PREGNANCY TESTS For most pregnant women, carrying a baby to term is largely a mysterious process. This section helps new parents answer some of the most important questions about pregnancy and childbirth.

Home Pregnancy Tests

There are many tests available in the market, but the principle that all of them apply is to detect the Beta HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) levels in the urine which is increased in pregnancy and the conditions mimicking pregnancy.

HCG is generally secreted when the fertilized ovum implants in the uterus and it peaks  in the 2nd to 3rd month.

When can I do this test?

Most of the tests available will show a positive response after 3-4 days of missed date. Some tests are more sensitive and tests in the laboratory can pick up even before you miss your dates.

But anyways when one misses her dates, no one jumps on the first day to do a pregnancy test. It is a common practice to wait for a few days and then go ahead with these tests.

Remember to use your first morning urine sample to test because the concentration of HCG is highest at that time.

Are home pregnancy tests accurate?

Most of the tests are 98% accurate and if shows the same response in two tests done 3 days apart are almost 100 % accurate.

Reasons for false negative tests

• Test done too early
• Irregular cycles leading to improper calculation of missed date.
• If not done with the first urine sample
• If there has been a delayed fertilization

Reasons for false positive tests

• Vesicular mole
• Ectopic pregnancy

Home pregnancy tests are convenient to use and 99 percent sensitive. Sometimes when the ovulation (i.e. the release of ovum in the uterus) is late and one conceives later than the normal 14th day of the cycle, the tests may come negative in the first instance and positive after a few more days.

So it is advisable to repeat the test after 3-4 days if negative in the first instance but you strongly suspect pregnancy.