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Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG is often called the “pregnancy hormone” because it is produced during pregnancy and is made by cells that form the placenta. Blood tests to detect the hormone are conducted by a doctor, while urine tests can be performed at home with a home pregnancy test (HPT).

Blood Tests

Blood tests are slightly more sensitive than urine tests and can detect very small levels of hCG. This allows doctors to get an accurate reading very early on in the pregnancy, about seven to 12 days after conception.

Most clinics will perform a blood test about two weeks after fertility treatment to check the level of hCG. A level of less than 5mIU/ml is considered negative for pregnancy, and anything above 25mIU/ml is considered positive.

In the event that the pregnancy test is positive, the patient will be asked to repeat the blood tests at two- to five-day intervals to check for rising levels of the hormone. In general the hCG level will double every 72 hours. It will reach its peak in the first eight to 11 weeks of pregnancy and then will decline and level off for the remainder of the pregnancy.

In addition to blood tests, an ultrasound will be performed about five weeks after treatment to confirm pregnancy. The scan will verify if the pregnancy is normally located, appears viable and if there is more than one fetus. If you are pregnant, you can follow your Pregnancy Week by Week at JustMommies.com.

Caution must be used when weighing the importance of hCG numbers. A normal pregnancy may initially have low hCG levels and result in a perfectly healthy baby. It is important to direct any questions and concerns to your Ob/Gyn or fertility doctor about your results.

Home Pregnancy Tests (HPTs)

HPTs are inexpensive, private and easy to use. These urine tests can detect pregnancy about two weeks after ovulation. Most drugstores sell HPTs over-the-counter, and prices can range between $8 and $20.

Many HPTs work in a similar way and consist of placing a drop of urine on a prepared chemical strip or placing the strip in the urine stream. The strip is designed to detect the pregnancy hormone.

If an HPT indicates you are pregnant, you should call your Ob/Gyn or fertility doctor right away. He or she can then verify the result.

To learn more about OTC pregnancy tests, read Not All Pregnancy Tests are Equal

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problem

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 3:41pm

I took the clearblue easy pregnacy test and it said that I was pregnant and I did call my doctor and went in to have the blood test done but when it came back she said that something was low but the test said that I was pregnant and now I have to go back next week and do the test all over again so is this a good thing or not cause I don't understand this at all.

promblem

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 11/18/2009 - 9:14am

I took a pregancy test and it had both lines come up but you could see the other line but it was kinda light and then i drop the test on the floor not meaning to and the line went away could i be pregnant.

For most of the women,

Permalink Submitted by Alicia john on Fri, 01/14/2011 - 9:18pm

For most of the women, deciding when to take a pregnancy test is one more additional source of anxiety as the two-week wait ends. There is the part of you that is dying to know if this month will be the month you finally get pregnant, and the temptation to take a pregnancy test before your period is late is oh-so tempting.

whats happening to me

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/23/2009 - 3:20pm

I really still think I'm pregnant,first I had a period , that was very light,then 2 weeks later I had 1 that was extremly heavy, then 1 week later ,I started having these growing pains in my breast,1more week later little pains all around my stomach and now my breast our filling up stomach is pooching out Im having moody days a lot, I'm sleepy a lot my taste buds are stronger, my cravings r different, I'm constantly peeing and I had 3 test come out negitive. 1 I bought, a urine test and a blood test also on that same day at the clinic.. I also was tested for thyroids and every test came out good... so I'm really going crazy with this,,, can any one help me...????? Could I still be pregnant ,,,,?????

Sorry

Permalink Submitted by Brandi on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 11:11am

I know exactly how u were feeling): I'm soo sorry I'm goin thru the same thing right now n hate the waiting!! Can u tell me if u really were prego or not?? Or whatever happened please?? Thank you & God Bless

answers

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/23/2009 - 11:52pm

Anonymous 1 (from Nov 13) -- You could still be pregnant. Your hCG numbers can start off low if you test very early, but what the doctor is checking for is to see if your numbers are doubling every other day. If the numbers do that then that is a very good sign! Anonymous 2 (from Nov 18) -- I would test again. A line that disappears is generally a negative test, but you should take another one just to be absolutely sure. Anonymous 3 (from Nov 23) -- If you had your period, have had negative home pregnancy tests and a negative blood test then you are definitely not pregnant, no matter what symptoms you have. Keep trying!!

