Pregnancy Test

Beloved by all women who want to get pregnant, the pregnancy test has become one of the inseparable companions at the end of the cycle. But it’s not just a strip of paper you buy at the pharmacy. There are several ways to find out if a new life is on the way.

Structure

Here we will discuss all types of tests, starting with the quickest, thanks to the online world: the online pregnancy test. Don’t worry! You don’t need to send blood or urine samples over the internet. To take the online pregnancy test, answer the following questions honestly and let the app calculate your chances of being pregnant:

The progress in the pharmaceutical field for diagnostic kits is booming, and an online pregnancy test is a good start. But there are a range of methods, including some from popular beliefs, like the bleach test, the ring test, or other homemade tips. There are also more complete blood tests and their variations. For those who haven’t tried making one of these tests yet, it might seem super complicated. But it’s actually not! Especially for those wanting to get pregnant, knowing all types of pregnancy tests is important to choose the best option for the situation.

Tests have become more accessible and convenient¹. What used to be extremely uncomfortable is now increasingly easier, right in your own home. And the best part is, you don’t need to have blood drawn! With just a few drops of urine, you can find out if you’re pregnant or not.

But it’s important to say that all the pregnancy tests mentioned here are only indicated at least 10 days after your most fertile day, meaning after probable fertilization. For example, in a 30-day cycle, count 14 days before your expected period to find your most fertile day. Since not all women have regular cycles, there’s a tool to help pinpoint your fertile day: the fertile window calculator is excellent for this.

What is HCG and how does it appear in the body?

HCG is a hormone mainly associated with pregnancy. It is produced after fertilization, and at implantation (known as nidation²) its levels start increasing very rapidly. HCG comes from the cluster of cells that will develop into the baby and the placenta. As the embryo continues to grow, the hormone levels rise considerably, and it is released into the woman’s bloodstream.

We can say that the role of HCG during pregnancy is to maintain the corpus luteum and, in turn, prevent the elimination of the endometrium, which would end the pregnancy. To further boost this protection, in addition to a healthy lifestyle, it’s ideal to take the necessary vitamins and nutrients for this special phase of pregnancy. We know that it’s recommended to start folic acid supplementation even before getting pregnant to help prevent birth defects. Doctors often recommend methylfolate, which is the active form of folic acid. Famivita offers FamiGesta, which contains methylfolate, as well as pure methylfolate.

That’s why it’s very common to get a positive test just a few days after implantation, even if the levels are still low. The more time passes after implantation, the easier it will be to identify pregnancy. It’s also important to note that at a certain stage of pregnancy, HCG production drops drastically.

IMPORTANT: With about 25mui of HCG in the body, some sensitive pregnancy tests may detect pregnancy.

This information isn’t often talked about, but it is possible to have HCG in the body without being pregnant. This may be caused by a small tumor (most of the time benign) that secretes HCG, but always in very low amounts. It can happen at any age, but it is more common during the fertile years in both men and women. Men? Yes! Men can have low levels of HCG in case of testicular tumors. However, these are only detected in the most sensitive hormone tests.

Women in the luteal phase may also have a very low amount of HCG due to fertilization. But in these cases, it will never show up on a common pharmacy test, only in extremely sensitive tests like the quantitative beta HCG. For pregnant women, HCG starts appearing very quickly, about 72 hours after implantation. However, to be completely sure of the result, it’s best to respect the minimum time limit to take the test.

When can I take a pregnancy test?

This is one of the most common questions among women trying to conceive. When should you take a pregnancy test to check if you’re pregnant? As HCG starts to rise after implantation, the right thing to do is to wait a few days of late period before testing. Just a few days of delay are enough³. It’s recommended to wait five days after a missed period to take a pregnancy test for women with regular cycles. When you can’t count the days after a missed period (like when cycles are highly irregular), it’s recommended to test at least 20 days after sex or after the most fertile day to detect at least the minimum amount of pregnancy hormone. Remember, from as low as 10 mIU of HCG, there are already high chances of having a baby on the way.

