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Home Pregnancy Tests
If you suspect you're pregnant, chances are you're considering taking a home pregnancy test. And why not? They're readily available, easy to use, and can buy you peace of mind -- not to mention quick results!
But before you head to the pharmacy to buy a home testing kit, learn the answers to some basic home pregnancy test questions from the National Women's Health Information Center.
How soon after conception is a pregnancy test effective?Pregnancy tests, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, have come a long way since the early to mid 1900s when toads, rats, and rabbits were actually used in testing. Today, over-the-counter home pregnancy kits provide privacy and fast results. They can detect pregnancy as soon as six days after conception or one day after a missed menstrual period. This is a major advantage in allowing women to seek the earliest prenatal care possible.
How do pregnancy tests work?Pregnancy tests detect the presence of a hormone produced by pregnant women after conception, called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In the 1970s, a method called ring or tube agglutination testing used a test tube containing prepackaged red blood cells to detect hCG in urine. If a ring showed at the bottom of the tube after addition of a urine sample, the test was positive. These tests are very sensitive to movement and human error so they're rarely used today.
The test kits you find in your drugstore today are much more sophisticated. Brands such as e.p.t. and First Response contain special antibodies that detect minute traces of hCG in urine. The antibodies are molecules coated with a substance that bonds to the pregnancy hormone if it's present. The tests are easy to use: A urine sample is combined with the antibodies in a special container and the test is timed. A color change indicates a positive or negative result.
Products such as Clearblue Easy use a testing method called "rapid assay delivery," which can give results in only three minutes and even inform the user if the test hasn't been done properly. This method combines a biochemical process with antibodies that detect hCG in a pen-shaped instrument.
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?Although most manufacturers claim that home pregnancy tests are 99 percent accurate, inaccurate results may be more frequent due to improper usage, use of a product past its expiration date, exposure of the test to sunlight, and the presence of cancer in the user. It's very important to follow the package instructions exactly for results to be accurate.
Regardless of the brand used or result obtained, most manufacturers recommend repeating the process a few days later to confirm results, because levels of hCG following conception are so low. The strength of each test varies, and the test may not pick up the amount of hCG hormone present the first time you test.
You should definitely make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you think you're pregnant. It's important to get prenatal care as early as possible, for your sake and for your baby's.
Source: National Women's Health Information Center
All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.
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I really need some advice. I recently took my IUD out March 13. The nurse said we could get pregnant fast. We tried after it was taken out. My last period was April 13-16 it was normal. But now I have a feeling that I may be I have taken 4 test and they all read negative but I feel like I am I have some cramping as if I were pregnant. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!
5/15/2012 01:32:05 PM Report AbuseI could be pregnant I mean its possible but my period is so off that I dont know what to think. I have always had an irregular menstrual cycle i mean months apart any advice please
5/10/2012 09:25:27 AM Report AbuseI just got off birth control, my last period was January 5th, I have a lot of the signs of being pregnant. Its now March 20th! I have taken two pregnancy tests in the last week and both were negative. Could I be pregnant?
3/20/2012 09:29:23 PM Report AbuseTook two home pregnancy test and both came up positive, no period so far this month. And i'm stuck because I'm not sure when is the time I got my period :( I know I got in last month :(. I'm feeling nausea and tired. Could it be false?
2/20/2012 10:19:26 AM Report AbuseDon't be worried to take the pregnancy test. I am 17 days late and have had a couple negative tests but I am pretty sure I am pregnant (we are trying), so I will just test again later, I was 3 weeks late with my last one before I had a positive test.
2/15/2012 06:28:03 PM Report AbuseMy last period was on Dec 27th and they last for 5 days. I bled on the 27th and 28th, stopped on the 29th, and then started bleeding again on the 30th and 31st. We tried on Jan 1st, 4th, and 6th taking that my ovulation day should have been around the 8th, I am having all the symptoms but I am scared of taking a home test due to getting a negative result. Any advice?
1/19/2012 08:49:08 AM Report AbuseI have taken 8 pregnancy tests (different brands)in the past two days all of which came out positive. Think I'm going to buy one more test before I make a doctor's appointment. Very Shocked.
