Pregnancy

The Woman During Pregnancy: The Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Test: Using the Test
There are several kinds of home pregnancy tests (HPTs) on the market, and they differ in their degree of sensitivity. The most sensitive tests can detect a pregnancy shortly after the implantation of the fertilized, growing egg (blastocyst) in the uterine lining. This usually occurs ca. 10 days after ovulation. As a general rule, the test becomes reliably positive a few days after a missed menstrual period.

The tests can be purchased in pharmacies and drug stores or in the internet. They are easy to use by following the enclosed instructions. The positive or negative test result is shown in a display window in the form of a colored line or a “plus” sign.

Reading the test results

Result    Control      Result    Control         Result    Control    Negative result     Positive results

In the example shown here the test uses a blue line to indicate pregnancy. No line in the result window means no pregnancy. Any line in the result window, however pale, indicates a pregnancy.