Home pregnancy tests

Home pregnancy tests measure the presence of a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine.
This hormone, produced by cells from the placenta, first enters your bloodstream after the fertilized egg (the embryo)  implants in the lining of your uterus, shortly after fertilization. The amount of hCG in your body then increases rapidly over the next few weeks, often doubling every two days or so.

Are you pregnant?
Take our quiz and find out

How accurate are home pregnancy tests on the day you miss your period?

Most tests claim to be "greater than 99 percent accurate" and imply that you can use them as early as the day you miss your period, but a study published in 2011 in the journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine showed that this is misleading. Some tests may be able to detect the hormone in your urine at that point and give you a positive result, but most aren't sensitive enough to guarantee you an accurate result.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico evaluated both digital and manual tests from three different manufacturers and found that only one brand of test (both the digital and manual version) was 97 percent accurate in detecting pregnancy on the first day of a missed menstrual period. (The amount of hCG in the urine at this time can vary a great deal from one woman to another.) The other brands correctly predicted pregnancy about half the time.
The bottom line: You're much more likely to get an accurate result if you wait a week after your expected period before testing.

How can these tests claim to be accurate so early in pregnancy?

According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, a home pregnancy test can be called "greater than 99 percent accurate" if the manufacturer simply demonstrates that the test performs as well in the lab as an existing test more than 99 percent of the time. Since today's home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than previous products, it's not surprising that manufacturers are able to make this claim, but it has nothing to do with a test's ability to detect pregnancy at the time of a missed period.

How can I tell which tests are the most sensitive?

It's not easy. New products come out frequently, and brands may make improvements to their products at any time.
But some package inserts provide information about a test's sensitivity – that is, they report the lowest concentration of hCG (in mIU/ml, or milli-International Units per milliliter of urine) that the test can detect. For example, a pregnancy test that claims to be able to detect hCG at 20 mIU/ml should theoretically be more sensitive than one that claims to detect it at 50 mIU/m

14 Weeks Pregnant

Hungry much? Now that you’re not feeling so queasy, you’re probably enjoying eating. A lot. Plus, you’re fueling baby’s growth -- which is happening at super speed at 14 weeks. Be sure to keep plenty of healthy snacks by your side just in case you get the munchies. It’s important -- for you and for baby -- that you don’t indulge in too many greasy, fatty foods, so you’re both getting the right nutrients. (Of course, the occasional bowl of ice cream is totally okay.) And we just wanted to remind you: eating for two doesn’t mean doubling your calorie intake. Not only have you gotten your appetite back at week 14, but you’ve probably also gotten some of your energy back, too. If you found yourself shying away from exercise during trimester one, it’s time to get back on track. Go take a walk

your baby at 14 weeks

• He's probably sucking his thumb and wiggling his toes in there!
• His kidneys are making urine, and his liver and spleen are doing their jobs, too.
• And he's growing lanugo, a thin, peach-fuzz-like hair, all over his body -- it will help him keep warm!

pregnancy symptoms at 14 weeks

• As you emerge from the nasties of the first trimester, you're probably getting your energy back.
• You're probably feeling some aches and pains, as your muscles and ligaments stretch to accomodate your growing baby.
• Hungry! Once the queasies of the first trimester subside, you might find your appetite on overdrive.
• You might notice your hair getting thicker and shinier, one of the (few) attractive side-effects of pregnancy.

your must-do's

• Have your monthly prenatal visit to the OB.

your nice-to-do's

• Start coming up with ideas for the nursery.
• Buy some maternity jeans, if you don't have them already.