12/27/2011 08:57:53 AM Report AbuseI had my IUD removed on the 11/17/11 and that same night I had intercourse and then the day after and the day after that. It's been a week and 4 days since and I am feeling dizzy,nauseated,stomach feels hard,cramping but no bleeding,peeing a lot,and headaches.I took a home pregnancy test on 11/26/11.The negative line was dark and the line going up and down was light.Is this still a positive test?
11/28/2011 10:56:24 AM Report AbuseI went off my birth control (it was a patch) about 2 months ago.. I had my period both months, last month it was a little light and short I thought.. but I felt like it was my regular period.. and my periods supposed to be starting any dayy noww. I can't remember the exact day I started last month :/ It would make my life a lot harder since my parents want us out already :(
8/26/2011 12:16:29 PM Report AbuseI have all (and I do mean ALL) the signs of bing pregnant... And I had a baby boy already and am showing all the same signs that I did last time... But I had 2 take progesterone a couple weeks ago because of my endometriosis... My breasts hurt so bad I could scream, And are 2 big 4 my bras. I am so moody not even I can keep up. I cant get enough sleep no matter how much I get.. These cramps are killing me and so are the head aches.. Is it the hormone or am I pregnant?
6/24/2011 11:16:49 PM Report Abuseim really worried i have an off cycle i always have and i really cant rely on it im worried about testing because my mom talked me into hcg drops for a diet thing idk but iv stoped them compleetely after i thought i could be would it be okay to test now iv been off it for over a month please tell me i can im freaking out
6/18/2011 01:33:44 AM Report AbuseI am now 5 days late on my period, i have 0 period symptoms at the moment, i am starving and dehydrated, breast are not sensetive - i haveent had any type of morning sickness or sickness anytime of the day, i am tired all day yet i cant sleep at night, Could i be pregnant???
5/24/2011 01:19:08 PM Report AbuseI am 41 years old and have been feeling a little off lately. My instincts keep saying I am pregnant. I had some spotting the other day. It only lasted 1 day, this never happens to me. My breasts are extremely tender, and I feel like I am busting out of my clothes. This would be my 1st!
3/30/2011 06:06:48 AM Report AbuseI already have 2 kids and for the past week and a half or so I have had EVERY single pregnancy symptom...not sure when period is supposed to come - maybe early next week...but EVERY test - even blood test were all negative. I am thinking they were all just too soon, but am also worried that low hormone level might indicate a problem, like a tubal pregnancy....freaking out!
2/1/2011 12:39:48 PM Report Abuseim 30 and me and my husband are trying to have children. my periods are irregular.so my doctor started me on clomiphene citrate. i have ovulated as according to my ovulation kit which showed a dark pink line on 25th dec, 2010.its 13 days past ovulation and my preg test comes negative.am i not pregnant or is it too early to test for the kit.i have slight pelvic pain throughoutday ,increased hunger and slight discharge , are these signs of pregnancy?somebody please advice.thanks.
1/7/2011 09:28:59 PM Report AbuseEveryone is different. I knew I was pregnant from having my fish dream. lol. I went took a test, negative. I went to the hospital and told the doc I was miscarring. He said how far are you, I said 2 weeks. He laughed, did a blood test and sure enough I was pregnant. If you feel you are, why would u wait and ask dumb questions like should I take a test. Take the test, if negative get some blood work from ob/gyn or hospital and find out. Dont be the girl on the toilt who poops a baby. lol.
1/3/2011 03:37:37 PM Report AbuseA lot of questions without a lot of answers...wouldn't it be nice if a qualified someone actually answered some of these questions?!
12/11/2010 11:54:15 PM Report Abuseme and my partner have not been using contreception, and i already have 1 child, my last 2 periods have been like normal if not heavyer than normal, but i still dont feel right i feel pregnant and now this month i am 2 weeks late i am worried that i may be pregnant!!! do you think i should do a test???
11/24/2010 09:01:40 PM Report AbuseYou know the lack of a period could be stress. Stress can have lots of negative effects on your body. And there are false positives as well as false pregnancies. Some women want to be pregnant so badly that their bodies actually produce the hormone or even an empty sac. If you want to know if you're pregnant the best bet is to visit your ob/gyn.
