Home Pregnancy Test

Home pregnancy test offers flexibility and privacy than any other pregnancy tests around. Manufacturers boast these products as 99% effective when used properly as per package instructions. It also offers women a cost-effective way to detect their condition without having to visit [and pay the fee of] an OB.

Home pregnancy tests do not require prescription and they are highly available in pharmacies. They can also be taken to any place that you visit other than your OB, as long as there is a bathroom. It only takes a few minutes to see the result since home pregnancy tests only require a small amount of urine.

The chemical strip of a home pregnancy test is key for determining whether a woman is pregnant or not. A small amount (usually a drop) or urine is place don the chemical strip or the strip itself is placed in the stream of urine. The chemical on the strip can detect HCG in the urine of a pregnancy woman. HCG is a hormone and it stands for human chorionic gonadotropin.

When a woman is pregnant, the placenta releases the HCG hormone into her body. The hormone also causes the initial pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and breast tenderness.

In about 10 days after conception, a woman’s HCG levels increase; thus, making it more detectable. It is advisable to take a home pregnancy test during this time to ensure a positive result. If you take the test just a few days after conception, the result may be negative or just a false alarm even if you are pregnant.

Most experts recommend that women should wait around 5 to 10 days after their menstrual period is officially delayed before taking a home pregnancy test to make sure that it is accurate.

If the result is negative, she must wait for a few more days. If her menstruation does not begin, it is time to take a second test and to see a doctor to make sure.

Home pregnancy tests are not created equal. Some tests can detect even the littlest amount of HCG in the woman’s urine; and these types can easily detect pregnancy especially at the onset.

Some tips when taking a home pregnancy test

• It is best to use the first urine in the morning when possible because the concentration or levels of HCG can be easily detected at this time.
• If you have urinated in the morning, use the next stream of urine instead. Make sure it has been in your bladder for 4 hours the least.
• Do not drink too much fluid before you take the test to avoid diluting your HCG hormones.
• Read and follow the instructions on the home pregnancy test’s packaging before you use it.
• If you are taking medications or fertility drugs, the chemical components of these medicines may interfere with the results. Check the packaging for any info regarding this information.
• If you are doubtful about the results, it is best to see your doctor or OB-GYN.

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