| A home pregnancy test is a quick and efficient way | | | | most accuracy. |
| of finding out if you're pregnant. They have a high | | | | How accurate are home pregnancy tests? |
| accuracy rate (about 97%) and are available from | | | | Research suggests that pregnancy tests are about |
| most drugstores. If you are unsure how a pregnancy | | | | 97% accurate. Although false positives can occur, this |
| test works, read on! | | | | is very rare. As long as you follow the given |
| How does a home test work? | | | | instructions, these tests should give you a reliable |
| When a woman is pregnant, she starts developing a | | | | result. Taking a test before your period is due is not |
| hormone called HCG. Basically, these tests measure | | | | recommended. As aforementioned, for the most |
| the amount of this hormone in your urine. Home | | | | reliable results, it is best to take a test after your last |
| pregnancy tests vary in sensitivity so depending on | | | | period is due. Negative tests which later on turn out |
| the one you have purchased, some may detect | | | | to be positive are generally not due to the product |
| pregnancy earlier on than others. If you are unsure | | | | being faulty or unreliable, but rather, the test was |
| to this, read the instruction or back of packs and | | | | probably taken too early. Of course the most |
| they should be able to tell you how sensitive that | | | | accurate way to find out whether you're pregnant is |
| particular home test is. | | | | to see a doctor. |
| When to take a pregnancy test | | | | Should I take a home pregnancy test? |
| There is no one answer as to when to take a | | | | If your period is late or if you are suffering from |
| pregnancy test. Again, this is dependent on the | | | | possible morning sickness and sore breasts, more |
| particular brand of pregnancy test you purchase. | | | | than likely you are pregnant. Before taking the next |
| Some tests state they are able to detect pregnancy | | | | big step in seeing a doctor, taking a home test is a |
| as early as six days after ovulation but the most | | | | great alternative. If your period is late, this means |
| accurate tests are those that detect pregnancy | | | | that you are already post-ovulation and this is the |
| about 14 days after ovulation. For most women, this | | | | best time to take a test. |
| falls mid-way through their ovulation cycle. Even if | | | | Remember that whilst the pregnancy test is very |
| your menstrual cycle is very regular, it is safest to | | | | reliable, it is customary to go see a doctor to confirm |
| wait at least a week after your period was last due | | | | the results and to wait the 3 month safety period |
| before taking a pregnancy test. This ensures the | | | | before announcing the news. |