How to Read a Pregnancy Test
Perhaps your first sign of pregnancy was a missed period, breast tenderness, nausea or vomiting. You likely want to find out if you're pregnant as soon as possible. With just a few bucks and bathroom trip later, you can find out if you are expecting a baby. Over-the-counter pregnancy tests detect the human chronic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone, which is used in the formation of the placenta in pregnant women. Taking the test properly helps ensure accurate results when it's time to read the test.
Instructions
Follow the instructions carefully on the pregnancy test to ensure that timing and method of testing is consistent with the brand. In general, you will need to take off the wrapper, remove the cap, point the stick down and urinate on it for about five seconds. Most tests can accurately detect HCG hormones when your menstrual cycle is first due. Some tests are more sensitive and pregnancy can be tested four to five days before your period is expected. Lay the stick down on a flat surface and wait two or three minutes, depending on the brand of the pregnancy stick. Set a timer and step away because these couple of minutes can seem like an eternity. Do not lift the stick during this time. Look at the stick. Some are as easy to read as the digital words "Pregnant" and "Not pregnant." When lines are involved, there will be a control line, often in a separate window. If you see that line, your test worked correctly. It's the second window that indicates pregnancy. That second line might need to form a "plus" shape to indicate pregnancy, while other tests simply have a second line; one line would mean not pregnant -- the control line -- while two lines means pregnant. The shade of the lines do not matter. As long as you can see them, even faintly, then you have the answer.