Beta HCG Pregnancy Test

The oldest and also most used by doctors, the blood-based pregnancy test is the best and safest way to know if a woman is pregnant. For this test, you need to go to a lab and have a small amount of blood drawn. The blood is then placed in a laboratory centrifuge, which separates the red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. From the plasma, a procedure is done to determine whether or not there is HCG in the body. The HCG test is very accurate. However, there’s still a small margin of error, from 1 to 2%, depending on the case. Beta HCG is the most recommended by doctors. Even though pharmacy pregnancy tests have become reliable, it’s still likely that your doctor will request this test if there’s any suspicion of pregnancy.

Beta qualitative and quantitative: which to choose?

Not everyone knows there are two types of beta HCG: quantitative and qualitative. The difference between them is significant, despite the similar names. Beta HCG qualitative only tells if there are levels above 25mUI in the blood. In that case, it means a positive for pregnancy. Meanwhile, the quantitative beta HCG is more detailed. The blood serum is analyzed to see if there’s a certain amount of HCG. If so, a digital count determines exactly how many mIU of HCG are in your blood. It can detect from 0.1 mIU and there’s no upper limit for how much hormone can be detected.

To know exactly how much HCG you have in your body, the quantitative beta HCG test is the best choice. The amount of HCG helps determine how far along the pregnancy is. However, there are places in the country that don’t perform the quantitative beta HCG or take many days to provide results. In this case, the beta HCG qualitative may help ease the curiosity or doubts of a possible mom-to-be. Both are perfectly effective and reliable if done at the right time.

Lab reference values for positive results

The positive result threshold for beta HCG may vary from one lab to another. Usually, it’s above 25 mIU or 50 mIU. Some set the positive limit above 10 mIU, others above 100 mIU. The important thing is to repeat the test in a few days to monitor the hormone’s progress in your body. It’s not uncommon to find women confused by their results. For this reason, we developed a small chart to help clear up any doubts when reading the test.

How HCG evolves in the body

HCG increases intensely in the first weeks of pregnancy. That’s because progesterone produced by the corpus luteum stimulates HCG production at high speed. However, HCG production varies from woman to woman, and the rate it increases depends on her progesterone and estrogen levels. Theoretically, HCG should almost double every 48 hours. This is a good sign that the pregnancy is progressing well in its early stages. But sometimes the concentration grows more slowly or by less than the expected almost double. In those cases, it’s best to closely monitor the hormone’s development and consult an OB-GYN.

The reference table that comes with the test result is not always exact. Every body is different and the table only gives an estimate. If your result was lower than expected, there can be various reasons. Some possibilities include late embryo implantation, late ovulation, progesterone deficiency, or even issues with the pregnancy. Many women choose to track their pregnancy progress with pharmacy pregnancy tests. If you use tests of the same brand and sensitivity, it’s perfectly fine. It’s safe and even more effective when done with the first urine of the day. The higher your HCG, the darker the positive lines will appear.

Can the Beta HCG pregnancy test fail?

Although it is an effective test, the beta HCG pregnancy test can fail. Not because of the test itself, but because of the conditions when the blood sample was taken. As mentioned before, you need a minimum amount of pregnancy hormone in your body for the result to be reliable. If you take the test too early, you may get a false result. If the zygote hasn’t implanted yet, and you take the test, it surely won’t show pregnancy because there isn’t any hormone to detect. It is therefore recommended to repeat the test after a few days. The ideal is around 7 days after the first test.

The opposite can also happen! There are rare cases where, even in advanced pregnancy, the woman doesn’t have detectable HCG in her blood or urine. This is an isolated condition and still being studied by medicine to understand why it happens. It’s estimated that in about 1 out of 10,000 pregnancies, blood tests will not detect pregnancy. For this reason, if there is suspicion, it’s advisable to have an ultrasound to get a precise diagnosis.

Pharmacy pregnancy test

These came to improve the lives of women trying to conceive or who just want to clear up a simple doubt. Am I pregnant? In less than 5 minutes and at home, you can find out if your life is about to change forever! The tests are made from simple materials: paper, plastic, dye, and the so-called antiserum. They have become so popular with women exactly because they are easy to buy, use, and interpret.

There are so many brands, sensitivities, and styles that it can be confusing when buying. But with these tips you’ll become a pharmacy pregnancy test expert. From now on, we’ll uncover the world of pharmacy tests: their strengths, their weaknesses, and even the best brands on the market. We’ll also show a little about the test lines and what they mean, even if the result is negative.

