popular type of pregnancy test. They are readily available and inexpensive. Most involve a stick that needs to come into contact with urine. Once the stick has contacted urine and after an amount of time has passed--usually ten minutes--a symbol, color, or word(s) (depending on the brand) reveals whether a woman is pregnant or not. Home pregnancy test manufacturers claim 99% accuracy.

The very first day after a missed period isn't the ideal time to use an HPT since the egg is not always implanted in the uterus right away. Testing with an HPT one week after a missed period will, in most cases, result in an accurate reading. However, most HPT brands suggest a repeat test to confirm the result.

Blood tests for pregnancy are very accurate and can tell if you're pregnant a bit earlier than an HPT. If you need to know if you're pregnant as soon as you miss your period, a blood test is your best bet.

Once you've determined that you are pregnant, see your doctor right away to safeguard your and your baby's health.