Symptoms and Signs of Pregnancy & EPT Tests

Finding out you are pregnant can be both an exciting and terrifying experience. The thought of bringing a new life into the world can make for a simultaneously joyous and scary moment. However, being prepared for pregnancy can make it a bit easier. Knowing what to look for in yourself as far as the symptoms and signs can help you detect pregnancy as early as possible. Likewise, proper use of EPT or Early Pregnancy Tests can help you keep tabs on your body and find out if you’re going to be a mom within as little as 10 days after conception!

Symptoms of Pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms by themselves are usually not that noticeable; however, it is the combination of several that should raise your suspicions toward being pregnant. If you notice any of the below symptoms, be sure to take a home test. If you obtain a positive result on the home test be sure to visit your doctor to verify it.

Missed Period
Morning Sickness
Frequent Urination
Constipation
Headaches
Spotting
Heartburn
Swollen and/or Tender Breasts
Tiredness

Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotrophin, HCG, or the pregnancy hormone. Most of these tests detect the hormone in the urine and can provide results within minutes. Early pregnancy tests, EPT, can detect HCG very early-in just a week to 10 days after ovulation. These tests are much more sensitive than the regular pregnancy tests and can help you find out the truth about your body as fast as possible.

Most pregnancy tests contain monoclonal antibodies, which are used to detect HCG in the urine. You will either need to take a urine sample and place a testing strip in it; hold the test underneath the flow of urine; or, use a pipette to place a few drops of urine in a testing well. These are dip strip, midstream and cassette tests, respectively.

Once the urine is on the test, it will provide results within a few minutes. A control line will appear to show you that the test is functional and another line will appear to indicate if you are pregnant. Be sure to read your test’s instructions to see just how your results will be indicated.