13 Weeks Pregnant

Yay! It’s the last week of the first trimester and you did it. We’re not just talking about getting through those work meetings without falling asleep (or puking!), we’re talking about how you’ve completed one whole third of your pregnancy -- and the reputed toughest one at that. You’ve grown a fetus that has vocal cords, teeth and even fingerprints (wow!) and you probably kept this incredible news (mostly) secret while you constantly wished you could shout it from the rooftops -- or, at the very least, use it as an excuse for getting to work late. It’s about this time that many parents-to-be start spreading the word (to more people than just close family and friends) that there’s a baby on the way. But know that there are no hard and fast rules about when you should divulge your secret. It could be after your next prenatal doctor visit, once you start showing or at a big family event where everyone will be gathered. Or maybe everyone already knows! That’s totally your call.

your baby at 13 weeks

• Can you believe she's forming vocal cords and teeth?!
• And even though she's still teeny, she already has fingerprints.
• Her intestines are moving from the umbilical cord to their more permanent place, in her tummy.

 pregnancy symptoms at 13 weeks

• Visible veins, thanks to your increased blood flow.
• Less fatigue and nausea, as you enter the second trimester, which is known to be the least symptomatic.
• Maybe an increased sex drive -- enjoy!

your must-do's

• Schedule your second trimester tests.

your nice-to-do's

• Celebrate -- one trimester down, two to go!
• Start planning maternity leave
• Make sure you're exercising! You'll probably feel more energized during the second trimester, so take advantage.

12 Weeks Pregnant

Things are changing fast. You’re reaching the home stretch of the first trimester (we know, finally!) at 12 weeks which means your hormones are likely to tone things down a bit -- which might make you feel a little less emotional! And it will probably help the symptoms subside a bit, too. One warning though: your morning sickness and fatigue might get replaced by headaches and dizziness. But we think that’s a reasonable trade-off. The other big change? Baby’s almost done developing her body’s important systems and parts, which means, it’s mostly about getting bigger and more mature from here on out. Around week 12, you might want to know more about baby, so you’re probably having genetic testing done to determine her risk of birth defects or other problems. This can be a little scary -- and confusing -- so be sure to ask your OB plenty of questions, and know that it’s much more likely baby’s A-OK than anything else

your baby at 12 weeks

• Most of her critical systems are fully formed!
• She's about to enter the growth and maturation stage, in which her organs and tissues will grow and develop rapidly.
• She's now developing her reflexes -- if you poke her body, she'll likely move.
• She's opening and closing her fingers and curling her toes, too.
• Her brain is developing fast!

 pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks

• Your hormones should calm down a bit -- if not now, soon. That means less nausea and fatigue (yay!).
• More vaginal discharge, to protect your, um, lady parts from infection.
• A noticeably bigger belly. Do you look pregnant now?
• Headaches and dizziness may start to intensify around this time, which could be caused by hormones, vision changes, drops in blood sugar, dehydration or stress.

your must-do's

• Schedule your monthly prenatal visit to the OB, if you haven't already.
• Understand the signs of dehydration, or make sure you are sufficiently hydrated.

your nice-to-do's

• Tell your friends and family you're pregnant (if you haven't already revealed it!).
• If your ready, tell your boss, and talk about how your duties will be covered while you're on maternity leave.

11 Weeks Pregnant

Around 11 weeks, you’ll probably notice some subtle changes, like an increase in vaginal discharge and a dark, vertical line appearing down the center of your belly (known as the linea nigra). It’s probably tough to feel calm right now, since your hormones are still haywire and you may still be feeling pretty nauseated. But know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel -- just two more weeks left in trimester one! Week 11 is a great time to start planning a babymoon: a romantic getaway with your partner. Just about everyone recommends you do this in the second trimester, since that’s when you’ll likely feel most energized (and we doubt you’ll want to do a lot of traveling once you hit trimester three). A babymoon isn’t just a cool way to celebrate your anticipation for baby’s arrival; it’s a great way to bond with your partner before baby starts taking up a ton of your time and attention. Hey, maybe you’ll also get to relax a little! So take your mind off your queasiness and start scouting some babymoon destinations. And if you need another diversion, imagine your growing baby, doing just fine in there, becoming more and more mature every day.

your baby at 11 weeks

• You can't see it, but she's moving fluidly and gracefully in there.
• Her skin is see-through, but she's on her way to looking more like a baby.
• Her fingers and toes aren't webbed anymore.
• Tooth buds, hair follicles and nail beds are forming.

