First Response Early Pregnancy Test: Fast Results Relieve Anxiety

Waiting to find out if you are pregnant can be a stressful experience. EPT pregnancy tests can help relieve you of this stress sooner rather than later.

Several months ago, I was worried about the absence of my period even though it was still two days before I really missed it. I am usually on a normal 28-30 day schedule, more likely starting on the 28th day rather than the thirtieth. So, on the 28th day of my cycle I decided to take an early response pregnancy test to save myself from the torture of waiting for a late period.

I had been experiencing lower-abdomen pains and breast tenderness, but unfortunately these also can be signs of pregnancy! I went to the drugstore and purchased an EPT pregnancy test (I'll be honest, I was drawn to the pink box) called First Response. I picked up the Value Pack with three tests included just to be safe; it had a price tag of $18.99.

The instructions were extremely clear and simple, written in both English and Spanish. There were diagrams and great illustrations to avoid any confusion about what to do with the product. The directions tell you to remove the cover of the tip of the pregnancy test stick, and hold the uncovered end under a stream of urine for five seconds. Replace the cover, and lay the test on a flat surface for three minutes. Three minutes can seem like forever when you are waiting for the most important news of your life; I would suggest brushing your teeth or performing another simple task to pass the time.

After three minutes I looked at my results: Two lines, meaning I was pregnant! I think this is definitely one of the easiest tests to read. It just doesn't get any less complicated than looking for one line or two. However, if you are doubtful of your results (especially if it shows one line only, meaning you are not pregnant) it is important to take another test at a different time. The best time to take any pregnancy test is in the morning, when the pregnancy hormone is the easiest to detect. This can help avoid seeing a false negative result; although if your result is two lines the first test you should see your doctor right away. It is very unlikely to have a false positive! The second time I took the test I waited until the next morning. After I was ready to put the cap back on the test and wait for my results, I decided to watch it instead of waiting to check. To my surprise, two pink lines appeared after only about thirty seconds!

I had a very good experience with this EPT pregnancy test, but I feel there are possible disadvantages for a woman taking the test who is not pregnant. The test claims to detect the pregnancy hormone five days before your missed period; I think that is too soon to take a test. I only waited two days before my missed period, and technically it was most likely the day of my period (or when it usually would have started). If a woman receives a negative result five days before her missed period, it might be because the test simply did not work, or it was too soon to tell. The woman would not be aware of the fact that she could still possibly be pregnant.

Getting positive result as soon as possible is a wonderful thing, and it can take a lot of the stress away from waiting to find out the good news. But if being pregnant is more of a surprise for you, I would suggest not using a test before the actual day of your missed period. It is quite risky to base your daily (or nightly) activities on what an over-the-counter pregnancy test is telling you, so play it safe and wait until you can be sure.