If you've been planning for pregnancy, the day that you expect your period is probably well marked in your mind. It is the official day that you can take a home pregnancy test.

These tests measure the levels of hCG (hormone secreted during pregnancy) in your urine. The amount of urine each test can detect varies widely. The amount of hormone each woman secret may also vary, but not as widely. The better tests on the market will measure 25-50 mIUs of hCG, which is usually the amount found in urine between the 4th and 5th weeks of pregnancy. The levels of hCG in your urine and blood will be different.

First morning urine will always contain the highest concentration of hCG. However, most tests do not require that you use first morning urine. You can help better your chances of having enough hCG in your urine by waiting four hours after you last urinated to take the test. This will allow hCG to build up in your urine.

These tests rarely give false results. A negative answer that is later revealed to be a pregnancy is usually the result of the test being performed too early. A positive that later turns out the woman is not pregnant is usually a very early miscarriage. Talk to your practitioner if you have questions about your pregnancy tests and consider calling the toll-free number provided by the test manufacturer.

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Facts about weight gain:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a weight gain of 25 to 37 pounds during pregnancy for women who were a normal weight before pregnancy.
• Women who are underweight should gain between 28-40 pounds unless your health care provider says differently.
• Women who are overweight should gain between 15-25 pounds unless your health care provider says differently.
• Eating healthy meals will allow you to gain adequate weight during your pregnancy. Putting on weight that is unnecessary is easy to do when eating junk food and foods that are higher in fat.
• Eating a well-rounded diet is important. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should have 3 servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese, 3 servings of protein, 3 servings of fruits, 4 servings of vegetables, and 9 servings of whole grain products each day.

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