 pregnancy symptoms at 11 weeks

• Fatigue and nausea. Don't worry, you should start to feel more like yourself soon.
• Gas (like farting and burping -- sorry!) Are you getting used to it?
• Mood swings. Try some mind/body exercises, like yoga, to help you feel more Zen.
• Leg cramps, which can strike at night and interfere with your sleep.
• A dark line may have started to appear on your belly. It's called the linea nigra and it's totally normal during pregnancy.

your must-do's

• Schedule your monthly prenatal visit to the OB.

your nice-to-do's

• Plan a babymoon getaway for the second trimester.
• Get some new bras and underwear, but don't go too crazy. You'll likely have to stock up again later on, too.

 

10 Weeks Pregnant

Now that you’ve reached 10 weeks, you can stop wondering when you’ll start to actually look pregnant. It’s probably right around now, as your baby continues her rapid growth and your tummy starts to develop some extra curve (of course, you still might be the only one who notices). In the process, your ligaments and muscles are starting to stretch, so don’t be surprised if you start feeling some aches and pains. While, some moms-to-be don’t really get them, others find these sensations -- called “round ligament pain” -- well, downright painful. Your breasts have probably gotten bigger too, since they’ve been prepping for breastfeeding for weeks already! That’s why week 10 is probably a good time to stock up on some new, looser clothes -- and maybe your first round of maternity wear. Don’t go too crazy though. As your body continues to change, you’ll likely want to get some more essentials along the way.

your baby at 10 weeks

• Baby has working arm joints, and her cartilage and bones are forming.
• Her vital organs are fully developed and they're starting to function.
• Her fingernails and hair are starting to appear, too.
• Plus, she's swallowing and kicking in there. (Can you believe it?!)

pregnancy symptoms at 10 weeks

• You may have aches and pains in your abdomen, as baby's putting a pressure on your organs, veins, muscles and ligaments.
• You're probably still feeling nauseated and emotional.
• Tired! Not only is your body working really hard to grow baby, but your sleep might be distrupted by some pretty weird dreams.
• An increase in vaginal discharge (ew!)
• Bigger belly and boobs -- this is around the time you probably can start to see some real changes in your body.
• Visible veins -- those blue streaks are carrying a ton of extra blood to baby.



your must-do's

• Have your first prenatal checkup, if you haven't already.
• Take your nuchal translucency test.
• Schedule your CVS test and/or amnio, if you decide you want them.




your nice-to-do's

• Shop for maternity clothes -- your normal clothes probably aren't fitting you right.

 

9 Weeks Pregnant

At nine weeks pregnant, you and baby have made two big accomplishments: You’ve made it to month three, and she’s no longer an embryo -- now she’s a fetus. Basically that means she’s becoming more and more baby-like, and you’re inching closer and closer to leaving the nasties of the first trimester behind you. Just one more month to go! By now, you’ve probably visited the OB, and maybe even seen baby’s tiny heartbeat on the ultrasound. Exciting stuff, huh? You’re also probably starting to think about how life will change when baby’s in the picture. Around week nine, you might want to start looking for ways you and your partner can budget, so you have some extra cash when she arrives. You also should consider checking out your company’s handbook to see how maternity leave is typically handled. That way, when it comes time to break the news to your boss, you’ll be prepared to discuss your expectations -- and begin a potential plan -- with her.

your baby at 9 weeks

• This is a milestone. She's no longer an embryo -- now she's a fetus!
• She's developing more distinct facial features.
• And she might now have a strong enough heartbeat to be picked up by a fetal doppler

pregnancy symptoms at 9 weeks

• Moody. Those hormones just keep raging. Sorry mama-to-be -- but they should tone down in the second trimester.
• Morning (or all day) sickness. Do trial and error to see what makes you feel better.
• Frequent peeing, fatigue, nasal congestion and/or headaches (thanks again, hormones).
• Weight gain. You'll likely gain between 1 and 5 pounds during the first trimester.

 your must-do's

• Have your first prenatal checkup, if you haven't already.

your nice-to-do's

• Decide how and when to announce your pregnancy.
• Research your employer's maternity leave policies.

