First Response

HOW PREGNANCY HAPPENS

In order to become pregnant, sperm have to meet an egg, fertilisation occurs then and the resulting embryo must implant into the uterine wall under the influence of hormones which continue to nurture the pregnancy. Consequently, if there are any problems with the production of healthy sperm, eggs, hormones or the reproductive organs (namely the fallopian tubes and uterus) there is the potential for problems to occur.

Within a few days of fertilisation (sometimes called conception) the ball of cells (Blastula) attaches to the wall of the uterus (endometrium) ready for implantation. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophic Hormone (HCG) stimulates the corpus luteum (the empty egg sac) to produce progesterone to keep the lining of the womb nourished until the egg has safely implanted.

Following implantation the blastocyst (as it is now known) continues to secrete HCG. This forms the basis of the pregnancy test we know today and even tiny levels of this hormone if detected in urine, can confirm a pregnancy has occurred.

Common Questions

1 – How can I tell I am pregnant?

• Even before a missed period you may experience breast tenderness, due to the high pregnancy hormone levels.
• Food cravings (not fully understood but evident nonetheless).
• Tiredness is very common and is due to all the changes the body has to make to accept a developing pregnancy.
• Frequent urination. This is very common and is caused by the growing uterus pressing on the bladder.
• Darkening of the areola (area immediately around the nipples). This is due to a change in skin pigmentation during pregnancy and can also affect the line between the tummy button and the pubic bone.
• Morning sickness. This is not always in the morning and does not always cause sickness. Nausea or just a strange taste may be noted. It may continue throughout the whole pregnancy or may not occur. Normally, it settles in the fourth month when the placenta takes over the work of producing pregnancy hormones.
• Basal body temperature (BBT). This will remain high following fertilization and can be a sign that pregnancy has occurred if associated with other signs.
• Missed period. If your period is late and you have had unprotected sex then there is a chance you could be pregnant.
• Implantation bleed or crampy pains. Even if you have cramps and spotting of blood when your period is due, you could still be pregnant. Sometimes, when the embryo is becoming implanted into the uterine wall, a small amount of bleeding is experienced and is quite normal.

2 – How can I check if I am pregnant or not?

First Response® Early Result Instream Pregnancy Test is over 99% accurate (in laboratory testing)^#. It can tell you 6 days earlier than the day of your missed period (5 days before period is due) whether you are pregnant or not. It is easy, clear and quick.

3 – Why is it beneficial to know early?

The first few weeks of pregnancy are critical to foetal development, so early prenatal care is important to healthy birth weight and baby survival.  In addition, couples who are keen to conceive will wish to know as soon as possible so they can take steps to make sure the woman is in optimum health and in the best possible state to carry a pregnancy to term. An early result could help to reduce any stress which can occur in the days leading up to finding out if the pregnancy is ongoing or not. This in itself should produce a more conducive environment for a potential pregnancy to proceed.

With continued advances in infertility treatment many women are having assisted conception which, in itself, can be highly stressful.  An early test would be beneficial if only to give them the pleasure of knowing they are pregnant before anyone else finds out (an early window of knowledge).  The sooner you know you're pregnant, the sooner you can begin making healthy choices for yourself and your baby that include, diet, nutrtion and limiting your exposure to hazards.

4 – I’ve just learnt I am pregnant now what?

You should make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm you are pregnant and advise your next steps. 
See our section Pregnancy test result

5 – How can I increase my chances of a healthy pregnancy?

Now that you are pregnant, it is essential that you have a healthy lifestyle. You should stop smoking, avoid alcohol as much as possible and eat a healthy diet.

6 – I used a First Response® Early Result Instream Pregnancy Test and it was positive but I am not pregnant, why is that?

A positive answer means you had enough HCG hormone at the time of testing to be detected by First Response®.  It may lead to a successful pregnancy but it is important to note there can be complications, and up to 25% of embryos do not survive and are shed a few days later (this is known as a miscarriage). 

Common causes of false-positive results include:

• Recent birth or miscarriage, because a woman's blood and urine may still contain detectible levels of hCG for a few weeks afterwards
• Dirty urine collecting cup (detergent residue, for example, is known to cause false-positive results)
• Faulty test kit (for example, the kit is damaged, past its use-by date or has been exposed to heat or moisture)
• Blood in the urine (from cystitis, for example)
• Protein in the urine (from kidney damage, for example)
• Certain medications including anti-convulsants, some fertility drugs, diuretics (fluid pills) and tranquillisers

We advise you to test again a few days later to confirm the result.

** Information compiled with the help of Sharon Trotter, independent midwife.

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