Home Pregnancy Test, How to check pregnancy at home
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Home pregnancy test - Do's and Don'ts

By Harish P Tuesday, March 6, 2018 - 10:55
If you are wondering how to check pregnancy at home, the answer is Home pregnancy tests (HPTs). They have revolutionised the way women find out whether they’re pregnant or not. Let’s run through some things to keep in mind while using HPT kits.
DO'S
First-morning urine

HPT is a test for a hormone called hCG in your urine.  hCG is a hormone produced when an egg is implanted in the uterus i.e. when you’re pregnant. Now, unless you’ve gone to the loo in the midnight, first-morning samples, as opposed to later ones, are likely to have more concentration of hCG and, so, have higher accuracy rates.

Most test kits are very economical and can be purchased in the market at the price of INR 100 onwards. Markets are now flooded with other types of pregnancy test kits that can be held directly in the urine stream and do not require you to collect urine in a container. These kits are comparatively more expensive. 

Wait!

No doubt, HPTs deliver quick, instant results and that’s their whole charm. But then it’s important to wait for the lines to appear on the card/strip/etc. Most kits advise you to wait for 5-10 whole minutes before taking the result as final. Some others may prescribe that you wait longer. Here is how to check pregnancy at home: 

How to take the test

Many tests in the market have instructions to hold the stick in your urine stream and then place it on a flat surface for a certain number of minutes. While other tests may instruct you to place the stick in a cup of your urine and may others still provide you with a dropper. Read the instructions for your test carefully, and follow the instructions exactly. Also, It needs just 2 - 3 drops of urine to do the test. 

How to read the test

  1.  Most strips have two corners marked 'C' and 'T' on the test card. 'C' indicates a control. This line must always appear because this is the comparison line. 'T' indicates the test sample. 
  2.  If only one pink/purple lines appear, in the region marked 'C', it means that the test is negative for pregnancy. If two pink/purple lines appear, one in the region marked 'C' and the other in the region marked 'T', it means that the test is positive for pregnancy.
  3. In case no lines appear, then the test is invalid. Repeat the test with a new kit after 72 hours. 
  4. If the line formed in region 'T' is faint, this could be due to low levels of hCG hormone. 
  5. If you get a faint line, repeat the test with a new kit after 72 hours.

Faint positive line in pregnancy test – Why does it happen, what does it mean? 

When you’re standing at the are-you-pregnant-or-aren’t-you threshold, a faint positive line in the T region (one of two lines needed to indicate the positive test) can further add to your confusion. Does it mean you’re pregnant? Or not? Does a faint line indicate a false positive? Well, getting a faint positive line on your pregnancy test isn’t uncommon, and this can happen due to a number of reasons. 

Most commonly, a faint positive line means that you are pregnant but may have low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – a pregnancy hormone that home pregnancy test kits detect to give results. The hCG levels in your body increase as the pregnancy progresses, and a faint positive can be the result of taking the test too early. If you can, wait a few days and retake the test, preferably with the first urine sample of the day. 

Another possibility is you waited longer than the recommended time to check the results. In such cases, the faint second line on the pregnancy test strip is known as an evaporation line. Typically, you’re meant to check the result within 3 to 5 minutes. If you wait longer than 10 minutes, the urine used for the test may evaporate, leaving a thin water line on the strip. This is often colourless or mildly pink (as a result of colour from the other line bleeding out). More often than not, an evaporation line means you’re not pregnant. Or may have done the test too early. 

Unfortunately, a faint positive line can also mean that you were pregnant but aren’t anymore. This is often the result of a chemical pregnancy where a miscarriage takes place shortly after implantation. Since your body may still have some residual hCG from the brief window when you were pregnant, you can get a false positive on a home pregnancy test. 

In all of these instances, the best approach is to wait a day or two, and take the test again. If you’re panicking over what the result could mean, setting up an appointment with your doctor is always the right thing to do.

Medications may interfere in results

While most HPTs boast of an accuracy rate between 97-99%, there can be false positives (positive results when in fact you’re not pregnant) due to some types of medications you might be taking. For example anti-anxiety medicines are known to contain hCG that could show up in the test even when you’re not pregnant.

Check the expiry date

Like most things these days, HPTs come with a use-by date as well. So, when you buy it from that store counter, make sure you’ve checked the expiry date for the kit for greater efficacy and accuracy.

