The typical Home Pregnancy Test Stick isn’t the only pregnancy test type out there!
You've missed a period. You’re nauseous in the morning and extra tired during the day. Your breasts feel heavier and swollen. Your trips to the comfort room have been getting more frequent. You feel bloated. You’re feeling different. Your body is changing.
Could you be pregnant?
A woman experiencing some, if not all of these symptoms, may assume that a pregnancy could be well underway. How would one typically confirm this? Most women may reach for the stick.
The Common Home Pregnancy Test
The stick, otherwise known was a Home Pregnancy Test (HPT), identifies if the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is present in your urine. HPTs are most women's go-to answer for pregnancy assumptions because they are private, convenient, inexpensive, and easy to use. Know how to use the HPT here: (Link to how to use HPT article)
However, the HPT isn't the only option available out there! There are other ways you can test for pregnancy.
Opting for a Blood Test
One type of pregnancy test offered by clinics and hospitals is the Blood Test. Like the HPT, this also indicates the presence of hCG in the system, but through a blood sample.
Why opt for a blood test over an HPT? While HPTs are usually advised to be taken 1-2 weeks after your last period, the Blood Test can identify hCG in your system earlier than a urine test can! You can expect either a "yes" or a "no" as early as 6-8 days after you ovulate.
Although the blood test can be a bit pricier, the accuracy and speediness of its results can compensate.
Another Option: Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam can confirm if your new symptoms are pregnancy-induced or not, plus it can also thoroughly check if your reproductive health and organs are in good shape. A trip to the OB-GYN is encouraged for every woman to take, so why not combine the two when the chance arises?
With the knowledge that HPTs aren’t the only pregnancy testing options available, enjoy your freedom to choose which pregnancy test type is most suited for your personal needs. When the results come out positive…congratulations!
if you’re planning to have a baby. Start preparing for a healthy pregnancy to help give your child a bright future.
