Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy tests: what are the options?
The most reliable confirmation of pregnancy is by checking the levels of hCG? at least 12 days after ovulation has taken place. It consists of taking a blood sample and measuring the level of this hormone?. If the hCG level is high, then you are probably pregnant. If it is low, then you are probably not, and if it is at an intermediate level, the best way to be sure of the results is to repeat the test 2 days later. If the hCG levels are higher in the second test, then you are probably pregnant.
The 12 days of waiting before you should take the hCG test can be extremely stressful, but there is not much point in taking the test before that as the results are very likely to be negative, even if you are in fact pregnant. Some women prefer to receive their hCG results in a private setting, in which case you might want to consider using a pregnancy test bought over the counter. Remember, however, that shop-bought tests are less reliable and may produce inaccurate results, so it is always best to obtain blood test results if you are unsure.
During pregnancy, progesterone levels remain high causing temperature to remain elevated. If in measuring your BBT you happen to notice that it remains high when you would normally have expected it to drop, this could be an indication that you are pregnant.
hCG test
After a few cycles of measuring your temperature, you should be able to estimate the length of your personal luteal phase? and so therefore know when to expect a drop in body temperature or a positive pregnancy test. Using the DuoFertility device will help you to discover any unusual patterns in temperature that might be related to pregnancy.