I have taken 5 Pregnancy

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 8:06pm

I have taken 5 Pregnancy Tests that all came back negative and have not missed a period yet. It's been two months.But im just nervous. I fell like i am getting fatter and i pee a lot but i think its all in my head what do you think?

i knw its frustrating! Have

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 12/27/2009 - 3:45pm

i knw its frustrating! Have you called your doctor? They could give you a blood test and you'd know for sure, and while their at it they can make sure everything is ok. sometimes the signs can show up in your head but a missed period is a pretty big sign. i'd get it checked out

Wondering if your periods

Permalink Submitted by LilRed25 on Sat, 03/06/2010 - 7:02pm

Wondering if your periods are usually normal? If they are and you have not missed one yet then you are most likely not pregnant but eveyone is different. If you think you might be I would make a doctors appt. and get a blood test done. Usually a missed period is your number one sign that you are caring a baby.

drugs and pregnancy

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 12/02/2009 - 1:31pm

I have missed a period and taken a pregnancy test that was negative BUT I have also been taking Lexapro and Bactrim could these drugs affect the tests???

missed period

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 12/24/2009 - 7:55pm

im 20days late and iv taken 2 tests which are negative. i have some signs of being pregnant but i know that could mean anything. iv gotten no cramps or any of my usual pains when my period is on the way. i don't know what's going on! u'd think if i was pregnant, being as late as i am that it would show up on the test!

Good idea to get a blood test

Permalink Submitted by claire@fertilit... on Mon, 12/28/2009 - 12:16pm

Home pregnancy tests are pretty darn accurate and there are other things that can cause a missed period (starting with stress!!) but at this point it'd be a good idea to go to your doctor for a blood test. A blood test can detect much lower hCG levels than an over-the-counter urine test and a doctor can also talk to you about other reasons you might have missed your period. Good luck! Claire --------- Need help or have a question about the site? Contact me! claire@fertilityauthority.com

I've been having the same

Permalink Submitted by Kristy on Sat, 02/20/2010 - 3:05am

I've been having the same problem. I'm almost two weeks late for my period and I never miss one, I'm regular. But 3 tests I've taken all say negative. I've had the nausea, breast tenderness, and lower back ache all the time. It's getting depressing to say the least. Am I pregnant or not? Plus I've had some cramps around the time my period was due but no period. What is going on here?

My husband and i have been

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous26 on Fri, 01/01/2010 - 12:45pm

My husband and i have been trying for six months. I have never been able to eat dairy without getting really sick, until I was pregnant with my first child, while pregnant I could eat it just fine. After the pregnancy I could not eat dairy again. Three months ago I was suddenly able to eat dairy again. I have taken a few test and they all have been negative. BUT with my first they discovered I have a very low level of hCG. I have been getting what looks like my period, only it's not the same as normal. Could I be pregnant? Or can a Body suddenly be able to handle dairy for no reason?

Well, pregnancy does wacky

Permalink Submitted by claire@fertilit... on Sat, 01/02/2010 - 2:38pm

Well, pregnancy does wacky things and while I've never heard of being able to eat dairy when before you couldn't, who knows? I encourage you to call your doctor and schedule a blood test. Then you will have a definitive answer! Good luck!! :) Claire --------- Need help or have a question? Contact me! claire@fertilityauthority.com

Hi, yes, pregnancy can

Permalink Submitted by Steph on Fri, 05/06/2011 - 8:39am

Hi, yes, pregnancy can certainly make you suddenly more able to eat things that you wouldn't normally be able to. This is because when you're pregnant your body has to dampen its immune response so that you don't reject the foetus. This means that allergies and intolerances are suddenly not as strong as before. It happens with lots of different things, not just foods. For example, if you suffer from exczema (another type of immune response) you might find this can be much improved when you're pregnant.