11/5/2010 07:43:05 PM Report Abuseive tested early as 6 days before my missed period and 1 day after a missed period. i also used a home preg test both time with thosed i was very energetic but greedy and i didnt urinate a lot at all, it was normal. but this time its different im so sleepy, my stomach has been like gassy and bubbly on the inside. i litteraly cannot stay awake and it too early for my menstral for pms but i did have unprotected sex on the week i was ovulating..
11/1/2010 12:40:36 AM Report Abuseme and my husband is ready for our 3rd child we have 2 boys ages 7 and 12. we want a lil princess. my husband had a 4 day pass to come home we had sexual intercourse the whole 4 days oct 15, 16, 17, 18 my peroid is schedule to arrive oct 22, im cramping my breast feel tender and heavy ,slight headache and waking up 2 at night to pee. could it be that my peroid is ready to come or signs of preggo.i took a preggo test today and it was negative should i try again idk:(
10/21/2010 09:16:59 PM Report AbuseOk So me and my husband are not trying to have children. We use condoms but I am not on birth control. We have never had a condom break but they have leaked. According to my calendar I am 22 days late. I dont have any symptoms besides bloating and fatigue. Also my scent has improved I can almost smell anything from a mile away. I was just wondering if I should take a PT or wait until next month????
8/23/2010 06:32:20 PM Report AbuseAll I can say is to those of you that feel like your pregnant and have taken a test and it came up negative, your hormone level may not be high enough for the tests to read. If you need to be at ease go to the doctor and ask them to run a blood test. The blood test is more accurate than the urine.
8/13/2010 08:37:58 AM Report AbuseIf your afraid to take a test. Dont be. In my opinion it would be scarier to wait.The sooner you find out the better,so that you can get information on different options if you are not ready for a baby right now :). Bottom line everything is going to be ok
8/9/2010 07:00:47 PM Report Abuseim 18 and my monthly isnt due until the 15th..but lastnight i had one spot of blood then the next morning,i woke up and nothing was there. and i looked up the signs and i am barely having any of them...could i possibly be pregnant??
8/9/2010 05:23:35 PM Report AbuseMe and my boyfriend have had unprotected sex and i was suppose to have my period but didn't and i've been feeling sick and throwing up some and have had nose bleeds and headaches. but i'm afraid to take a test cause it might be wrong cause tests aren't 100%, i don't know what to do :(
8/1/2010 11:54:50 PM Report AbuseIm 21,my husband& I dont use protection.We want a baby,but havnt been TRYING.This month we had sex almost everyday.Im 4 days late but the test was negitive.My boobs are sensitive &I have waves of nausea throughout the day,however I have not thrown up.Also,idk if this is even a sign but I have had discharge of a yellowish-white color,NO odor,NO itching or burning.I pee more often also.If I am pregnant why does the tests say no&If I am not then whatis going on with my body?
7/27/2010 09:08:00 PM Report Abuseim only 16, but me and my boyfriend have been having unprotected sex. and about 3 weeks ago after we did it he said he might have came in me a little bit, but i didnt worry about it cuz im on the depo-shot. but someone i know got pregnant while on b.c. buuuut i felt very nausoius this morning, and then when i looked up symptoms for being pregnant i realized ive been having headaches and peeing alot. we wnt to take a home test tomorrow, should i?? and will it be too soon??
7/26/2010 11:51:07 AM Report AbuseMy menstrual cycle came on May 29 and ended June 04. I had unprotected sex two days after my cycle went off. I then noticed on June 15 up until now, when I urinate and wipe, it is very light bleeding. Am i pregnant or what is causing this light bleeding?
