What Is a Beta Pregnancy Test?
The basic pregnancy test is a beta pregnancy test. It might sound fancy, but it really isn't. Basically, the beta pregnancy test is the most common and is known as the beta HCG or B-HCG pregnancy test.
A woman who suspects she is pregnant or simply hopes she is pregnant may take the beta pregnancy test as early as one week before her period. This would be about eight days after conception occurred. Unfortunately, not all women will receive a positive beta pregnancy test this early on even if they are actually pregnant. The majority of women will have HCG in their blood approximately 11 or 12 days after conception. This generally relates to just a few days before a woman should get her period.
In some cases the beta pregnancy test may be positive with women who receive HCG injections to increase fertility although they are not pregnant. If you are taking fertility treatments then you should keep this possibility in mind.
When is the Hormone Released?
Many women wonder when the HCG hormone is actually released into the bloodstream. This basically occurs just after implantation occurs, which is usually between eight and 12 days after conception. Keep in mind that if you test too early you may get a negative pregnancy test although you are pregnant. The reason why is because the beta pregnancy test checks for levels of HCG and early on the hormone is very low. It then begins to increase rapidly and doubles every couple of days. When the HCG hormone level is strong enough in the woman's body then a home pregnancy test will pick it up and a positive test will result.
When to Test?
You might be wondering when the best time for a beta pregnancy test is. Generally, within a few days of your expected period or any day after that will result in a positive test if you are indeed pregnant. If you test during this time and receive a negative result then more than likely you are not pregnant, however it still may be too early to tell. The more days that pass after conception will mean higher levels of the HCG hormone in your body and a better chance of receiving an accurate result.
The HCG hormone will be the highest around eight to 11 weeks and then will gradually go down as the placenta begins to take over the job of supporting the pregnancy. After week 12 the hormone is lower and any results that are higher than anticipated may mean the pregnancy is dated wrong, the woman is carrying multiples, or a molar pregnancy is taking place.
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