Health Watch by Adam Moller

The North Jefferson News



Women who are trying to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant often eagerly await the result of a home pregnancy test.

Unfortunately, the answers these pregnancy tests give may not always be as clear as “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”

Early detection of pregnancy is important for the development of a healthy baby. It allows time for finding the right doctor and arranging prenatal care. Also, it allows women to make lifestyle changes, such as refraining from smoking or alcohol consumption.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting a chemical in the urine that is released by the developing embryo. This chemical is present in most women at the time of their first missed period.

Selecting the right pregnancy test can help achieve the most accurate answer regarding pregnancy status. Two major things that should be considered when selecting a pregnancy test are sensitivity of the test and how easy the test is to use. No matter how accurate the test, if it isn’t easy to use, then you won’t get an accurate result.

Look for tests that indicate “one-step.” Some of the most sensitive one-step tests include E.P.T., ClearBlue Easy and First Response Early Result. Store brand tests are often available at a lower price. Also, tests that come with two devices are convenient if the first test is negative.

Some tests claim that they can detect pregnancy five days before the first missed period. These tests can detect pregnancy in some individuals this early. However, in more than half of women, these tests are unable to detect pregnancy until later in the cycle. Despite these claims, most manufacturers recommend that testing on the first day of the missed period or later will ensure the most accurate result.

When selecting a pregnancy test you don’t have to look at too many boxes before you find one that claims to be “99 percent accurate.” This accuracy is based on the test’s ability to detect the chemical released by the embryo, not the ability of the test to determine pregnancy status.

Some pregnant women will falsely test negative. Only nine out of 10 pregnant women will be producing this chemical on the first day of their missed period. Also, some women who are not pregnant will test positive. Medications that are used to help women become pregnant and a miscarriage or birth within the past eight weeks can cause a positive result in a woman who isn’t pregnant.

Once a pregnancy test has been selected, it is important to use it correctly for accurate results. It has been shown that less than 75 percent of women will receive an accurate result on their pregnancy test. This is many times due to them not carefully following the directions.

To ensure the most accurate result, use the first morning urine whenever possible. If testing requires the use of items such as cups, then always use the items supplied with the kit. Waiting at least 10 minutes before reading the result improves the accuracy of almost all pregnancy tests.

If a pregnancy test is positive, then the woman should assume that she is pregnant and contact her doctor. Inform the doctor of any medications that are being taken because some can be harmful to the baby. Additionally, the woman should avoid engaging in any harmful behaviors, such as smoking or drinking while pregnant.

If a pregnancy test is negative, then the woman should retest in one week to improve the accuracy of the result. If the test is still negative and the woman hasn’t had her period, then she should contact her doctor.

Finding the right test can be difficult. Ask your pharmacist for help in selecting the best one for you.

Adam Moller is a student at Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy and a PharmD candidate working at The Pharmacy in Mt. Olive. The Pharmacy can be reached at 631-1201.