8 Weeks Pregnant

what stinks? Your hormones are doing some pretty freaky things at week eight, likely heightening your sense of smell and making your stomach do flip-flops. And don’t get us started on those wacky pregnancy dreams. What’s interesting is that while one of your senses is in overdrive, one of baby’s -- her sense of taste -- is getting its start, too. Can you believe at 8 weeks she’s starting to grow taste buds? If you’re feeling nauseated, extra hungry or extra tired right now, remember that it’s all because baby’s growth is in overdrive -- and because your body’s still adjusting to all those hormonal changes -- it will be worth it. (Especially in the second trimester, when most moms-to-be feel more energized.) If you’re experiencing severe nausea at eight weeks, it might be tough to keep down foods, let alone eat right, so try to find some options you can actually stomach.

your baby at 8 weeks 

• You can't feel it yet, but she's moving those arms and legs like crazy!
• Her fingers and toes are now only slightly webbed, and her tail (yes, she had one) is gone.
• Fun fact: your baby's taste buds are now forming

  pregnancy symptoms at 8 weeks

• Bigger, heavier, sore breasts, as milk producing lobules in your boobs start to expand.
• Fatigue and/or nausea (yup, still).
• Early pregnancy cramps -- the ligaments in your abdomen are stretching as your uterus expands.
• Other tummy issues: constipation, indigestion, bloating or heartburn.
• A heightened sense of smell.
• Weird dreams -- get used to them; they're totally normal throughout pregnancy.

your must-do's

• Have your first prenatal checkup, if you haven't already.
• Schedule prenatal testing.

your nice-to-do's

• Make sure you're drinking plenty of water.
• Pull out your "fat pants" or buy a pair because you will need them.
• Buy a BellaBand maternity band to help clothes to cover.

 

7 Weeks Pregnant

At seven weeks, you’re probably gearing up for your first prenatal visit with your OB, and you’re probably dying to know what to expect. Brace yourself to give a variety of samples (blood, urine and cervical cells -- yeesh!), get an ultrasound test that will confirm baby’s doing okay in there and get an estimated due date (yep, you might already have one, but the doc may adjust it a bit based on what she sees). It probably seems weird to go about your day knowing you’re pregnant, when no one else can see it. Not to mention, wondering what it will be like when everyone else can see it. Caught yourself staring at your tummy in the mirror -- and even pushing it out to fake a baby bump, just to get a preview? Yeah, we did that too during week seven.

your baby at 7 weeks

• She's generating about one hundred new brain cells each minute!
• Not only is her brain becoming more complex, but her heart is too.
• Also important: She's developing a permanent set of kidneys
• Her arm and leg joints are now forming.

  pregnancy symptoms at 7 weeks

• Nausea. Hang in there. Your hormones will become more normal in the second trimester.
• Food cravings and/or aversions. It's okay to give in here and there, but remember to choose healthy options.
• The urge to pee -- constantly! Even though you probably don’t look pregnant yet, your uterus has doubled in size.
• Zits. Thanks, hormones.
• Extra saliva (gross!) -- likely, this is also hormonally triggered.
• Emotional -- not only are your hormones out of whack, but you're likely still getting used to the idea of being pregnant.

your must-do's

• Have your first prenatal checkup, if you haven't already.
• Check out health insurance options, or update your existing plan.
• Find an OB (if you haven't found one yet).
• Learn what hospital you'll give birth at.

 

Pregnancy symptoms: Top ten signs you might be pregnant

Could you be pregnant? Most likely you won't notice any symptoms until about the time you've missed a period - or a week or two later.
If you're not keeping track of your menstrual cycle or if it varies widely from one month to the next, you may not be sure when to expect your period. But if you start to experience some of the symptoms below - not all women get them all - and you haven't had a period for a while, you may very well be pregnant. Take a home pregnancy test to find out for sure!