I think I had a chemical

Permalink Submitted by mommyoffour on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 6:05am

I think I had a chemical pregnancy..I took 4 tests that all had faint pos lines..then 2 days later started to spot light pink only when I wiped..the next day it got heavier with a few small clots..which isn't normal 4 me..that lasted 4 2 days then stopped now when I wipe again the light pink is back..I was 9 days late to begin with w/out any signs of my period comin which is why I tested to begin with..HELP!! I'm sooo confused!!

Mommyoffour, this is when I

Permalink Submitted by Community_Claire on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 6:40am

Mommyoffour, this is when I think it's a good time to call your doc and get a blood test for a definitive answer. I hope you find the answer you are looking for!!! :) Claire ------ Need help with our site? Contact me at claire@fertilityauthority.com. I'm happy to help!

Thanks for the advice

Permalink Submitted by mommyoffour on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 7:37am

Thanks for the advice Claire..I was hopin that maybe this also happened to someone else that could've given me some better insight on what the hell is happenin to me!! If there is a possibility that I'm still pregnant or not..but thanks anyway!!

Im 5 days late.. but have

Permalink Submitted by CJBW on Thu, 01/14/2010 - 5:25pm

Im 5 days late.. but have tested negative on 3 tests? My cycle has always been regular.. Never been late.. Should I wait and re test or call the doctor..3

I would give your doctor a

Permalink Submitted by Community_Claire on Mon, 01/18/2010 - 4:23am

I would give your doctor a call and see about getting a blood test. Over the counter tests detect different levels of hCG but a blood test can be more definitive. Good luck! Claire ------ Need help with our site? Contact me at claire@fertilityauthority.com. I'm happy to help!

I have all the symptoms of

Permalink Submitted by JennJenn 87 on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 12:21pm

I have all the symptoms of being pregnant. Nausea in the morning (especially if I try to smoke a cigarette), breast tenderness, chocolate and salt cravings, back aches, difference in periods, tired all the time, mood swings, you name it. I went to my doctor yesterday for birth control and he told me to wait to take it because he thinks I'm pregnant froom all the symptoms. He did a urine pregnancy test which came back negative. 3 years ago i was pregnant with my youngest son and he did multiple blood tests which also came back negative so he isn't counting out the possiblity of pregnancy.

Many friends have told me

Permalink Submitted by Kristy on Sat, 02/20/2010 - 2:02pm

Many friends have told me it is possible for early pregnancy to not show up on home tests, only with a blood test, so I am requesting my doctor give me one since I am almost 2 weeks late and having many pregnancy symptoms.

ive been getting strange

Permalink Submitted by leilani on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:24pm

ive been getting strange feelings that im pregnant, could i be over thinking it. If i am i would be 5 weeks right now. I have not took a test yet cause i think its to soon. I usually get my period for 5-6 days. This time I got it for 2 days only and very heavy. Every now & then I get bad stomach pains and lower back pains. my chest has been breakin out making me itchy i dont know if its a sign or just something normal.

I thought that I was preg.

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous867 on Tue, 03/02/2010 - 8:33am

I thought that I was preg. last month and then my period started but it was unusally light but still enought to need a pad.Anyways then i was expecting for my ovulation to be starting late feb and instead I had a pink brownish discharge for about 3 days and no signs of ovulation. One test said neg. Could I still be preg? I also have cramps, headaches, and heartburn(which is really unusual for me.)

Im having same thing. I had a

Permalink Submitted by Cromey08 on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 3:58pm

Im having same thing. I had a 'period' which extremely light now I am having discharge. I took a test n it was negative but I don't believe it

My period cycle is 34 to

Permalink Submitted by ChaRyan on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 7:03pm

My period cycle is 34 to 36. My period are usually heavy for first 2 days then gradually became light. it usually lasted 4 to 5 days. Recently I got very early period about 10 days early and I am never early. The period was very light and lasted 6 days. It was not very normal for me. I waited until the day my period is due then I took the hpt and it came out negative. I tried again 2 days later and it was negative. Why my period was out of cycle for no reason. i am not stressed or anything. Is there any possibility that I am pregnant or is it something else?