DON’TS
Check too soon

Do not check just one day after having unprotected sex! It is advisable to take the test after at least 10 days of having unprotected sex with your partner. Now, there are tests that promise accuracy even four days before a missed period. You can also take it after you missed your periods. This is because the amount of hCG in your urine increases with time and so and is highest after the first day of missed periods

Neglect all instructions

Most of us treat the finer instructions as if they’re there merely for decoration. But it’s important to be extremely cautious when it comes to tests. Different kits come with different mechanisms and standards, so it is best to read the instructions twice and carefully. Using clean bowls, having a certain amount of urine to test, etc are things you should not compromise upon, if the kit specifies not to. 

Take the first result as final!

It is always better to do an HPT again within 21 days of unprotected sex. False negatives (tests that return negative despite you being pregnant) are not impossible and it’s better to be to test again when the hCG, if there is any, in your urine is bound to rise! Blood tests can be accurate than HPT’s so that could be another option for re-testing

Freak out in case of an unexpected result

Now that you know how to check pregnancy at home, remember that panic creates more problems than it solves. Sure, the news of pregnancy is a lot to take in when you aren’t prepared for it. But nothing is impossible to solve with dialogue and calm. There are many options to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. Consulting a doctor is a must. Rope in your partner, friends, and loved ones too to ease the process and make a well thought out decision.

*Person in the picture is a model. 

Do you have any more questions on how to check pregnancy at home?  Please send them to LM experts on our discussion forum.

