What To Do Before You Take A Pregnancy Test

For the vast majority of women, there is going to be a moment in their life when they wonder if they should take a pregnancy test.

You can be at any stage of life, and this is still a worrying thing to think about doing. It is defining, something that is going to have an answer that is likely to change your life forever. Perhaps you are already a mother, hoping for a sibling for your child. Or the prospective parent who's had no luck so far. Or even someone who has not thought about procreating yet, but has nevertheless reached the moment where you wonder: am I pregnant?

Our bodies tend to have a way of communicating their needs and wants to us. Countless women just describe a feeling, something that makes them think perhaps it's time to pick up a box from the pharmacy. Whether you are excited, nervous, or just not even sure what you feel, it's a big moment.

Sometimes, it can be tempting there is nothing going on at all. You can do this out of hope, not daring to believe that this might be happening to you, or it can happen out of fear. You may have bought the test and are now trying to stomach up the courage to use it.

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So, remember: it's always best to know, for a variety of reasons. If you are pregnant, your life needs to change. Alcohol is out and calming, relaxing yoga sessions are in! The sooner that you make a start on these preparations, the better.

If it helps, ask someone you care about - who you can trust to remain calm - to be with you while you take the test. You're likely to need the moral support, someone who is going to instinctively know all the right things to say to you when you get the result.

Choose a time when you are not in a rush- no peeing during your lunch break. It helps to have a good idea of what you are going to do about the result before you get it. Be prepared for both good and bad news, and try to keep a perspective. If you've been trying for a long time, then this doesn't mean the end of the road, it just means not yet. It may sound impossible, but even making the effort to keep things in perspective will help level you out.

It's best to take the test early in the morning, as this is when the result will be the strongest. Do it at the first opportunity. Take the time to read through the instructions and make sure beforehand how they work and that you know how to interpret the results. If you have someone with you, make sure that they are aware as well, just in case you forget in the post-test chaos. ​

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When you know your plans depending on either result, have the time to do it properly and are mentally prepared, the only thing that's left is to do it. And remember, you're always, always going to be better off knowing. ​

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​by Iconic Chica Contributors