6/18/2010 06:42:07 PM Report Abusei was on the depo shot and other birth controls since i first started my period and i stopped getting the shot because me and my husband are trying for our first baby its been very frustrating for us because when we first started i had one long monthly...now they have stopped i've taken two at home pregnancy test and one at the doctor and they've all said negative but i need to do a blood test ...but i'm almost positive i am ...its just so frustrating to go through this
6/13/2010 09:58:21 PM Report AbuseI HAVE NOT HAD MY PERIOD SINCE 01/21 AN I TOOK THREE TEST AN THEY ALL SAID NEGATIVE I WENT TO THE DOCTOR AN IT SAID NEGATIVE BUT THEY DIDNT DO A BLOOD TEST SO DO I NEED TO GET A BLOOD TEST TO BE SURE CUZ I DONT WANT TO BE PREGNANT AN NOT KNOW
4/30/2010 09:58:33 AM Report AbuseI took a test on March 14, and it was positive. Took one the following Saturday, and it was negative. Took one a few days later, and it was negative. AF didn't show up at ALL in March, but came April 4. I went 7 days (I normally go 8), and I only cramped once for about 15 minutes after passing the only clot that I had during this cycle.. I kind of feel that I miscarried, but I still feel pregnant... Should I take another test just to ease my mind?
4/13/2010 12:17:59 PM Report AbuseMy menstrual cycle came a little early than usual and only stayed on for approx. 2 days when I usually stay on for at least 4 days. I have had increased urination and headaches since then. I took a home pregnancy test but it said negative. Could I be pregnant?
4/5/2010 08:47:14 PM Report AbuseMY MONTHLY WAS LIGHTER AND SHORTER THAN USAUK MY BREAST ARE TENDER AND WHILE BEING INTIMATE MY PARTNER SAID HE FELT SOMETHING COME FROM MY BREAST THE ONLY THING IS IHAD A TUBALIZATION SO COULD I VERY WELL BE PREGNANT?? ABD IF SO ABOUT HOW LONG COULD I BE?
3/22/2010 10:13:52 AM Report AbuseMy husband and I are also trying to have our 2nd child.We have kept up with ovulation time and temp. as well.I have alot of pregnancy symtoms,and I am 9 days late,I have taken several home test and a pregnancy blood test at my OBGYN .All results keep saying NEGATVE!! I am going crazy wondering,could I stiil be pregnant even after a blood test said negative or is it still to early?Please help or give me some advice if anyone has had the same problem? Thanks Natalie
3/13/2010 11:12:11 AM Report AbuseI have not had a period for the past few months, however I did spot a little bit. been nausea, very tired, urination frequently. I have taken several tests but all said negative.. but they were all digital tests!
3/1/2010 12:41:57 PM Report Abusewent to ob gyn took a test is was neg. period is still missing it was due 2/6. Am i pregnant I feel nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and have frequent urination. Should I buy a home test?
2/12/2010 10:53:07 AM Report AbuseWhat if your menustral cycle came and it's kind of light, but you still feel like you're pregnant?
2/5/2010 02:18:10 PM Report AbuseIs it common to have a false positive test? A test that says you are preggo but you may not be? I don't want to get my hopes up if I'm not pregnant!!!
2/2/2010 09:10:35 AM Report Abusei am a month late on my period. i feel sick, tired and my breasts are extremely sore. i've taken two tests one had a slight positive line and the other was a cheap one from the dollar store , and it said negative! anyone have any advice, i need it!
1/16/2010 06:35:49 PM Report Abuseit is important not to test too early . . . if you got an error or a negative response try again a few days after your missed period . . . if you try a couple times and dont get anywhere with it . . . call your doctor or local clinic! They will do a blood test which is much more accurate than a at home kit. It is important to get prenatal care as soon as possible. (i have had accurate readings with ept and first response)
1/12/2010 10:51:31 AM Report AbuseI just took a E.P.T home pregnancy test that will read "Not Pregnant or "Pregnant" however my screen just stayed blank. The instructions say to call a number but no one picks up. Anyone know what a blank screen means?
12/28/2009 09:10:02 PM Report Abusei think im pregnate but ive taken 3 test and they all said negative.ive got all the sytoms.any advice?
12/18/2009 09:21:35 PM Report Abusei need some advice I am almost 2 weeks late. After week one I took one of those cheap pregnancy tests from dollar general it said negative. But still no period I am tired more than usual. I'm only 28 so I know I'm not menopausal so what is your opinion please help
12/16/2009 11:39:06 PM Report Abusei was 20 weeks befor one read positive....
12/8/2009 12:13:39 AM Report Abusepersonally i dont trust home pregnancy tests because in the past i've had false negatives, the only time it read positive was when I was already three months
10/15/2009 01:42:41 PM Report Abuse