I am having a little issue

Permalink Submitted by LilRed25 on Sat, 03/06/2010 - 6:59pm

I am having a little issue myself. I had my cycle in January on the fourth and it lasted the normal five days. I have yet to recieve it again and it is now March 5th. I have taken five pregnancy test and one said positive (The first one) and the other four said negative. Last week on wed I went to my doctor and took a blood test and the next day she called me with the results that were negative. She said to check with a pregnancy test in about a week and if still negative then come back in to see her. I have two boys already so I know my body and have never missed a period unless pregnant. The doctor asked me how my body was feeling and I told her my breast are growing they grew half a size and very sore even the water in the shower hurts them along with my tummy is a heavy feeling and my lower back is in pain I am very tired all the time does not matter if I sleep five hours or tweleve. She seems to think that I am pregnant but I am not sure what all this mean. Honestly I think that I am. What are anyones thoughts on this?

i had a blood test and my

Permalink Submitted by rhoda on Tue, 04/20/2010 - 1:25pm

i had a blood test and my Doctor said im pregnant with result 20%.i was required to have another blood test.right after the result came and the Doctor said it went down to 17%.is that a good pregnancy?

I am 3 weeks late on my

Permalink Submitted by katie on Mon, 05/31/2010 - 9:31pm

I am 3 weeks late on my period. I have had a urine test 2 weeks ago and a blood test 1 week ago reading a .5. They both came back negative however I still have not started. I never miss a period, if anything I seem to have them all the time every 21 days. My clothes are not fitting now around my mid section and I haven't gained weight. I do have an ovarian cyst could that affect the test results or my periods? Could I not release the HCG hormone right away delaying the results?

I am 3 weeks late, I have

Permalink Submitted by Teresa on Wed, 06/02/2010 - 10:59pm

I am 3 weeks late, I have taken 1 home test and a pee test at my doctors. both say im not. I have not had any problems with my period before so i dont know what it going on. I have all the symptoms but the only one i dont have is breast tenderness, so what does this mean? Can anyone help?

Just wondering if you were

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 7:08am

Just wondering if you were prego in 2010?? I'm having symptoms of pregnancy as well except my breasts aren't hurting yet. Of course if I was I'd only be 21/2 weeks along. Maybe too early to tell??

i took a positive test on

Permalink Submitted by nikkilynn on Wed, 06/30/2010 - 4:54pm

i took a positive test on june 26 i started feeling sick an body aches the nite of the 27th then bleeding an bloodclots accured on the nite of 28 ive been bleeding an cloting since! i took another test on nite of 29 an it was negitive! i dont kno if i had a misscarige or test was wrong first time can u please explain wats happening to me

Im 1 month late for my

Permalink Submitted by Erin on Tue, 07/06/2010 - 3:27pm

Im 1 month late for my period and I have taken 4 pregnancy test they all cam out negative. Could I stilol be pregnant? Or could I just be under major stress? If I had health insurance I would go to the dr. so I was maybe someone could help me find whats going on with me.

There are so many kinds of

Permalink Submitted by Sigi on Thu, 07/08/2010 - 4:32am

There are so many kinds of tests nowadays that it's always pretty difficult to chose the best one. I listened to a very useful piece of news found by http://www.mp3hunting.com SE, saying that In comparing home pregnancy tests, selecting the best test is based a three key benchmarks: test sensitivity, the ease of use/interpretation, and price. In considering which test to buy, we also need to compare test formats and consider branded versus generic tests. Brand tests (found in drugstores) are typically quite expensive and come in midstream format. Unbranded tests (like those found at Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com) are very affordable, but equally reliable, FDA-approved, and typically more sensitive than drugstore tests (see our pregnancy test sensitivity chart below). Unbranded tests come in both midstream and test strip formats. Test strips are the most affordable option and are the same style of tests you will find at a doctor's office, clinic, or university. I'm not really experienced in making those tests, but think this knowledge will do good.

ok so i just had a baby 11

Permalink Submitted by crystal on Mon, 08/09/2010 - 10:44pm

ok so i just had a baby 11 weeks ago. had unprotected sex one time. I have taken a pregnancy test it was negative my period is 2 weeks late. i have been getting sick almost everyday. my breasts are so sore it hurts to touch. i have also been very moody lately and have had major migraine. could i be pregnant again? someone please help me figure this out :(

I have taken two clear blue

Permalink Submitted by Dawn on Sun, 08/15/2010 - 11:02am

I have taken two clear blue easy test and they both say positive but I came home from my daughters practice last night and I have started my period? What could be happening?

