Pregnancy Test: Quick Step by Step Guide to Test Pregnancy at Home

What is a pregnancy test, and how does it work?

Trying to conceive is a beautiful but hectic process and a lot of precautions must be taken; be it right diet, exercise or lifestyle. If you feel you are pregnant you can take pregnancy test right away in the comfort of your home using a home pregnancy kit. It is easy to use and available at any medical shop or online.

How does Pregnancy Test Kit Works?

Pregnancy Test Kit is useful in detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that can be found only in a pregnant woman.

Keep in mind these measures that need to be taken before taking the test.

Purchase the Pregnancy Test Kit

1. Check the expiry date as it can affect the result.
2. Make sure the box is fully intact.
3. Do not use the kit that is too old even if the expiry date is not close, as there are chances of moisture setting in, especially if it has been kept in the bathroom for too long.

The best time to take the pregnancy test

1. It is advisable to wait for a week after having missed your periods because hCG hormones increase rapidly.
2. Morning time is the best time as the urine is concentrated and hCG levels are comparatively high.

Follow the instructions Before Taking Pregnancy Test at Home

Every brand differs, it is important to be familiarized with the following:

1. Urine collection method, as it may be different for different brands.
2. Symbols, which indicate whether the test is positive or negative.
3. Quantity of urine, this needs to be read. Most brands require just a few drops.
4. Waiting time, you may have to wait longer for some brands.
5. Make note of the toll free number on the box, so that any concerns or questions can be answered

Pregnancy Test: Prepare in advance

1. Be mentally prepared as the process can be nerve wrecking.
2. Have your partner or a close friend around for support.
3. Do not be in a rush; take as much time as required.
4. Wash your hands before taking out the stick from the wrapper.
5. Avoid too much liquid intake just before taking the test as this will dilute the urine, resulting in a not so accurate result.
6. Try and opt for a midstream method which allows you to urinate a little before collecting it in a cup or bowl. (Read: Pregnancy symptoms and tests you need to be aware of)

Pregnancy Test: Ways to use the home pregnancy test kit

• Sit on the toilet seat and take a deep breath.
• If required, urinate directly on the stick and let the results come in the specific time listed. Ensure not to exceed that time period. Best way is to keep a stop watch and make sure to keep the absorbent part of the stick into the urine stream. Make sure the display window is faced upwards.
• If using a plastic cup for collecting the urine, use a dropper for putting drops of urine in the indicated space provided on the stick.
• Dip the absorbent end in the collected urine and keep it dipped for the time indicated.
• Wait patiently for the result as it takes time to complete the process. It can take anywhere between one minute to ten minutes. The timeframe will be given in the instructions.
• Try not to get hyper. Instead, do something to get distracted, like brewing a cup of tea or going for a walk.
• If nothing appears on the screen after the mentioned time interval, it means that the test has failed and must be taken again.
• A plus or minus sign or a code may appear on the screen, indicating whether the result is positive or negative.
• If the test result is positive, schedule an appointment with a gynaecologist immediately to decide on further course of action.
• If the test result is negative, make sure to take it again in a few days if you do not menstruate.
• The result can be misleading if the pregnancy is not natural or if any medicine containing the pregnancy hormone has been consumed.

Read: Pregnancy symptoms and tests you need to be aware of)

Photo source: Getty images

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Citations

1. Health consumption as work: the home pregnancy test as a domesticated health tool.

Childerhose JE, Macdonald ME.

SocSci Med. 2013 Jun;86:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.02.035. Epub 2013 Mar 1.

PMID:23608088