When I got a positive pregnancy test with my first son, I, like many other women, took about four other tests just to make sure. And then, just to be really sure, I followed up with a beta hCG blood test at my doctor’s office (and side swiped a pole in a parking garage because I was so excited but that is another story).
Uncertainty and an excited feeling of disbelief are natural reactions when you are trying to conceive and you get that positive pregnancy test. So, how do you know for sure if the test is correct? If you have a faint test line, chances are you are pregnant but your hCG levels are still low. False positives are rare. Ninety percent of pregnant woman will get a pink line (faint or strong) by the first day of a missed period. Some test kits can detect the presence of hCG as early as 6-10 days post ovulation. The presence of hCG is dependant on embryo implantation- No implantation, no hCG.
Pregnancy tests have various sensitivities. A 20 mIU/ml hCG test is more sensitive than a 50 mlU/ml hCG test because it can detect lower levels of hCG. For a list of brands and sensitivities, please click here for a great article on pregnancy tests and hCG levels. This article has pictures of positive and negative test results and will answer most of your questions.
If you are interested in learning ways to treat first trimester nausea, click here. If you would like to know how natural medicine can support you in pregnancy, or are interested in pregnancy massage, click here.
Good Luck!
Liz Richards, L.Ac.