Dec 3, 2020

Home Pregnancy Test: What, How to & Types

Even before you go to the doctor, there are subtle early signs of pregnancy that can give you an idea of what is coming. As soon as you miss your period, have cravings, experience morning sickness or notice any other sign, you can opt for one of the many pregnancy tests at home to find out the good news!

What is a Home Pregnancy Test?

Pregnancy tests at home are generally very easy-to-use and can be highly accurate if you use them correctly. They generally involve urinating on a stick or into a cup and putting a few drops of urine in the designated slot. After waiting for a few minutes, you can find out the result by looking at the result flashing or the number of lines appearing on the display area.

How Do Home Pregnancy Tests Work?

These tests are designed to check for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. Your body only produces this hormone when you are pregnant. HCG is released when the fertilized egg is attached to your uterus lining.

Generally, women are advised to take the pregnancy test after missing a period. For accurate results, one must also conduct the test with the first urine of the day - i.e right after you wake up. Any tests taken before this time, can end up in a false positive or a false negative result.

The accuracy of the test also depends on the quality and the expiration date of the strip. Always ensure to check the expiration date on the pack before buying or using.

Types of Homemade Pregnancy Tests

Apart from the over-the-counter tests available at any pharmacy shop, many also advocate the usage of homemade pregnancy tests. These could involve a wide variety of things.

Dissolving salt or sugar in your urine is one way to find out if you’re pregnant. It is believed that if you’re pregnant the reaction with the urine causes these substances to form clumps instead of dissolving. Mixing urine with baking soda is also supposed to show positive results if you notice bubbles and fizz. The same can also be done with shampoo, soap or even toothpaste.

However, these are simply homemade tests and not medically proposed or sanctioned. For the best results, it’s always safer to use a medically approved pregnancy test kit at home that is easily available and also easy-to-use.

Prega News Kit

Prega News home pregnancy test kit is India’s No.1 pregnancy test card and is easily available online or at your nearest pharmacy. It is extremely accurate and very easy to use. After you have missed your period, or even after 10-15 days of unprotected sex, Prega News can show you accurate results.

Collect the first urine of the day in a clean cup and add 2-3 drops of the same to the slot on the stick.

Wait for 5 minutes and check for results:

• If the strip shows two pink lines, it indicates that you are pregnant
• If it shows one line, you are not pregnant
• If no lines show, it may have expired or the test may be inconclusive in which case you may want to take another test or wait for a few more days before taking the test again
• If the line on the T is too faint, it may indicate that the amount of hCG may not be enough and you may want to retake the test with the first urine.

Also, if the results are negative but you still haven’t gotten your periods, it is recommended that you see your doctor.

FAQ

1. How can I check if I am pregnant, at home?
   You can use a Prega News test kit to check for pregnancy at home. Take the test with the first urine of the day and if two pink lines are visible, then you are pregnant.
2. How early can you detect pregnancy at home?
   While the tests are highly accurate and can detect pregnancy 10-15 days after unprotected sex, it is recommended to take the test after you have missed your period.
3. How can you tell you are pregnant without a test at home?
   While a missed period and other early signs of pregnancy can be noticed, pregnancy can only be confirmed with a test kit or by visiting your doctor, who will also conduct either a urine or blood test.
4. What are some unusual signs of early pregnancy?
   Some early signs of pregnancy are sore breasts, frequent urination, heightened sense of smell, fatigue, constipation, heartburn, mood swings and spotting or cramping are some early signs of pregnancy that you can look for in the early days.