The potential for pregnancy can make you both anxious and excited. Pregnancy test kits can help you find out if you are pregnant or not. New technology allows you to take a pregnancy test before your period. Pregnancy test kits work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is made after fertilization of an egg in the uterine wall. The timing of your menstrual cycle and personal budget determine how many test kits you need to buy.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Pregnancy Test Kit
Step 1. Count the number of days until your estimated period
Determine where you are in the menstrual cycle and how sensitive the test needs to be. Have you missed your expected period date? Some tests claim to be able to detect pregnancy as long as five days before the expected date of menstruation. However, research shows that few tests can consistently detect pregnancy before the expected date of menstruation. False negative results are very likely to come out if the test is done before the estimated date of menstruation. The test results will be 90% accurate if done at least one week after the first day of your expected period.
Step 2. Know how the test detects pregnancy
Pregnancy test labels are based on their sensitivity to detecting the hormone hCG. If the test is done early, look for a test kit that can detect the lowest milli-international units of urine per milliliter of hCG. This unit is labeled as mlU/ml. For example, a test kit with a detection rate of 20mlU/ml is more sensitive than 50mlU/ml. Therefore, if the test is performed early, take the one with a low mIU/ml detection rate.
Step 3. Choose between digital or traditional test kits
Digital test kits are easier to read because they will say "pregnant" (pregnant) or "not pregnant" (not pregnant). Digital test kits are more expensive than traditional tools. Traditional test kits have a strip that will later appear one or two colored stripes. Generally, one line means not pregnant, and two lines mean pregnant.
Consider buying a digital test kit as a backup to a traditional test kit (in case you can't read the results from a traditional test kit)
Part 2 of 2: Choosing a Pregnancy Test Kit
Step 1. Find a place to buy a pregnancy test kit
If you have already determined the type of test kit to buy, look for the location where the test kit is purchased. Usually, pregnancy test kits can be purchased at pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets, etc. Buy them at a local store, if you feel comfortable. If not, buy in another neighborhood. You can also purchase test kits online to maintain confidentiality. In addition, the doctor will also give you a pregnancy test. The pregnancy service center provides free pregnancy tests.
Step 2. Compare prices
Visit a pharmacy and look online for test kits to compare prices. The prices of test kits vary greatly, so if you have free time, take a look at the prices. The price of course needs to be considered especially if the test will be carried out several times. In addition, generic branded tools are of the same quality as well-known brands because they are made by the same company.
Step 3. Decide how many tools to buy
Buy according to your budget and needs. At least, buy as many as two tools per purchase. One test kit as a backup in case the other test kit is damaged. Many people buy many tools at once so that the results can be determined when the estimated period of menstruation is getting closer. In addition, if the test will be done daily or weekly because you are trying to conceive, buy several packs at a discount.
Step 4. Check the expiration date
Make sure the pregnancy test kit is still good. If the test kit is near or past its expiration date, don't buy it. It is very important to use test kits that have not expired. If your unused test kit is past its expiration date, throw it away immediately.
Step 5. Purchase a test kit
If you feel comfortable buying a test kit at the checkout, go for it. In America, there are stores that have a self-check-out system where shoppers “drop off” their groceries and pay for them themselves. That way, no one else will know your groceries. This system does not yet exist in Indonesia. However, you should not be ashamed to buy this tool, as long as your age and marital status are appropriate.
If you still feel uncomfortable and embarrassed about buying a pregnancy test, ask a friend or relative to buy one. Make sure your friends or relatives fully understand the details of the test kits needed so you don't buy the wrong one. You can also visit your doctor and ask for a pregnancy test
Tips
- If you are already on your menstrual cycle, the results of a traditional pregnancy test are quite accurate.
- If you're trying to get pregnant and know when you're ovulating, a digital test kit can tell you you're pregnant 5-6 days before your expected period.
- If you are confused about the test results, take a photo of the test results and show them to your doctor for interpretation.