10. Tender, swollen breasts

One of the early signs of pregnancy is sensitive, sore breasts caused by increasing levels of hormones. The soreness may feel like... Get More

9. Fatigue

Feeling tired all of a sudden? No, make that exhausted. No one knows for sure what causes early pregnancy fatigue, but it's possible that rapidly increasing levels of the hormone progesterone are contributing to your sleepiness. Get More

8. Implantation bleeding

Some women have a small amount of vaginal bleeding around 11 or 12 days after conception (close to the time you might notice a missed period). The bleeding may be caused by the fertilized egg burrowing into the blood-rich lining of your uterus. Get More

7. Nausea or vomiting

If you're like most women, morning sickness won't hit until about a month after conception. (A lucky few escape it altogether.) But some women do start to feel queasy a bit earlier. And not just in the morning, either - pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting can be a problem morning, noon, or night. Get More

6. Increased sensitivity to odors

If you're newly pregnant, it's not uncommon to feel repelled by the smell of a bologna sandwich or cup of coffee and for certain aromas to trigger your gag reflex. Though no one knows for sure, this may be a side effect of rapidly increasing amounts of estrogen in your system. You may also find that certain foods you used to enjoy are suddenly completely repulsive to you. Get More

5. Abdominal bloating

Hormonal changes in early pregnancy may leave you feeling bloated, similar to the feeling some women have just before their period arrives. That's why your clothes may feel snugger than usual at the waistline, even early on when your uterus is still quite small. Get More

4. Frequent urination

Shortly after you become pregnant, you may find yourself hurrying to the bathroom all the time. Why? Mostly because during pregnancy the amount of blood and other fluids in your body increases, which leads to extra fluid being processed by your kidneys and ending up in your bladder. Get More

3. A missed period

If you're usually pretty regular and your period doesn't arrive on time, you'll probably take a pregnancy test long before you notice any of the above symptoms. But if you're not regular or you're not keeping track of your cycle, nausea and breast tenderness and... Get More

2. Your basal body temperature stays high

If you've been charting your basal body temperature and you see that your temperature has stayed elevated for 18 days in a row, you're probably pregnant. Get More

And finally...

1. The proof: A positive home pregnancy test

In spite of what you might read on the box, many home pregnancy tests are not sensitive enough to detect most pregnancies until about a week after a missed period. So if you decide to take one earlier than that and get a negative result, try again in a few days.

Get More

Classes to Take During Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth are times of tremendous joys and challenges. Learning what to expect and preparing for future changes can help couples make educated choices about their birth experience.

I've read several books on pregnancy. Why would a "Healthy Pregnancy" class be helpful?

Information concerning steps you can take to have a healthy pregnancy increases daily. Although many books can provide general information, a class offered by a nurse or other knowledgeable professional can provide the most up-to-date information. It may also be helpful for you and your partner to be with other pregnant couples to share the excitement and questions of early pregnancy.

I don't think I'm at risk for having a premature baby. Do I need to take a class on "Preventing Preterm Birth?"

Although there are several identified factors which place some women at risk for preterm labor, 50 percent of preterm labor occurs in pregnancies not previously considered at risk. Learning to identify the warning signs and symptoms of preterm labor can make the difference of carrying your baby to term rather than delivering a premature baby

Why should I take a “Childbirth Preparation” class? Isn’t it just about breathing techniques for natural childbirth? I may want an epidural in labor.

Even with epidural anesthesia, you will experience the process of labor. Childbirth preparation classes provide valuable information and practical tips regarding all phases of labor. Classes are geared towards educating pregnant women and their partners about the process of labor and birth and the choices available to them, including medications.

Although several breathing techniques are taught and practiced in childbirth preparation classes, they are only one of a variety of tools (such as relaxation and positioning) discussed in class. Couples are encouraged to use those techniques or other variations that work for them

We're both very busy. Can't I get the information I need from watching videos and reading books instead of taking a class?

Most couples find group classes to be the most helpful method of meeting both their need for education and support. Listening to other couples’ questions in class and recognizing the normalcy of what they are feeling can be very reassuring. In addition, most of the coping techniques are difficult to grasp just by reading a book or watching a video. Because some class time is devoted to practicing techniques, most couples have increased confidence in their coping skills by the completion of the course.

