Home Pregnancy Test: Understand The Basics

The home pregnancy test is the easiest way available in today’s world to calm the inquisitive mind of couples for detecting pregnancy. In fact, opting for a pregnancy test at home with kit can give you effective results within a few minutes.

This can be a tad bit confusing for first-time expectant mums and they may  wonder how to do a home test for pregnancy, but the truth is, they are simple as all you have to do is follow the instructions in the kit enclosed. These home pregnancy test kits just need a urine sample, preferably the morning one. This is because the home pregnancy test kit is designed in a way that detects the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone (hCG). HCG is a hormone that is normally absent in urine but is secreted into the urine throughout the pregnancy, starting from around 6 days after conception. A home pregnancy test cost in India varies from INR 50-to 150. Let’s understand how to use pregnancy kit at home in detail.

How to Test Pregnancy at Home with Kit?

To do a pregnancy test at home with kit, all you need to do is:

• Collect your urine in a cup. 
• Then dip a pregnancy test kit into your urine liquid. 
• Now it’s time to collect your urine in a cup and transfer a little bit of it into a separate container with an eyedropper. 
• Place the testing stick in the middle of your predicted urine stream to collect your pee in the middle of it and read the results within 5 minutes. 

When to Take a Pregnancy Test?

Generally, a home pregnancy test is done after a missed period, but with the advancement in medicine, there are pregnancy home tests that can be done even before you miss the next period, to give early results. The pregnancy test can be done after 7-10 days of ovulation,  and this is in fact,  the earliest that it can be done.

Pregnancy home tests can be negative if the test is done too early after conception; hence, for the most reliable test results, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test seven days after the missed period. For women undergoing IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatments, it is advisable to avoid performing a pregnancy test at home immediately and wait for at least 14 days after the embryo transfer procedure. This is because the chances of false-positive results are high because you are given a shot of hCG hormone before the procedure. That means even if there is no pregnancy, the pregnancy stick may show otherwise.

How Accurate Are Home Pregnancy Tests?

The pregnancy home test’s accuracy depends on how well the person follows the instructions while performing the test. Most of these kits claim to be 99% accurate, yet there can be falsely positive or negative test results.

Sometimes, the pregnancy test kit results will have a very faint positive line. In such cases, you should wait for another 3-4 days and take another test. Additionally, it may so happen that one pregnancy home test is negative and the 2nd test is negative too, or the home pregnancy test is negative but the doctor’s is positive, or  the home pregnancy test is negative but pregnancy symptoms are present. In such cases, a blood test for levels of HCG in the blood is done to confirm the pregnancy.

Types of Home Pregnancy Tests

Two types of pregnancy tests at home are available in the market:

• Pregnancy Home Test Strip (Strip Pregnancy Test): This is the most common type of pregnancy test kit available, wherein you simply have to hold the strip or a dipstick provided in a stream of urine. On detecting hCG, one end of the strip will change colour indicating you are pregnant.
  
• Cup Test Kit: A test device, along with a urine collection cup is provided in this type of home pregnancy test kit. You have to collect your urine in the cup as indicated, and then dip the test device in it and if the colour changes, it indicates you are pregnant.

Where to Get a Home Pregnancy Test Kit?

You can get a pregnancy test kit at any local pharmacy, drugstore, grocery shop, as well as online. Home pregnancy test kits are typically cheap and cost as little as some bucks.

What do the Pregnancy Test Results Mean? 

While using the pregnancy test kit, if you see one line, then it indicates that the test is negative, and that you are not pregnant. Whereas, two lines indicate that the test is positive and that you are pregnant. On the other hand, a weak positive line in the results window might leave you scratching your head. If this happens, you should take the test again, after a while.

What Positive Pregnancy Kit Test Result Means?

 If you obtain a positive result, it means that you are pregnant. This holds true regardless of how little the line, colour, or indication is. If you receive a positive test, you should contact your doctor to discuss your options further.

What if your Test Result is Negative?

The absence of hCG in your urine is indicated by a negative pregnancy test result. You’re unlikely to be pregnant if your period is unusually late or if you’ve skipped your period and you get a negative test.

FAQs

Q1 When should I use the pregnancy test kit?

Most pregnancy tests should be done as early as the first day of missing menstruation. If you are unsure when your next period will arrive, take the test at least 21 days after your last unprotected intercourse. Even if you haven’t missed a period, you should do a pregnancy test.

Q2 Can I use a pregnancy test anytime?

Even if you haven’t missed your period, you should use some of the more sensitive pregnancy tests. A pregnancy test is performed on a sample of urine taken at any time of day. It isn’t necessary to take the test in the morning.

Q3 When is the best time to take a pregnancy test morning or night?

Take your pregnancy test in the morning, as during this time  the hCG levels in your urine are concentrated after a night without much drinking and urinating. It’s best not to test at night if you’re still early in your pregnancy and your hCG levels are just starting to increase.

Q4 Can I be pregnant and still test negative?

When using a home pregnancy test, it’s possible to obtain a negative result when you’re truly pregnant. This is referred to as a false-negative situation. So, in that case, you should consult a doctor for the next test.

Takeaway

If you obtain a negative result, retest in a week or so to double-check. Some home pregnancy tests recommend doing this regardless of your first findings. Call your doctor if you take the test twice and obtain different results. Confirming the results with a blood test is a smart idea. You should consult your doctor if you have any further questions regarding the pregnancy test or the findings. However, you can also avail some information on how to use a pregnancy test calculator to check your pregnancy status.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also Read:  10 Signs You Are Pregnant But Just Refused To See It

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