The Red Cabbage Experiment
Amusingly enough, some boiled cabbage can tell you if youre expecting a boy or a girl. You need:
Start by slicing the red cabbage in half and placing it in a pot filled with water. After it boils for ten minutes, extract the water and leave it to cool in a jar.
For this test to work, you have to use the same urine/water ratio. For example, ½ of a cup of each will do.
Now, observe a girl is on the way if nothing changes, but if you can see red in the mixture, youll have a boy.
How Soon Can I Take A Home Pregnancy Test
It is recommended that you wait until you have missed a period to take a home test. A missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you cannot wait that long to find out and you know the day you may have conceived, then the earliest you can take a test would be 14 days from possible conception.
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Tried And True Pregnancy Tests With Proven Accuracy
Because of the lack of scientific research, we cant determine the accuracy of the above homemade pregnancy tests. They are urban myths.
When it comes to a subject as emotive and potentially life-changing as pregnancy, youre better off using one of the accurate pregnancy tests out there. These include drugstore-bought urine tests and blood tests at your doctors office. Pregnancy tests are also available online.
In general, home pregnancy tests can be used the day after you miss your period. Some early detection pregnancy tests can be used earlier than that. Drugstore home pregnancy tests claim to be about 99 percent accurate.
Pregnancy tests are more accurate when the first urine of the day is used. Your pregnancy test wont be very accurate if it has expired, so its important to check the expiry date. Its best to use multiple pregnancy tests for a more accurate result. If the results are conflicting, call your doctor.
Wondering if youre indeed pregnant? Consider some of these early symptoms of pregnancy:
- a missed period
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What To Do If You Feel Pregnant But The Test Was Negative
Talk to your provider if youve had a negative pregnancy test result, but are having symptoms of early pregnancy such as:
- Breast tenderness
- Sensitivity to smells
- Nausea and vomiting
Since the amount of hCG increases rapidly when you are pregnant, you may need to retest in a few days.
When Will You Start Feeling Symptoms Of Pregnancy
Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy very early on, though many women do not. According to one study of 136 women who ended up having babies, 50% had some symptoms roughly eight days after their missed period, 70% had some symptoms roughly two weeks after their missed period, and 90% had some symptoms one month after their missed period.2
Many early pregnancy symptoms are also very similar to PMS, which can be confusing. I go into more detail about the early symptoms of pregnancy below.
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Where To Buy A Home Pregnancy Test
Both types are sold over the counter at most drugstores or convenience stores.
Before you buy either type of pregnancy test, first check that it has FDA approval. As with every other consumer product on the market today, some brands of pregnancy tests have proven to be more accurate than others. FDA requirements are in place to ensure that manufacturers, who must submit their product data to the FDA for approval, are selling safe and effective over-the-counter home pregnancy tests. Those tests cleared by the FDA not only meet its high standards for quality but are also similar to other pregnancy tests that have already proven to be reliable. Sure, accurate results will also depend on how closely you read and follow the instructions, but it also helps to choose an FDA-approved pregnancy test.
Are These Tests 100% Accurate
The simple answer is no! DIY pregnancy tests are never 100% accurate. Though these tests are similar to pregnancy test kits, the results could be inaccurate for various reasons.
There are no clear guidelines about the tests. Some tests dont mention the ratio in which the ingredients should be added. Furthermore, the quantity and quality of ingredients could delay the time taken for a reaction.
DIY pregnancy tests should always be followed by a visit to the doctor, regardless of the results.
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Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test With Smart Countdown
Taking a pregnancy test is certainly nerve-racking, but this product makes it a little more bearable. A flashing on-screen timer counts down to the result, which usually comes within three minutes. What’s more, the results are displayed in words as “pregnant” or “not pregnant,” so there’s little room for confusion. The Clearblue digital test can be taken five days before your missed period with varying degrees of accuracy the effectiveness increases to 99 percent from the day you expect your period.
How Soon Can You Find Out If Youre Pregnant
The symptoms of pregnancy explained above are the most common ones but often the signs and symptoms experienced are very mild and easily attributed to other reasons.
If you frequently experience headaches and can confidently chalk your mood swings up to, say, a social media article that just set you off, looking for stronger indicators like morning sickness and changes in discharge would be a good start.
If you do notice a cluster of symptoms, following up with a home pregnancy test is your best next move.
