Home pregnancy tests

Home pregnancy tests are an easy alternative to find out whether or not you’re pregnant. Often when we suspect a pregnancy, we first want to be sure before we consult a doctor. This especially holds true for working women who have a busy schedule and want to be sure before they take the time out for a visit to the doctor.

Today there are many home pregnancy tests available in the market. These tests work by identifying increased levels of the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropic (hCG) in the urine. This hormone is said to increase dramatically in the early weeks of pregnancy and is also known to double every couple of days. Urine tests conducted by medical practitioners also determine pregnancy through the presence of this hormone, though they are much more detailed and can accurately tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Home pregnancy tests can’t do that. They can only provide you with a positive or negative result. Most of these tests consist of a stick that is meant to be either held while you urinate or dipped in a cup of urine. If the strip or line changes color as described on the instruction booklet or leaflet, then you know you are pregnant.

It’s is important, however, to keep in mind that these tests work best under certain conditions. For instance, they are likely to be most accurate if tried a week after you’ve missed your period. A good time to do so is right after you wake up in the morning as your urine at this time contains the highest levels of hCG. If you’re unable to do that try taking the test at a time when you haven’t urinated for a minimum of four hours. Contrary to what you might have seen or read, it’s not advisable to drink large amounts of fluids prior to the test. This is because the fluids can easily dilute the urine giving you an inaccurate reading.

Chances of inaccurate readings also increase if you are under medication for a variety of reasons, including fertility treatment. Always make sure you read the instructions on the leaflet thoroughly and follow and them to the letter. These leaflets tell you what you can expect and also help you to get accurate results.

Even if you’ve followed the instructions faithfully, there are chances that the results might be inaccurate. For instance, they might appear negative even though you’ve missed your period and have been experiencing other pregnancy symptoms. If that’s the case, you might either want to visit your medical practitioner or wait a few days before administering the same home pregnancy test. The same procedure may be followed if the results aren’t conclusive or clear.

It must be mentioned that some home pregnancy tests have been proven to provide accurate results even before you miss a period and start wondering whether or not you’re pregnant.

Remember that even if your test reveals positive results, it’s important for you to visit your doctor and confirm with a proper urine test that can not only reveal how far along you are but also tell if the fetus is in good health.