Types of pharmacy pregnancy tests

There are several types of pharmacy tests. Even though the purpose and method may be similar, they’re not all the same. There are basically three types:

Strips: a strip of paper, dye, and antibodies inside a sealed packet with a silica sachet (to prevent deterioration).

Pen: a plastic case encloses the test strip. The test is the same as the strip version, but usually wider and slightly more expensive.

Digital: The digital test works on the same principle as the strip and pen tests. The difference is a sensor inside that can identify and indicate if the test is positive. Some digital tests can also estimate how many weeks the woman has been pregnant, thanks to the concentration of dyes stored on the test strip.

Liquid: the oldest, sold in the 80s and now making a comeback in foreign markets. It works the same way, identifying pregnancy hormone in the urine. However, the result appears by changing the color of the reagent: blue means positive, yellow means negative. This type of pharmacy pregnancy test is not available for sale in Brazil.

The results of these tests are easy to read, even for ClearBlue, where a sign appears instead of the second result line. If a + sign shows up, congratulations, you’re pregnant!

How does a pharmacy pregnancy test work?

The pharmacy pregnancy test is designed to detect HCG in the collected sample, which is urine. It’s pretty similar to a qualitative beta HCG lab test, but the main difference really is the material used. Besides the dye strip, there’s a “antibody” region that will capture the pregnancy hormone. Plus, there’s a control line that shows whether the test worked or not.

You need to dip the strip or pen in the collected sample up to the indicated line, then wait the time specified in the test’s instructions. At this point, the more hormone in the sample, the darker the result line will appear. If there is no pregnancy, only the control line will appear. If two lines show up, then the result is positive. If only the result line appears, the test is invalid, as it is if no line appears or it gets stained. In this case, it is recommended to repeat the test with a new strip.

Pregnancy test before or after your period is late?

This is definitely very important information. Knowing exactly when you can take the pregnancy test is essential to avoid problems and disappointment. The recommended time is after your period is late. But some women have irregular cycles and can’t tell when their period is late. As mentioned previously, the hormone only appears after implantation. That’s why the pregnancy must already be underway in order to detect it. You need at least 25 mIU of HCG to detect pregnancy. So even the qualitative beta HCG should be done after a missed period or 20 days after the sexual encounter that could have led to conception.

The tests that can be done even before the missed period are those with high sensitivity. The quantitative beta HCG blood test is a great help in these cases. However, there are pharmacy tests with high HCG sensitivity, only 10 mIU, that can detect pregnancy very early. To know the sensitivity of a pharmacy pregnancy test, just read the leaflet or the package. For blood tests, it’s a good idea to check with the lab beforehand.

How to take a pregnancy test

To take a pregnancy test, you should have at least five days of delayed menstruation or be 20 days past your most fertile day or a sexual encounter with “risk” of pregnancy. That’s because the zygote takes about 5 days to reach the uterus and implant, and only after that can pregnancy be detected.

IMPORTANT: The test should preferably be done with the first urine of the morning.

This is because HCG concentration is much higher in that first morning pee. The time it remains in the bladder, about 4 to 8 hours of sleep, is ideal for “storing” the hormone. With this, the pharmacy pregnancy test will be much more effective. Plus, it’s easier to collect the sample, and you won’t have to wait hours during the day.

It’s recommended to discard the first stream and collect urine in a sterile plastic container, that is, very clean and dry. The cup should be placed on a flat surface and the urine can be used for up to 2 hours at room temperature or 4 hours in the fridge after collection. With clean, dry hands, open the test package, remove the strip or pen, and dip it for at least 20 seconds in the urine. Then remove the test, put it on a flat surface, and wait the time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Some tests allow you to collect the urine directly with the test under your stream. However, this is not the most effective method. It’s better to collect the urine first and then test it. The risk of missing the pen or getting an altered result is quite high.

Pregnancy test result

And now: pregnant or not? A million thoughts run through your mind when you take a pregnancy test. The adrenaline at that moment is undeniable! So now it’s time for the truth. Am I pregnant? Even if you clearly know what a positive or negative looks like, the result can seem very complicated when it’s your test. The result of a pregnancy test is theoretically simple to figure out. But there can be some variations.