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Can Early Pregnancy Cause Headaches
There are all sorts of changes happening in a womans body when she is pregnant, and many women report an increase in the number and severity of headaches. While its not entirely clear why this occurs, there are a few theories.
One theory is that the increase in hormones during early pregnancy can cause headaches. Progesterone, in particular, is known to cause headaches in some women. Another theory is that the increase in blood volume during early pregnancy can lead to headaches. And finally, some doctors believe that the physical changes that occur in a womans body during early pregnancy can lead to headaches. For example, the increase in weight can put stress on the neck and spine, which can lead to headaches.
If you are experiencing headaches during early pregnancy, there are a few things that you can do to help relieve the pain. First, make sure that you are getting enough sleep and drinking enough water. You may also want to try over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the headaches are severe or dont go away, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe a medication that will help.
Can I Take A Pregnancy Test At Night
If nighttime has come, and you think you might be pregnant, wanting to know a more definite answer may be enough to keep you awake. Like a small child on the night before a big event, it may just seem like too long to wait until the morning!
If you already have a pregnancy test at your home , you may be wondering if you should just go ahead and take the pregnancy test now.
You may have heard that its best to take a pregnancy test in the morning, but is that even true?
Well, wonder no longer, because weve got all the answers youre seeking about the best times to take an at-home pregnancy test and what to know if you get a positive or negative result.
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How Accurate Are At
When used according to the directions, a home pregnancy test can be almost 99% accuratePregnancy tests. Office on Womens Health. Accessed 7/20/2022. . If you receive a positive result on a home pregnancy test, you should contact your doctor to confirm that you are pregnant and find out what to do next.
Home Pregnancy Test Accuracy
- Medical Author: Omnia M Samra, MD
- Medical Editor: Bryan D Cowan, MD
- Medical Editor: Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
- Medical Editor: Lee P Shulman, MD
If you think you are pregnant, you may want to test yourself at home with a home pregnancy test. You can buy test kits at a drug store without a prescription. Home use kits measure a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin in your urine. However, these tests are qualitative, and the results are either positive or negative for pregnancy.
The most sensitive test of pregnancy is best performed by a laboratory using a sample of your blood. These tests not only detect human chorionic gonadotropin but also can indicate the amount of the hormone, which doubles every 2-3 days during the first several weeks of pregnancy. These more sensitive tests can tell you approximately how long you have been pregnant and even detect specific problems with the pregnancy. Your doctor can perform this test.
Initially, many women prefer the privacy, convenience, and quick results from home test kits. Home pregnancy tests are not as accurate as blood tests done by your doctor. They also cannot determine if your pregnancy is developing as expected. The hormone hCG may be detected in urine about 2 weeks after conception . With the home test kit, you place a drop of your urine on a prepared chemical strip. It usually takes 1 or 2 minutes for the strip to indicate the result.
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When To See A Doctor
Pregnancy is not a medical emergency unless there is intense pain, bleeding, or a medical condition that makes pregnancy dangerous. Women who may be pregnant can safely wait a few days or even a few weeks to see a doctor. If a period still does not arrive, schedule an appointment with a doctor or midwife.
However, a woman who cannot access a home pregnancy test should consider seeking medical care sooner. If doing so is impossible, it may be a good idea to act as if the pregnancy is confirmed, by avoiding smoking and alcohol and taking prenatal vitamins.
If privacy is a concern, for people in the United States, it is worth noting that providers of medical care, not just pregnancy testing, must honor privacy laws in most cases. This means that healthcare providers cannot share health information with, for example, a persons parents or spouse without their consent.
If the cost of prenatal care or pregnancy testing is a concern, free or less inexpensive testing is often available. In the U.S., anyone who needs a pregnancy test could:
- Visit a local chapter of Planned Parenthood, which offers a range of free or low-cost services.
What To Do After A Positive Pregnancy Test
Some women take more than one pregnancy test just to be sure but that’s not necessary. Once you’ve gotten a positive pregnancy test, call your healthcare provider to set up a prenatal visit or to discuss your options if you’re uncertain about continuing the pregnancy.
For prenatal care, providers typically schedule the visit for when you’re at least 8 weeks pregnant, but it varies. Some will see you sooner, particularly if you have a medical condition or have had problems with a pregnancy in the past. It’s especially important to see a provider soon if you’re having nausea and vomiting, vaginal bleeding, or abdominal pain.
