Depending on where you are in life, and if you want a baby or not, you can get excited or worried when your period doesn’t arrive… But what if you don’t have regular periods? What are the ways to tell if you are pregnant?
First of all, there are a number of signs and symptoms that you might be pregnant, the most common one is a missed period, but it is not always a reliable indicator. Other signs and symptoms of pregnancy can include:
Tender or swollen breasts
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or tiredness
Light spotting or cramping
Increased frequency of urination
Food aversions or cravings
Of course, these signs and symptoms are the same as some illnesses, such as a tummy bug, so if you are experiencing them your next stop is a pregnancy test.
What Tests Are Available?
There are a few types of pregnancy tests available on the market today, each with its own unique features and methods of use. The two main types of pregnancy tests are urine tests and blood tests.
Urine tests, also known as home pregnancy tests, these are the most common way to find out if you are pregnant. They are easy to use at home, and can be purchased at supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores and online. They work by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman's urine. hCG is produced by the placenta after a fertilised egg implants in your uterus. Home pregnancy tests can be taken as early as the five days before your missed period and are most accurate when taken the day after your period should have arrived.
Blood tests are usually requested by a doctor, so are not necessarily as easy to get, however they can detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test. There are two types of blood tests, qualitative and quantitative.
A qualitative blood test simply detects the presence of hCG in the blood
A quantitative blood test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood.
Blood tests can be taken as early as eight days after ovulation.
When to Test?
The best time to take a pregnancy test is after a missed period. However, some women may experience early pregnancy symptoms before a test can detect the pregnancy. If you suspect you may be pregnant and are experiencing these symptoms, it is best to wait until you have missed your period before taking a test.
Pregnancy tests are an important tool for women trying to conceive. Our best advice is to listen to your body and be aware of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Remember to always follow the instructions on the test and talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Whether you're trying to conceive or just want peace of mind, a home pregnancy test is the answer.
This blog post was written by Lara Solomon, the founder of Hoopsy. Hoopsy have new
midstream Eco Pregnancy test which is 99% plastic free made from 99% paper and over 99%
accurate. You can try a Hoopsy test free, just fill in your information on the website and one
will be sent to you in the mail.
Want further guidance? Book in with our fertility specialist Gail today to discuss a bespoke nutrition and lifestyle plan that can optimise your fertility journey.
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Gail Madalena
Registered Nutritional Therapist
Gail Madalena is a registered nutritional therapist specialising in fertility, pregnancy and women’s health. Her expertise lies in hormonal imbalances, such as irregular cycles, debilitating PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid issues and sub-optimal fertility. Her goal is to reduce hormonal side effects and symptoms by addressing the root cause of the issue. Gail helps couples optimise your nutrition and lifestyle choices, supporting you on your journey to achieving a healthy pregnancy.