Showing posts with label getting pregnant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getting pregnant. Show all posts

Friday, July 19, 2013

What To Expect From A Home Pregnancy Test

8:29 PM 0 Comments
     A home pregnancy test is a quick and efficient way of finding out if you’re pregnant. They have a high accuracy rate (about 97%) and are available from most drugstores. If you are unsure how a pregnancy test works, read on!

How does a home test work?

     When a woman is pregnant, she starts developing a hormone called HCG. Basically, these tests measure the amount of this hormone in your urine. Home pregnancy tests vary in sensitivity so depending on the one you have purchased, some may detect pregnancy earlier on than others. If you are unsure to this, read the instruction or back of packs and they should be able to tell you how sensitive that particular home test is.

When to take a pregnancy test

     There is no one answer as to when to take a pregnancy test. Again, this is dependent on the particular brand of pregnancy test you purchase. Some tests state they are able to detect pregnancy as early as six days after ovulation but the most accurate tests are those that detect pregnancy about 14 days after ovulation. For most women, this falls mid-way through their ovulation cycle. Even if your menstrual cycle is very regular, it is safest to wait at least a week after your period was last due before taking a pregnancy test. This ensures the most accuracy.

How accurate are home pregnancy tests?

     Research suggests that pregnancy tests are about 97% accurate. Although false positives can occur, this is very rare. As long as you follow the given instructions, these tests should give you a reliable result. Taking a test before your period is due is not recommended. As aforementioned, for the most reliable results, it is best to take a test after your last period is due. Negative tests which later on turn out to be positive are generally not due to the product being faulty or unreliable, but rather, the test was probably taken too early. Of course the most accurate way to find out whether you’re pregnant is to see a doctor.

Should I take a home pregnancy test?

     If your period is late or if you are suffering from possible morning sickness and sore breasts, more than likely you are pregnant. Before taking the next big step in seeing a doctor, taking a home test is a great alternative. If your period is late, this means that you are already post-ovulation and this is the best time to take a test.

     Remember that whilst the pregnancy test is very reliable, it is customary to go see a doctor to confirm the results and to wait the 3 month safety period before announcing the news.

Summary:
     A home pregnancy test is a quick and efficient way of finding out if you’re pregnant. They have a high accuracy rate (about 97%) and are available from most drugstores. If you are unsure how a pregnancy test works, read on!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

A Quick Guide On How To Get Pregnant

8:43 PM 0 Comments
     Congratulations! So you’ve decided to take the big step into becoming a parent. While it is one of the most important things a person can do in their life, it is also the most challenging and the first challenge is conceiving. Many people assume that once they stop taking contraception they will immediately conceive. Our bodies are slightly more complicated than that and this guide on how to get pregnant will give you tips on the best methods and the timing to get pregnant.

First things first
     The first thing you must do when you make the decision to have a baby is to visit your gynecologist. This is a vital step as you will need a German measles vaccination if you haven’t had one already, and to make sure you are receiving enough folic acid to prevent birth defects. The gynecologist will also answer any of your questions and will provide you with further tips on how to get pregnant.

When to do it
     The best time is dependent on your ovulation cycle. Your ovulation period lasts six days – the first five days before and leading up to the sixth day in which you ovulate – and it’s during this time at which you are most fertile. Your ovulation period is usually midway between your menstrual cycles which for most women is about 14 days before their next period is due. This is usually the best time to get pregnant but if it doesn’t work for you, another tip is to wait until days 10 and 18 of your cycle (day 1 as the first day of your period) and have intercourse every other day during this time. This way, intercourse and ovulation are bound to coincide.

At-home ovulation kits
     If you want to be more precise and exact, you can purchase an at-home ovulation prediction kit which uses your body temperature to determine whether you are ovulating. It is said that when you are ovulating, your body temperature increases by 0.8 degrees. These kits can give you warning from one to one and a half days in advance as to the best time to get pregnant.

How often?
     A frequent concern for those whom want to know how to get pregnant is how often to try. It is a fact that the more frequently a man ejaculates, the lower his sperm count, becomes. So, those who are trying for a baby often have sex every few days to build this sperm count. However, this isn’t necessary. Even though the sperm count may be lower, it is still high enough for pregnancy to occur. The best tip is to make love when you want to. Remember that having a baby should be fun too, so try not to focus too much on how often and when. Of course those who are only having intercourse once a week will significantly lessen their chances.

Not working?
     If after a month or two you are still not pregnant, don’t panic! If you were previously on the pill, it can take some time before your cycle is regularized which can delay the conception. It may also be harder for smokers to get pregnant so if you are a smoker, another tip on how to get pregnant is to decrease or stop smoking. If you are very seriously concerned about your inability to get pregnant and these tips on how to get pregnant have not helped, then you may want to consult a gynecologist.

     Remember though that you should take your time and have fun! Don’t focus too much on the goal of how to get pregnant and you’ll be unexpectedly surprised.

Summary:
     Congratulations! So you’ve decided to take the big step into becoming a parent. While it is one of the most important things a person can do in their life, it is also the most challenging and the first challenge is conceiving. Many people assume that once they stop taking contraception they will immediately conceive. Our bodies are slightly more complicated than that and this guide on how to get pregnant will give you tips on the best methods and the timing to get pregnant.
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