If you don’t already have a family doctor, ob-gyn, or midwife, do some research and ask for recommendations. But don’t delay your care while searching for a good fit, because you can always switch providers later. At your first prenatal visit, your provider will take your health history, explain your options, and more.
Learn more:
BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
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What Should I Do If I Take A Pregnancy Test At Night And Its Negative
When it comes to at-home pregnancy tests, the chances of a false-negative are much higher than those of a false-positive.
If you take a pregnancy test at night and its negative, you may still want to take another test in the morning or in a few days to help confirm that youre not actually pregnant.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a false negative:
- Taking medications. Certain medications can interfere with the accuracy of the pregnancy test.
- Having diluted urine. Your urine will likely be more diluted at night than in the morning. Having more concentrated urine is one of the benefits of taking your pregnancy test in the morning.
- Taking the test too early. hCG levels need time to rise enough to be detected by a home pregnancy test. Even if youre using a pregnancy test that claims it can detect a pregnancy early, be wary of a negative result. Consider waiting for when your missed period would be and retesting if you think you might be pregnant.
- Not waiting long enough or not following the test directions exactly. We know that youre excited to get answers, but its necessary to take the time to perform the test as instructed by the manufacturer for accurate results.
If you get a negative result, you should consider waiting a few days and testing again preferably in the morning.
You should also follow up with your doctor if you have any questions about a potential pregnancy or any other health complications.
How Does Carrying Multiples Affect My Due Date
Expecting twins or triplets is different than expecting one baby in many ways, including the due date. If youre pregnant with multiples, your doctor will use your last menstrual period and an ultrasound to determine your due date. However, every pregnancy is unique and your doctor may recommend delivery prior to the estimated due date. Talk to your provider about when you can expect to deliver twins or triplets.
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What Happens During A Pregnancy Test
You can get a home pregnancy test kit at the drug store without a prescription. Most are inexpensive and easy to use.
Many home pregnancy tests include a device called a dipstick. Some also include a collection cup. Your home test may include the following steps or similar steps:
- Do the test on your first urination of the morning. The test may be more accurate at this time, because morning urine usually has more HCG.
- Hold the dipstick in your urine stream for 5 to 10 seconds. For kits that include a collection cup, urinate into the cup, and insert the dipstick into the cup for 5 to 10 seconds.
- After a few minutes, the dipstick will show your results. The time to results and the way the results are shown will vary between test kit brands.
- Your dipstick may have a window or other area that shows a plus or minus sign, a single or double line, or the words “pregnant” or “not pregnant.” Your pregnancy test kit will include instructions on how to read your results.
If the results show you are not pregnant, you may want to try again in a few days, as you may have done the test too early. HCG gradually increases during pregnancy.
If your results show you are pregnant, you should make an appointment with your health care provider. Your provider may confirm your results with a physical exam and/or a blood test.
Tips To Increase The Accuracy Of Homemade Pregnancy Tests
In general, DIY pregnancy tests are a good way to determine the presence of hCG in the urine. To enhance the accuracy of the tests, do these things.
- Keep all the bowls, jars, cups and other utensils that you use for these tests clean and free from germs.
- The sample of urine should be taken when you first visit the restroom in the morning. Thats because this urine sample has a greater concentration of the hCG, which is crucial for accuracy.
- Ideally, the test should be done in the morning, as soon as you wake up.
- Drink enough water the previous night to ensure that you have sufficient urine to conduct multiple tests, if necessary.
- Some tests may take longer to show a reaction.
- Use a plastic container and spatula to maintain hygiene during the test. Avoid metal containers as they may interact with chemical ingredients and reduce the accuracy of the result. Use disposable containers for the bleach and pine sol tests.
- Dont shake or disturb the sample while waitiing for a reaction.
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I Have Irregular Periods And Don’t Know When My Next Period Will Start When Should I Take A Pregnancy Test
Most pregnancy tests claim to be the most accurate after a missed period. But irregular periods can make it hard to predict when to take the test.
Periods are considered irregular if:
- The number of days between periods is either shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
- The number of days in the menstrual cycle varies from month to month. For example, your cycle may be 22 days one month and 33 days the next month.
If you have irregular periods, try counting 36 days from the start of your last menstrual cycle or four weeks from the time you had sex. At this point, if you are pregnant, your levels of hCG should be high enough to detect the pregnancy.
If your test says you are not pregnant, but you still think you may be pregnant, wait a few more days and take another pregnancy test. Or, call your doctor for a blood test.
