It’s likely your local drug store stocks a variety of pregnancy tests. With no indication of the difference between them, you might assume price equal accuracy and buy the expensive test. However, this isn’t necessarily true.
In this post, we’re sharing the difference between pregnancy tests, so you can make an informed decision when buying your next one.
How do pregnancy tests work?
All pregnancy tests work through detecting the hormone HCG. HCG stands for Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin. The placenta begins producing HCG around nineteen days after fertilization. HCG can be detected in the blood and urine. When you urinate on a pregnancy test, it detects the presence of HCG, determining if you’re pregnant or not.
Expensive versus cheap pregnancy tests
If all pregnancy tests use the same method, why do they vary in price? Differences in price come down to the design, quantity and features of the pregnancy test, not the method used. Variations in these elements are what enable brands to claim their pregnancy tests are quicker, better, and more accurate.
Design
Pregnancy tests with more elaborate designs tend to cost more. Handles and digital screens are two features that drive up the price point but don’t change the accuracy of the test. Whether your test is a basic white stick or a bulky digitized piece of equipment, they still serve the same purpose and provide the result you need.
Speed
Some pregnancy tests claim they can detect HCG earlier, giving you your test result sooner. However, the human body still works at the same pace. Although a test might be more sensitive to hormone levels, this doesn’t mean they’re one hundred percent accurate. Earlier detection usually means less accuracy. And if you’re trying for a baby, you want to make sure your test is accurate. It might serve you best to stick with the science and wait the standard twenty days.
If you’re purchasing a packet of pregnancy tests opposed to just one, this is going to cost more. However, the individual price you’re paying for each test might work out cheaper. If you’re interested in buying several tests, buying a multipack could save you money.
A more expensive pregnancy test might be able to provide a result quicker after use. However, the difference between an expensive pregnancy test and a cheaper one is a difference between seconds versus minutes. If you’re a patient person, you’ll be fine purchasing a cheaper pregnancy test and waiting just a little longer to find out the results.
Which pregnancy test should I buy?
Which pregnancy test you should buy is a personal decision. As long as you know there’s not much difference between brands, you can make an informed choice on which test you want to use. Some enjoy the robust feel of more well-known pregnancy test brands. Whereas others prefer to save a bit of money and opt for a basic design. Either way, your pregnancy test is going to give you the result you need. And once you know if you’re pregnant, you can follow up with a visit to your doctors to confirm it.
Trying for a baby is an extremely exciting time in your life. You want to get pregnant as soon as possible, and confirmation of this rests on your pregnancy test. The price or design of your pregnancy test doesn’t matter as long as you’re trying for a baby and testing frequently, you’re on the right path.
Trying for a baby is an extremely exciting time in your life. You want to get pregnant as soon as possible, and confirmation of this rests on your pregnancy test. The price or design of your pregnancy test doesn’t matter as long as you’re trying for a baby and testing frequently, you’re on the right path.
If you have any concerns about your ability to conceive, speak with your doctor or a medical professional.