Is the "Newborn Parenting" series really necessary? My mother will help me take care of the baby.

During your hospital stay, there is only a brief period of time for the nursing staff to teach you about caring for your baby. Learning basic baby care skills, including how to calm a fussy baby, which equipment is essential and the basics of breastfeeding, are but a few of the skills learned in newborn parenting classes. Also, many things have changed since your mom cared for her children.

Should my partner come to the "Breastfeeding" class?

Yes! It has been shown that a knowledgeable, supportive partner is an important factor in the success of beginning and maintaining breastfeeding. The more your partner learns about breastfeeding, the more support your partner can offer once you start breastfeeding.

I just had a baby two years ago. Do I need to take another class?

A childbirth refresher course is recommended for women who have had a baby in the last five years. This type of class reviews changes in hospital routines and birth practices and is a good refresher on coping skills, breathing techniques and other strategies. A class for siblings and a breastfeeding refresher class are also recommended.

I had a cesarean birth with my first baby; how can I prepare for this birth?

Check with your health care provider regarding your options for this birth. Also, check with the facility where you plan to deliver about any applicable classes they offer.

pregnancy week by week ( week 6 )

Week 6

You

You're probably running to the loo every five minutes. That embryo may be minute and weigh almost nothing, but your womb is growing – and pressing down on your bladder!

Your baby

Curled like a miniature prawn, your baby has four tiny 'buds' where his limbs will grow. He still has a tail (the protruding end of the spinal column), which he will lose, and three separate layers, which will grow into different body sections. But if you have an early scan, you'll see none of this, just a pulsing dot on the screen. This is your baby's heart, which has all four chambers and is beating steadily, driving blood around the growing body.

Need an early scan?

You'll probably have one of these between 6 and 10 weeks only if you've had any signs of a threatened miscarriage, such as spotting, or possibly a previous miscarriage. Seeing that pulsing dot of a heartbeat can be hugely reassuring for a worried mum to be.

Get some support

With your breasts growing from very early in pregnancy, you might find your old bras uncomfortable. It's a good idea to get fitted for a maternity bra now and every six weeks from now on as good support is essential to avoid ligament damage, and your size is likely to change frequently. You won't have to sacrifice your pretty matching sets of underwear though, as new designs look just as sexy as your non-pregnancy stuff.

ONE MUM SAYS...

'I really wanted a home birth but my doctor wasn't keen. Luckily, my in-laws offered to pay for a private independent midwife through www.independentmidwives.org.uk. Lucy, my midwife, was fantastic. I saw her for all antenatal appointments and she was wonderful during the birth.' Alternatively, speak to your local midwife usually based at all GP surgeries.

pregnancy week by week ( week 5 )

 

You

Your period is late so pick up a pregnancy test from the pharmacy. The test detects even the lowest levels of a hormone called HCG which is released by the placenta. So that thin blue line actually shows the presence of a placenta, rather than a baby!

Your baby

That bundle of cells isn't all destined to become your baby. Some grow into the placenta – your baby's food factory and oxygen supplier, which will become fully operational at week 14. The umbilical cord - forming out of a line of blood vessels - will link your baby to the placenta.

The place to push

It may seem as if the birth is ages away, but – as your antenatal care depends on where you have your baby – it's a good idea to start thinking about your options. The basic choices are:

• Hospital
• Home
• Birth unit

All have pros and cons, and different choices suit different mums. So it's worth doing a little research including checking out which hospitals offer which facilities. For advice see where to give birth.

CF: is there a risk?

If you or your partner has cystic fibrosis in the family, you may want to do a simple mouthwash test to check whether you are carriers. If you both are, there's a risk your baby will be born with CF. If so, it will give you a chance to find out more about the problems your baby might face.

Mothercare tip

If you aren't already, start taking 400mcg of folic acid – and continue up to week 12. It dramatically reduces the risk of spina bifida.