Nice article about

Permalink Submitted by Gifts in Pakistan on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 11:21am

Nice article about pregnancy give useful information about urine.

i am 5 days late no signs

Permalink Submitted by keishavm on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 7:04pm

i am 5 days late no signs just had a baby 4 months ago and got my 1st period sept 12 periods have always been regular in the past. took a test came back negative. what could this mean?

I just wanted to add that

Permalink Submitted by Karen on Tue, 11/02/2010 - 4:55am

I just wanted to add that it's best to wait until you miss your period before taking a home pregnancy test. Since they are kind of expensive you will likely be wasting it by taking it too early otherwise.

I just wanted to add that

Permalink Submitted by Karen on Tue, 11/02/2010 - 4:57am

i honestly think im

Permalink Submitted by tere on Wed, 12/08/2010 - 4:39pm

i honestly think im pregnant.. I sleep to much anymore.. im eating more.. but i eat and then i start to feel sick while eating... i am using the restroom constantly.. my breasts are sore and are swelling.. my heartrate(pulse) is very rapid upon waking up and has been like that the past 3 weeks..i haven't taken a pregnancy test yet because i dont want my family knowing anything.. since i dont have a car.. this is exceptionally hard with my boyfriend being deployed 2 days before these weird symptoms coming up.. but could i be pregnant tho?

Ok so this past Nov. I had

Permalink Submitted by Cortneyb on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 12:00am

Ok so this past Nov. I had sex unprotected and had takn two pregnancy test both were negative but.had my period normal every mnth but I feel like im pregnant and aslo I have this weird feeling in my somatch but im not sure if its just my pulse and its making me nervous? can someone please give an aswer on if I might be pregnant??

I've had the same issue.

Permalink Submitted by ????? on Thu, 04/07/2011 - 5:05pm

I've had the same issue. Starting in November as well. I have had all of the symptoms of pregnancy. I mean all of them other than missed periods. Mine have however been much different than normal. My family docor gave me a pregnancy test which was negative, and i have taken multiple tests myself all negative. He even so far as to schedule an ultasound but because i don't have insurance and it wasn't an "emergency" they wouldn't do it. My body is not convinced I'm not pregnant. I'm even feeling small movements now. I've scheduled a pap and pelvic exam, maybe that will show something. Good Luck.

I'm in the same situation and

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 7:19am

I'm in the same situation and NO insurance!! Can u please tell me your story from 2011? Thank you(:

Hi! Thanks a lot for this

Permalink Submitted by Cassandra Crawford on Thu, 05/12/2011 - 5:50am

Hi! Thanks a lot for this information! I really loved reading this article because it's so fantastic and it contains a lot of valuable information.

i have taken 5 at home

Permalink Submitted by arae3257 on Mon, 08/08/2011 - 12:03pm

i have taken 5 at home tests that all came out negative but i have most symptoms of pregnancy..am i pregnant?

Hi, I had my period on the

Permalink Submitted by Dianav on Thu, 09/08/2011 - 8:32am

Hi, I had my period on the 21june 2011 and then had sex on the 1,2n of July during my ovulation time. II went to do a blood test it came out negative.on the 19 July my period came .I had sex again on the 2n of august but with a condom.my period was suppose to come between the 15 an17 august but nothing. I went to the doctor today the 8 september it came out that I'm pregnant. The doctor said that it is early to determine weeks but it can be 7 weeks I don't understand. So what is going was the blood test inaccurate ?or the protection that we used wasn't that secure? How many weeks Am I pregnant? Please help me,I really need answer Thank you

Please help me!! What was

Permalink Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 7:30am

Please help me!! What was your story cuz I'm having the same problem):

ive taken 10 at home

Permalink Submitted by melissa wood on Mon, 09/19/2011 - 6:47pm

ive taken 10 at home pregnancy tests all said pregnant(clearblue easy digital) i went to the doctor they did a blood test& urine test both came back negative! i came home& have had 2 more positive pregnancy test! i dont understand! any one else had this problem?