Negative pregnancy test: when only the control line appears on the strip or pen. This doesn’t depend on the brand, the type of test, or the color of the dye, which may be blue or reddish pink.

Positive pregnancy test: the test is positive when two lines appear. Regardless of how dark the second line is, the test is considered positive.

Types of positive lines on a pharmacy test

It may seem simple, but as mentioned before, the test may show some variation in the positive line. These can be tricky and sometimes cause confusion for a woman hoping to become a mom.

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Definitely positive: That test where two lines appear: a strong test line and a control line. It’s like saying, “Yes, girl, you are really pregnant without a doubt!” See more pictures in our gallery.

Faint or very faint line: The test shows a second line, but pale and lighter than the control line. In the case of a very faint line, it’s even paler and looks more like an optical illusion or a faded watermark. This can happen with urine with low HCG concentration or when the test dye isn’t very good. It’s also possible for the result line to be faint in very early pregnancies with low hormone levels, or if the test is done with urine from later in the day, without enough time for HCG to become concentrated.

Evaporation line: This is a line that appears a few minutes after the test. Typically, it shows up about 15 minutes after performing the test. It happens because the test strip, which contains a band of antibodies, starts to dry and becomes visible on the paper strip of the test. This is not a positive result, but it can make you think it is.

Blurry line: Also not uncommon, a smear or blurry spot on the pregnancy test happens quite frequently and will definitely cause an initial reaction. However, not all cases of a blurry line actually mean a positive. The dye might not have enough material to distribute evenly on the strip; then, the dye can pool in the middle and may disappear over time. That’s why it’s common for women to say their test turned positive and then disappeared.

Pregnancy test reading time: The proper time to read the test is up to a maximum of 10 minutes after taking it. After this period, any changes to the test should be disregarded.

Negative pharmacy pregnancy test

The test isn’t always positive. In fact, it’s much more common for a pharmacy pregnancy test to be negative than the other way around. Even so, doubts can still linger for women. Can a pregnancy test come back negative even if you are pregnant? Yes! This is called a false negative. This happens because the test cannot detect the pregnancy even if it is underway. Sometimes, pharmacy tests aren’t able to detect small amounts of hormone, or may not detect anything if the urine is too dilute. Some situations that can lead to a false negative:

• Drinking a large amount of fluids before taking the test
• Low HCG concentration due to early stage of pregnancy
• Use of diuretic medications

If the pharmacy test is negative and your period hasn’t come, it’s recommended to repeat the test in a few days. Usually, 7 days is enough for a significant increase of pregnancy hormone in the body. If the negative result repeats, it’s best to see a doctor to figure out what’s going on.

Does a false positive exist?

Yes. And unfortunately, it is becoming more common among women. Although pharmacy tests are very reliable, sometimes a positive result can bring joy—or a shock. That’s because sometimes the line on the false positive on a pharmacy test can be quite strong. But why does a false positive happen?

External factors can be responsible for this. However, some brands are less strict with their suppliers. This leads to the distribution of a low-quality product. With that, the test can be made from questionable materials and a false positive can occur. But it’s also possible that a specific batch of tests has problems. If you trust the brand and you got a false positive, contact and notify the manufacturer or distributor. False positives can also be caused by certain external factors:

• Use of medications that contain HCG in their formula (Choragon, Choriamon, Ovidrel, Pregnyl)
• Recent miscarriage (less than 2 months or 8 weeks ago)
• Production of a tumor that secretes HCG

The problem with a false positive is the psychological and emotional impact it causes. Sometimes a positive is long awaited—and then, when you find out there’s no pregnancy, it can be very frustrating and sad. It’s important to know how to handle this situation. So before telling anyone, confirm the result with another pharmacy test or even a blood test.

Which are the best tests and their sensitivity

Pharmacy pregnancy tests have never been so similar in terms of quality. That’s because women who use this type of product have become more discerning and attentive to what they are buying. After all, she’s not just buying a pharmacy test—she’s buying the possibility of a dream come true.

However, some brands still stand out, especially when compared to others on the market. The ClearBlue brand, for example, is the world leader in the quality of its tests. Likewise, First Response gains more fans every day. In Brazil, the P&G ClearBlue brand recently began to pay more attention to the Brazilian market, which lacked top-quality products. In 2016, they launched a product that had been available abroad for a long time: the digital pregnancy test.

