Positive Pregnancy Test - What Now?

A positive pregnancy test is one of the best results a woman will get during her lifetime. It symbolizes motherhood and the start of a new life for her and her soon-to-be-born child.  However, women respond to a pregnancy result in different ways.

It is undeniable that anxiety is one of the emotions that overwhelm most women, especially teenagers and first-time mothers. Here are some helpful tips that you can follow after testing positive on an HCG pregnancy test kit.

1. Take the pregnancy test again.

A lot of women are excited to find out if they are indeed pregnant or not. Those who have been trying to conceive for months or years even test for pregnancy before a missed period. It should be noted that EPT test results are not a reliable indicator of pregnancy. Even home pregnancy tests that are used after a missed period are not 99% accurate as they claim to be.

For women who have taken early pregnancy tests, it is recommended to check for the results a week after missed period. This is mostly true especially among those who got a false pregnancy test using EPT test kits. There are certain problems and medical conditions that can result in a false positive pregnancy test result.

• Molar pregnancy is a condition wherein the body produces HCG hormones.

• Certain medications such as those used to treat infertility include HCG as one key ingredient.

• Miscarriage a few days after implantation can also reveal HCG levels in both the bloodstream and urine.

• Defective EPT test kit. A faint positive pregnancy test is indicative of pregnancy. However to make sure that the results are accurate, a visit to an obstetrician or gynecologist is recommended.

You can either purchase a pregnancy test kit a week after your first testing. The HCG level in the urine days after a missed period or three weeks after ovulation is at 100 mIU/ml or more. This amount is considered as a possible sign of pregnancy.

Aside from retaking the test again, you can also go directly to your gynecologist. There are many clinical methods on how to check pregnancy that your doctor may prescribe for you to take. If a pregnancy is suspected, your doctor will most likely conduct a blood HCG test. A qualitative blood HCG exam will measure both the presence and the amount of HCG that you have.

2. Schedule your first prenatal checkup

It is advisable to seek a doctor’s advice as early as possible once a pregnancy is detected. Most women plan their prenatal checkup when they are already one month pregnant. Others pay their gynecologist a visit during later months when they start feeling early pregnancy signs and symptoms. A prenatal check up is the second-most important thing that should be done after pregnancy detection. It ensures the health and well being of both you and the fetus growing inside your womb.

3. Talk to someone who can help you plan your pregnancy

“Am I pregnant?” – This is what women with unplanned pregnancy ask themselves over and over again. Even with a positive pregnancy test, they will most likely still be in a state of denial that they are actually pregnant. For women who are still not sure of what to do after a positive pregnancy test, talking to a counselor or parent will assist them in making the best decision there is. There are a lot of options that can be taken by women with unplanned pregnancy. It should be noted that abortion is not a desirable option as this may contradict personal beliefs, religion, and values of a pregnant woman. In addition, this may cause complications and mental stress to a pregnant woman as well.

For first time mothers on the other hand, talking to fellow mothers and friends who already have kids will help them a lot in preparing for the coming of the baby. Women who have had experience of giving birth will be able to provide you with useful information on how to ensure optimum health throughout pregnancy. Seeking the advice of parenting experts will also prepare an expecting mother of how to deal with taking care of the baby after delivery.

It’s always best to communicate your feelings about pregnancy to somebody else. A spouse, a family friend, siblings, parents, and even health professionals will be able to help you alleviate any negative emotions that you have towards your condition. Having a strong support system during pregnancy contributes to the good health of you and the fetus.

4. Plan ahead and save up

Many women would ask this, “I have a positive pregnancy test, now what?” It’s all natural that first time moms would still be clueless of what they need to do after confirming pregnancy. With a strong support system, it’s easy to formulate a strategic plan of how to go through nine months of carrying a baby. However, you also need to realize that the assistance you may need can be more than emotional and psychological. Expecting mother and the father of the newborn should also save up for the cost of delivery and expenses that will surely be incurred during the nine months of being pregnant.

While being pregnant, you need to be more nourished and medications may be indicated for a healthy pregnancy all throughout and a safe delivery as well. Do not be stingy when it comes to costs and expenses that are associated with your pregnancy. You will need to allocate money for regular checkups. There will be diagnostic tests that you need to go through, and these exams will require you to pay as well. Always follow the recommendation of your attending gynecologist to ensure that you don’t go through a difficult pregnancy and delivery in the end.