Home Pregnancy Test

Home pregnancy tests are available for purchase at clinics, pharmacies, and some grocery stores. If used correctly, they can be over 97% accurate.

How Home Pregnancy Tests Work

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is also known as "the pregnancy hormone". This hormone is present in her blood and urine. A home pregnancy test detects the hormone, an gives a positive reading.

Which Pregnancy Test Should I Buy?

There are many home pregnancy tests available on the market today. Ask a doctor for a recommendation, or ask a pharmacist which tests are the most popular. A home pregnancy test should be easy to read and the process should not be over-complicated (which increases the chances of getting an inaccurate reading). It should come with clear, detailed instructions. You may want to purchase several pregnancy tests from different manufacturers. In doing this you can compare results from several sources. Some pregnancy tests come in two and three packs. It also comes in handy to have several tests if you make a mistake with one, or if you would like to test again at a later date to be sure of your results.

Home Pregnancy Test Advantages and Disadvantages

A home pregnancy test offers a private means to find the answer to one of the biggest questions in a women's life. A home pregnancy test is taken on your own terms and can increase your level of comfort. They are also convenient, and inexpensive. On the other hand, it is always best to have the guidance of a medical professional. A test administered by someone with experience in this area will be more thorough and can improve accuracy. Medical professionals offer blood tests as well as urine tests (most common). The advantage of taking a quantitative blood test is that it will determine how long you have been pregnant by measuring the amount of hCG in your blood.