Still, there are several Brazilian brands that are just as good as ClearBlue. A trusted brand that has gradually gained ground is Confira. Made with great materials and offering reliable results, it quickly won over women because it’s very affordable. The Confirme brand is also one of the best national brands, and just as accessible as Confira. Maxtest and Unitest Plus have been on the market for a long time and also have great quality. The Famivita pregnancy test is also a great option. It can detect a positive even before a missed period and is highly sensitive, detecting as little as 10mUI.

Now, mentioning brands you should be cautious about, it’s worth paying attention to the following:

• Gravtest
• Fast Test
• Gravindex

There are several reports of problems with these tests. Not that they’re bad. But it’s important to pay attention if the result line seems very clearly positive. On the other hand, some brands that are relatively new on the market and getting great reviews are:

• Verifik
• Cegontest
• Famivita

Except for ClearBlue, all the brands mentioned here have a sensitivity of 25 mUI. ClearBlue offers 10mUI sensitivity in the easy and digital versions and can be used on the first day of a missed period. In the same category is the Famivita test. There are also reputable brands abroad, but they are not approved by ANVISA. One Step, for example, is a well-known international brand but is not licensed for sale in the country. Wondfo, Alice, and others are also recognized but not authorized for sale in Brazil. All of them have 10mUI sensitivity. It is recommended to perform the test with the first urine of the day, which will make the result even more reliable.

How much does a pregnancy test cost?

The price of a pregnancy test can vary a lot depending on the region. Whether they are pharmacy tests or blood tests, the cost can fluctuate substantially depending on whether you’re in a rural area or in the state capital, a small neighborhood pharmacy or a large pharmacy chain.

IMPORTANT: The price of pharmacy pregnancy tests usually ranges from R$15 to R$50. Famivita’s tests have great sensitivity. They come in kits of 2 or 5 strips at a very accessible price, about R$4.90 per strip.

The more renowned the brand, the higher the price. However, it’s worth shopping around before buying to find the best option, delivery time, and so on. Buying online can be advantageous if you plan your purchase ahead of time. Chain pharmacy prices are quite attractive and can be up to 70% cheaper than in a small local pharmacy.

A qualitative beta HCG blood test costs around R$50. In some regions, this price can triple if it’s the quantitative beta HCG. But just like with pharmacy tests, it’s really worth checking around in your area. In São Paulo, for example, there’s a lab where the quantitative beta test costs around R$35 for the most basic version.

Homemade pregnancy tests

Homemade pregnancy tests are a common topic among women. In theory, these would show pregnancy using items every woman has at home, plus a urine sample. Cleaning products, personal hygiene items, even things for mending clothes! These tests come from popular culture and old wives’ tales, so their effectiveness is not the same as blood or pharmacy pregnancy tests. In fact, they’re not suitable for detecting pregnancy because they have many flaws and are unreliable, with no scientific basis at all. Even so, they’re still widely used. Ideally, always keep in mind that these tests are more like a superstition or a bit of fun, and should always be confirmed with a conventional pregnancy test. There are many types of homemade pregnancy tests, described below.

Urine boiling test

For the urine boiling test, simply collect urine and, in a suitable container (preferably enameled), boil for 2 minutes. If it creates a foam on top of the urine, the test is considered positive. If the urine forms a thick layer on top, much like cream on milk, it’s considered negative.

Moroccan pregnancy test

The oldest of all homemade pregnancy tests, the Moroccan pregnancy test is done with a brand-new, unused sewing needle dipped in urine. Ideally, leave the needle in the urine overnight. If the needle turns dark and rusty, the test is considered positive. It’s best to use a plastic container and never metal, okay?

Bleach or chlorine pregnancy test

The pregnancy test using bleach or chlorine is the most widely done among women. It’s become very popular and more women are trying it every day. But the test with Clorox or Qboa (brands on the market) can cause a lot of hope for those who really want a baby. That’s because it often shows positive results. To perform the chlorine test, collect urine in a clean plastic container. Add an equal amount of chlorine to the urine and observe the mixture’s reaction.

