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The pharmacy pregnancy test can be done from the 1st day of menstruation delay, while the blood test to find out if you are pregnant can be done 12 days after the fertile period, even before menstruation is delayed.
However, pregnancy tests sold at the pharmacy have different sensitivity and therefore, when the test is negative, but the symptoms of pregnancy are present, it must be repeated after about 3 to 5 days, because the amount of hormone in the urine increases every day, and the result may change to positive after this period.
It is also important to remember that home tests using chlorine, bleach, coke, needle and vinegar are not reliable and should not be used to confirm pregnancy.
Which exam to take
There are two tests that are reliable, the blood test done in the laboratory and the urine test, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. These tests work because they measure the amount of the beta HCG hormone, which is produced only during pregnancy and is present in the woman's urine or blood.
1. Pharmacy Test
The pharmacy exam measures the amount of beta HCG hormone present in the urine, which can be done from the 1st day of menstruation delay. It is a quick and simple test that gives the result in a few minutes, however it is important that the woman is attentive to the result, especially if the test is done too early, because it can be difficult to detect the hormone in the urine.
Thus, in case of a negative result, but with the presence of pregnancy symptoms such as increased breast sensitivity and increased skin oiliness, the ideal is to repeat the test after about 3 to 5 days. To confirm the pregnancy, it is recommended that the woman perform the blood test, as it is possible to know which week of pregnancy the woman is in accordance with the levels of beta HCG circulating in the blood.
Check out the first symptoms of pregnancy.
2. Blood test
The blood test is done in the laboratory and is the most suitable to confirm the pregnancy, since it indicates the amount of hormone circulating in the blood, and even small concentrations that could not be detected in the urine test can be identified.
To perform this test it is not necessary to have a medical prescription or to be fasting, however some laboratories may request that the woman be fasting for up to 4 hours before collecting the blood.
The test results come out a few hours after collection and to be completely reliable, it must be done at least 1 week after an intimate relationship without a condom, even if menstruation is not yet late.
Possible pregnancy test results
The possible results of the pharmacy test and blood test can be:
| Pharmacy test | Beta HCG blood test |
Positive | Darker strip or 2 stripes | more than 5 mIU / ml |
Negative | No changes or just 1 stripe | less than 5 mIU / ml |
False negative | No changes or just 1 stripe | between 5 to 25 mIU / ml |
Positive result
When the pregnancy test gives a positive result, it indicates that the woman is pregnant and should undergo prenatal care and start preparing for the baby's arrival. In addition, according to the amount of beta HCG identified in the blood, it is possible to know how many weeks the woman is.
Put the value of the HCG beta test result on the following calculator to find out your gestational age:
Negative result
In cases of negative results, but the delay in menstruation continues, the test should be repeated after about 1 week to confirm the previous result. If the new blood test is negative again, it means that the woman is not really pregnant and that it is necessary to investigate the causes of delayed menstruation. See 5 Common Causes of Delayed Menstruation.
While you have no confirmation of pregnancy, take this quick test to find out your chances of being pregnant:
Know if you are pregnant
Start the test
In the last month have you had sex without using a condom or other contraceptive method such as an IUD, implant or contraceptive?
Have you noticed any pink vaginal discharge lately?
Are you getting sick and want to throw up in the morning?
Are you more sensitive to smells, getting bothered by smells like cigarettes, food or perfume?
Does your belly look more swollen than before, making it harder to keep your jeans tight during the day?
Does your skin look more oily and acne prone?
Are you feeling more tired and more sleepy?
Has your period been delayed for more than 5 days?
Have you had a pharmacy pregnancy test or blood test in the last month, with a positive result?
Did you take the pill the next day until 3 days after the unprotected relationship?