Home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate. But are they?
With something as important as having a baby, absolute peace of mind is crucial. So, can you really rely on a plastic stick to tell you if you are pregnant or not?
The answer is yes – home pregnancy tests are very accurate. They are also quick and safe and are how most women discover that they are expecting.
How soon can I do a home pregnancy test?
Most pregnancy tests can be done from the first day of your missed period. Some are even more sensitive and can be used several days before your period is due.
How do home pregnancy tests work?
Home pregnancy tests detect a hormone in urine, called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). hCG is produced around six days after fertilization has occurred.
It is important to follow the instructions that come with the test to make sure you are testing correctly. Home pregnancy tests involve peeing on one end of the stick, waiting a couple of minutes, and then checking for a line to appear in a window.
There are usually two lines – one called a control line, which confirms the test is working, and one called a test line, which confirms the result. Digital tests are also available which display a ‘pregnant’ or ‘not pregnant’ message.
Is it possible to get a false positive?
Getting a false positive is very rare because pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which is only present if you are pregnant. If you were recently pregnant or you are taking medication containing hCG, then you may get a false positive, but this is unlikely.
False negatives – when the test is negative, but you are pregnant – can happen if you take the test too early. They can also happen when your urine is diluted or if you haven’t followed the instructions clearly. If you think you are pregnant and your test is negative, wait a couple of days and do another test.
What do I do if my test is positive?
If you have a positive home pregnancy test, then you should book an appointment to see your doctor. They will confirm your pregnancy and discuss prenatal care with you.