Detecting pregnancy is important for those who are trying to conceive, as well as those who are not. Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can differ from woman to woman, but there are some common indicators that can point to a positive result on a home pregnancy test. In this blog post, we will discuss the early signs of pregnancy and how you can detect it using at-home tests. We will also provide some tips on what to do if you think you might be pregnant!

Common Early Symptoms of Pregnancy

  • Missed period
  • Nausea and vomiting (more common in the morning)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, and your period is late, it's time to take a pregnancy test. You can buy a home pregnancy test at your local drugstore or online. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine. This hormone is only present when you're pregnant.

There's no need to worry if you don't have all the symptoms of pregnancy. Every woman is different, and you may only experience some of these early signs and symptoms of pregnancy. If you're concerned about whether or not you're pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor. They can give you the best advice and talk you through what happens next.

How Do Home Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman's urine.  The hCG hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Most at home pregnancy tests can detect hCG levels in urine within about two weeks after conception, or about four weeks after the last menstrual period.

If you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test. If the test is positive, make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare professional to confirm the pregnancy test results and start prenatal care. With early detection in the first few weeks and good care, you can give your baby a healthy start in life.

If the test is negative but you still think you may be pregnant, wait a few days and take another test to get an accurate reading. You should also see your doctor to find out why you are not getting your expected period. Your doctor will be able to take a pregnancy blood test to check for the presence of the hCG hormone. There are many reasons other than pregnancy that can cause a missed or irregular period.

How Early Can I Take a Home Pregnancy Test?

If you're trying to conceive, you might be wondering when you can take a pregnancy test and get an accurate result. The good news is that there are more at-home sensitive pregnancy tests available now than ever before.

The earliest you can take a pregnancy test is about two weeks after conception. This is because it takes time for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to build up in your system so that it can be detected in urine pregnancy tests. If you take a home pregnancy test before this, you may get a false-negative result.

Where Can I get Pregnancy Tests?

You can get pregnancy tests at most pharmacies and some supermarkets. You may also be able to get free pregnancy tests from your Doctor, healthcare professional or local sexual health clinic.

If you buy a pregnancy test from a pharmacy or drugstore, they may ask you questions about your symptoms to make sure that the test is appropriate for you.

What Happens When I Have a Positive Pregnancy Test?

If you have a positive pregnancy test, it means that you are pregnant. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. hCG is produced by the cells that form the placenta, and its levels increase rapidly in early pregnancy.

If you think you may be pregnant after getting a positive result, the best thing to do is to see your doctor. Early detection of pregnancy is important so that you can start getting the care you need from your healthcare provider.

How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?

Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken on the first day of your missed period. However, pregnancy tests can be wrong if you take them too early in your pregnancy.

For example, if you take a pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period, you may get a false-negative result. This means that the test says you are not pregnant when you actually are.

If you think you might be pregnant, it’s best to wait at least one week after your missed period before taking a pregnancy test.

What Methods Are Used to Detect Pregnancy?

There are a few different ways to detect pregnancy. The most common method is through a urine test, which can be done at home or at a doctor's office.

Blood tests can determine results earlier than urine tests; doctors can use either qualitative or quantitative tests. Qualitative tests give a simple yes or no answer, while quantitative tests (also known as the beta HGC test) can determine the levels of HCG in the blood and can consequently tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Blood tests can usually give an accurate result around one week after ovulation and are often carried out in the Doctors surgery. The sample is then sent off to a laboratory and the results are returned to your doctor.

Another way to detect pregnancy is through an ultrasound, which can usually be done six to eight weeks into the pregnancy.

How to Improve Your Fertility and Get Pregnant Faster

There are many different ways to improve your fertility and get pregnant faster. Some couples will need to seek medical help and may be offered fertility drugs, while others may just need to make a few lifestyle changes. Here are some tips on how to improve your fertility and get pregnant faster:

Tracking Your Ovulation

If you want to get pregnant, it is important to track your ovulation. By tracking your ovulation, you will be able to determine when you are most fertile and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Eat a Healthy Diet

One of the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to eat a nutritious diet. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you get the vitamins and minerals you need. You should also avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking plenty of water is essential for staying hydrated and to improve fertility. It also helps to flush out toxins from the body, which can have a negative impact on your fertility health.

Drinking eight glasses of water a day can help increase your chances of conceiving by improving the quality of your cervical mucus.

Cervical mucus is important when trying to conceive because it provides a fertile environment for sperm. When you are ovulating, your cervical mucus will become thin and slippery, which makes it easier for sperm to travel to the egg.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and well-being in general.  But when it comes to fertility, sleep may play an especially important role.

A number of studies have shown that poor sleep can negatively impact fertility in both men and women.

So if you're trying to conceive, make sure to get plenty of rest. Consider going to bed a little earlier or taking a nap during the day if possible. Your body will thank you!

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help to improve your chances of getting pregnant. It can also help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health. If you are trying to conceive, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each day. This could include walking, biking, or swimming. You may also want to consider adding strength training and stretching.

FAQS About When Pregnancy Can Be Detected

How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test After a Missed Period?

If you are wondering whether you can take a pregnancy test after just a few days of missing your period, the answer is yes!

For the most accurate results, it is best to wait until at least one day after your missed period. However, keep in mind that even at this early stage, not all tests are 100% accurate.

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test If I Have Irregular Cycles?

If your cycles are irregular, you should take a pregnancy test if you have missed a period. If you are not sure when your next period is due, you can take a pregnancy test 21 days after unprotected sex.

What Not to Do Before Taking a Pregnancy Test

Don't drink coffee or any other caffeinated beverages before taking a pregnancy test. Caffeine can interfere with the results of some pregnancy tests. 

Don't use alcohol or drugs before taking a pregnancy test. These can also affect the results of some tests.

If you're taking a home pregnancy test, be sure to read the instructions carefully before you take the test. Some home pregnancy tests require you to hold the absorbent tip in your urine stream for a few seconds. Others require you to collect your urine in a cup and then dip the absorbent tip into the urine.

If you're taking a blood test to detect pregnancy, you'll need to fast for at least eight hours before the test. This means you shouldn't eat or drink anything, including water, for at least eight hours before the test.

Get Started with OvuSense Today

So, if you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to be as mindful as possible of your body and what it’s telling you. Although pregnancy can be detected early on through changes in cervical mucus and body temperature, you should ideally wait until the day after your missed period before taking a test.

OvuSense takes all the guesswork out of detecting ovulation so you can focus on conceiving. Get started with OvuSense today for the best chance at pregnancy success!