Pregnancy Urine Test

 

A urine test is a commonly used over the counter method of determining pregnancy.  When visiting the doctor to confirm the pregnancy, it is very likely that you will be asked to provide a urine sample as well.  The test, just like the pregnancy blood test, is looking for levels of the hCG hormone which the placenta produces.  Evidence of the hormone shows up in the urine about 10 days after fertilization has taken place. 

It was originally thought that urine tests were equally as accurate as the blood tests conducted.  However, the blood test has the capability of detecting the hormone at much lower levels than the urine tests, making it a more effective test.  Since blood tests are not routinely ordered for the reason of determining pregnancy, however, urine tests must suffice in most cases.  Urine tests for pregnancy are proven to be about 97% effective when the test is conducted correctly.  Following the directions on the package of over the counter tests exactly will help to produce the most accurate reading. 

Taking a urine pregnancy test too early can result in a false reading.  As a rule of thumb, doctors generally advise taking the urine test after you have missed a period; the first day of the missed period should be the earliest day for an accurate test reading.  Due to the costs of the tests, which range between $8.00 and $25.00, it is best to wait for the optimal time to test to avoid the need for retesting.  Generally, two tests are provided in each box; providing the opportunity to retest in the event a negative reading is received the first time. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of pregnancy such as breast tenderness, nausea or missed periods yet the urine test is showing a negative reading, wait a few days and try again.  You have the option of contacting your doctor and requesting a pregnancy blood test to be conducted to confirm the pregnancy, but the fees for the test in addition to the doctor’s visit may be expensive.

Comparison of Blood and Urine Tests

At this time, urine tests are the only type of over the counter tests that can be purchased to determine if a woman is pregnant.  This makes the urine test a more convenient test, one that can be completed within the privacy of one’s own home.  There is little doubt that the blood test is the most accurate test for pregnancy.  With low amounts of the hCG hormone able to be detected through blood, a confirmation of pregnancy can be given much earlier than the urine test.  However, the blood test is more expensive than the urine test, and is not a standard means of determining pregnancy in most cases. 

Early confirmation of pregnancy enables women to begin taking special care of their bodies to provide the healthiest environment for their developing fetus.  All women who are contemplating becoming pregnant should take steps early on to be as healthy as possible.  Through nutritious diets containing adequate amounts of folic acid as well as other vitamins, discontinuing all consumption of alcoholic beverages and discontinuing any types of over the counter drugs they are taking, potential mothers to be are able to provide an environment that is optimal for a growing, developing baby.

Women are able to learn early on of possible pregnancies through either urine or blood tests, although the urine test proves to be the most accessible test available to them.  The most accurate of these is the pregnancy blood test, which can be requested.  Either test, conducted properly, will provide the answer that the anxious mom is waiting to hear.