• Positive test: If the bleach reacts by foaming or fizzing like soda or beer, the test would be considered positive. It’s also considered positive if the mixture becomes much darker than normal.
• Negative test: The urine stays the same color and has no reaction to the bleach or chlorine.

Toothpaste pregnancy test

The toothpaste pregnancy test is simple. Put a little toothpaste into the urine sample. If the mixture turns bluish or greenish (because of the alkaline toothpaste), the test is positive. If it turns any other color, the test is negative. It’s also possible to see foam or bubbles like a beer head. If you notice this, then the test would also be considered positive, according to the tradition.

Pine-Sol pregnancy test

Pine-Sol cleaner is a well-known national brand, and the test should be done with the pine-scented type. Mix equal parts of urine and disinfectant and wait for a reaction. If the mixture changes color, then the result is considered positive.

Vinegar pregnancy test

In a clean, dry container, add half a cup of urine and two tablespoons of vinegar. Do not mix with metal utensils. It’s best to use a popsicle stick or plastic spoon. Wait 1 minute to read the result. If you see foam or if the mixture changes color, the result is positive.

Charm (Sympathy) to find out if you are pregnant

This is something you should only do if you believe in it, have an open mind, and can really throw yourself into the ritual. The charm or sympathy to find out if you are pregnant is simple: take a ring or wedding band that belongs to the woman being tested and hang it from a thread or string. Then, with your palm open, ask the ring:

Tell me, angels of the Lord, if there is a new life inside me, show me, spin in circles like my heart around God’s love.

Give it a tiny push so the ring moves, and there you’ll get your answer. If the ring spins in circles, the result is positive; if it swings back and forth like a pendulum, then the result is negative. This tradition is very old and will definitely help with the curiosity of a mom-to-be.

Cotton swab test

If you have a cotton swab at home, you might not know it could be an ally! The cotton swab pregnancy test is quite new and, due to its simplicity, is widely used among women. With this test, it’s not possible to find out if you’re pregnant, but rather to see if your period is due soon. The cotton swab test involves carefully inserting the stick into the vaginal canal. When you remove it, you might see two outcomes:

• Clean: white, maybe just a bit moist or with a bit of white discharge, which is common.
• Stained: red, pink, or brown. This means there is bleeding, which could be light, dark, or like old blood after the cervix.
• Interpretation: a clean result may mean there is no menstruation at that moment. This could change later the same day and bleeding may start in the afternoon or evening, for example. A stained result means there is menstruation or bleeding happening and, in that case, there may not be a pregnancy. The cotton swab test is reliable and safe, but is subject to sudden change. Therefore, you should only consider the result for that particular moment. Remember that the cotton swab test should only be done once a day and always with hands washed very well. Ideally, your hands should even be sterilized with alcohol.

Emotional impact of a pregnancy test

It’s like the thrill of a huge roller coaster drop! Opening the test packet and dipping the strip or pen-style test into the urine will definitely stir up a woman’s emotions. The impact of the result will be different for each woman, but emotion is always a part of the process. Whether the result is positive or negative, it will have consequences for the woman’s and the couple’s lives. When positive and wanted, the result feels like a blessing. If it’s unwanted, it can cause a lot of negative emotional changes. Doubts will definitely come up. But learning how to deal with them is extremely important. Facing an unwanted negative is just as hard as facing an unwanted positive. For this reason, being prepared for all possibilities is necessary when taking a test of this magnitude.

A pregnancy test is truly transformative—a milestone and turning point in a woman’s life. From that moment on, her destiny may be completely changed. She could share her whole life with a new love. So here’s some advice: take the test when you are ready. That’ll help you handle the results—whether it’s the outcome you’ve been waiting for, or the one you’d least like to see at that moment.

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Survey on pregnancy tests

To better understand pregnancy test use habits, Trocando Fraldas conducted a study with more than 10,000 women from across the country, between September 7 and 12, 2017, via an online questionnaire. Participants answered freely and also provided their location.

Questions

The following questions were asked:

• Have you ever taken a pregnancy test?
• What types of pregnancy tests have you tried?
• How many pharmacy tests did you buy at one time?
• When did you take your first pregnancy test?

Results

For comparison purposes, answers were also converted into numbers.

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