Do I need to be fasting to take a pregnancy test at the hospital?

Some female friends do not pay attention to protective measures during sexual intercourse, which may lead to unexpected pregnancy. Some people do not even know they are pregnant. This is very dangerous. If you find signs of pregnancy, you must go to the hospital for a pregnancy test. Let's learn together whether you need to be on an empty stomach for a pregnancy test in the hospital?

According to the survey, the accuracy of home pregnancy test sticks is as high as 99%, which is almost the same as the accuracy of urine pregnancy tests done in hospitals. Home pregnancy tests are available at most pharmacies and do not require a prescription. One of the benefits of this testing method is that it gives you more privacy and flexibility. You just need to find a bathroom anywhere and spend a few minutes to get the results.

Home pregnancy tests involve dropping urine onto a chemical-containing test stick or placing the test stick into urine. This method mainly tests for a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is secreted by the placenta after a woman becomes pregnant. This hormone is also important for some pregnancy symptoms, such as breast swelling and nausea. Human chorionic gonadotropin levels can usually be detected in the urine ten days after conception. But if you take the test within ten days of conception, you may get a result of no conception when you are actually pregnant. When you take a home pregnancy test, keep the following in mind:

Try to use the first urine in the morning for testing, as hormone levels are most easily detected at this time. If this is not possible, make sure the urine is in the bladder for at least four hours before testing. Do not drink too much water to increase urine production, as this will dilute hormone levels. Before starting the test, please read the instructions carefully and follow each step accurately. Some medications may affect the results of the test, so be sure to read the label instructions carefully. Additionally, if the pregnancy is ectopic, the hCG level may be too low to be detected by a pregnancy test. To confirm the test results, be sure to see a doctor.

Blood tests are rarely used because they are expensive and urine tests can usually provide results. Blood tests are usually done in special circumstances, such as in women with fertility problems or when a problem is suspected. Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests, but they are more accurate when done earlier, usually 7-12 days after conception. Through blood testing, if the hCG level doubles every two days in the first few weeks of pregnancy; if the hCG level does not rise, it means that you may have a problem with the pregnancy; if the hCG level is particularly high, you may be pregnant with twins.

Around the 5th week of pregnancy (the first formal prenatal check-up after the pregnancy is confirmed), the doctor will perform an ultrasound examination on the pregnant woman. The main purpose of ultrasound examination is to understand the condition of the inside of the uterus, the size of the fetus, and most importantly, the fetal heartbeat. At this time, the fetal heartbeat can be clearly heard. Other information such as whether the condition of the placenta is normal, the number of fetuses, and whether the fetus's limbs and facial features are intact also rely on ultrasound scanning during pregnancy to help confirm the diagnosis.

During the pregnancy test clinic, the doctor usually asks questions including: the date of the last menstrual period, whether the usual cycle is stable and normal, whether the last menstrual blood volume is normal, whether there is any experience of giving birth or artificial abortion, whether there are any diseases that are currently treated with medication, etc. When the pregnancy result is confirmed, the doctor will further understand the health conditions of the couple, their family medical history, whether there are any drug allergies, etc., or further remind the prospective parents of matters that they should pay attention to.

The above article explains in detail whether you need to be on an empty stomach when taking a pregnancy test in the hospital. Most female friends choose to buy a pregnancy test stick and take the pregnancy test at home. The conclusion drawn at this time is still not very accurate. It is better to go to the hospital for a pregnancy test. You still need to be on an empty stomach when taking a pregnancy test because a urine test is required.