About the author: Harish Pedaprolu is a writer and academic based out of Mumbai, India. He has been writing and editing content for the last 6 years. He has also been researching and teaching philosophy at the university level for the past 5 years. He can be reached out on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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Comments
Zeba bete test pregnancy show kar raha hai, kya ye unwanted pregnancy hai?? Aapki baaten bahut spasht nahi hain, toh chahe jo bhi ho wanted ya unwanted is sthiti mein phoran ek achchhe vishesagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se mill lijiye. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna   chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Lalita bete yadi yeh sex unsafe tha toh ismein pregnancy ke chances ho skate hain. Iske liye unsafe sex ke 10 din poore hote hee chemist se liya gaya ek home pregnancy test kit se test lijiye aur sabse pahle sthiti ko nischit kar lijiye. Phir kisi vishesagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se mill lijiye aur dekhiye kya ho sakta hai. Iske illava aap FPAI clinic se bhee sampark kar sakety hai jiski jaankari aaapko iski website pe mil jayegi. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts https://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/india Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dekhiye Jitu bete aapne safe sex kiya, with condom, aur sex ke baad periods bhi huye hain, toh ismein pregnancy ke chances nahi hain. Aur period kabhi kabhi stress, tension ya hormonal changes ke karan bhi late ho sakte hain. Phir bhi yadi aap aur safe hona chahtey hain to chemist se liya gaya ek Home pregnancy test kit se test kar leejiye aur sthiti nischit kar leejiye. https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
If the sex was unsafe, then chances of pregnancy may be there. Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Also, you can contact FPAI clinic information about which you can get at their website. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Listen bete the sex was unsafe, then chances of pregnancy may be there. Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts You can also contact fpai clinic, which you will find on its website. https://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/india Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had 10 months baby and after delivery I got my period after 9 months and now my period was skipped mow it will possible to get pregnancy
Shirisha puttar if the sex was unsafe, then chances of pregnancy may be there. Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Don't be so afraid of it...there is no chance of pregnancy in this situation. Periods are late because of any other reasons also...However, if you want to be more safe, take a Home pregnancy test and make sure. But the best would be to see a few days and then find a registered doctor. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had unprotected sex. My mentrual cycle is due in 2 days. My partener ejaculated out my vagina. What are the chances of being pregnant what and when should i do hpt.
Listen Sheesha bete it is a very big misconception that sperm exit does not pregnancies because even a sperm is too high to be pregnant. It was unsafe sex, so chances of pregnancy may be there. Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Also, you can contact FPAI clinic information about which you can get at their website. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
My wife missed period this time 10days.already passed from monthly cycle is it right time to chek pregnency test or should i wait for some more day
Take a home pregnancy test ten days after unprotected sex. Morning urine sample is much better for this. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Listen it may be because of hormonal changes, but if it has some smell, or its colour is different, meet a registered doctor. If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
We are trying to get pregnant now. We tried from very next day of my last periods(end).. Around 20-22 days.. When should I check or test now?
Take a home pregnancy test after ten days of unprotected sex. Morning urine sample is much better for this. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
मैंने एक बार सुरक्षित यौन संबंध किया लेकिन अगली बार बिना कंडोम के योन संबंध किया लेकिन मेरी वाइफ का जी मिचलाना और उल्टी आने जैसे शिकायत हो रही है क्या मैं मान सकता हूं कि गर्भ ठहर गया
बेटे बिना कंडोम के sex, unsafe था, इसमें pregnancy के chances हो सकते हैं। इसके लिए unsafe सेक्स के 10 दिनों बाद एक home pregnancy test लिजिए और स्थिति को निश्चित कर लीजिये। https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts यदि इस मुद्दे पर आप और गहरी चर्चा में जुड़ना चाहते हैं, तो हमारे डिस्कशन बोर्ड, " जस्ट पूछो" में ज़रूर शामिल हों. https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had spotting(very less bleeding) for a day on the day of my period and then no bleeding at all. Pregnancy test came negative the next day. Is it normal?can I still be pregnant? When should I take the next test?
Listen Bhoomika bete take a home pregnancy test after ten days of unprotected sex and make sure the situation. Morning urine sample is much better for this. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I am a teenager and i had unprotected sex on the last day of my periods last month. After that this month my period is late, and i again had sex after my delayed period and took an ipill. My period is still not coming. Am i pregnant?
Seemingy the chancs are low, - since you were still in your periods when you had sex. To top it all you took a pill. So that too may have impacted your cycle. So dont worry - but to assuage yourslef - do a home pregnancy test and calm yourslef down. Sometimes trauma upsets our cycyle too. If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Hlw.. I had an unprotected sex in last month just after 1 week of my periods finished.. My partner ejaculate out of vagina .. Bt i dnt get periods this month. Almost 10 days late.. Am I pregnant
Sheela bete it is a very big misconception that sperm exit does not pregnancies because even a sperm is too high to be pregnant. Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Also, you can contact FPAI clinic information about which you can get at their website. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Hello maam i got married on 15th November I did not get my periods last month that is january so i did pregnancy test many times but the results are still negative what should I do now I am almost 20 days late for my period
Now what is the situation Minisha bete? If the period has not come and the test is not detected, meet a registered doctor soon. Read this for help: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
My wife missed period this time 4 days.already passed from monthly cycle is it right time to chek pregnency test or should i wait for some more day
Ramesh bete unsafe sex ke 10 din poore hote hee chemist se liya gaya ek home pregnancy kit se test lene ki salah dee jati ha. Morning urine sample is much better for this. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I added 1 drop of urine and then read the instructions to add 2 to 4 drops .I got result with 1 faint line and 1 dark pink line Please help me on this result
Shruthi bete please try again and read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Hello am having MA last period on 30 April and now MA periods are missed am a married women but use protection olvys vt should do
Bete the best would be take a home pregnancy test then find a doctor. https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/pregnancy-scare https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
We did not had sex when I got sperm I cleaned my sperm with hands and I washed my hands ofter that I did fingering into her anus but her periods are 1 week late. Is there any chance to pregnant because I am very scared
Don't be so afraid of it son, there is not any possibility to get pregnant thorough anal sex and fingering. don’t worry... Sometimes periods are too late... So the best would be to see a few days and then immediately find a doctor. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/menstrual-cycle https://lovematters.in/hi/our-bodies/my-periods-are-irregular-what-should-i-do If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Hello Ma'am. Ma'am maine apni partner Ke Saath Mc Ke 5 Din hone Ke baad Unprotected Sex kiya Tha,,lekin erection maine bahar hi kiya tha,,Pehle Uske Periods HumesHa time pe aate The Kabhi Agr phle aate the to 3-4 din Phle hi lekin date se late kabhi anhi hue..iss baar 8 Din Uper Ho Gye H Ma'am ,,And We Got Tension.. Please Ma'am Suggest Something... and if pregnancy then For Avoid This pregnancy suggest a better and Safe WaY !!
Dekhiye Naitik bete yeh ek bohot badi mithya hai ki sperm bahar nikalne se garbhdharn nahi hota hai kyunki pregnant hone ke liye ek shukranu bhi bohot kaafi hota hai. Yadi yeh sex unsafe tha toh ismein pregnancy ke chances ho skate hain. Iske liye unsafe sex ke 10 din poore hote hee chemist se liya gaya ek home pregnancy test kit se test lijiye. Phir kisi vishesagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se mill lijiye aur dekhiye kya ho sakta hai. Iske illava aap FPAI clinic se bhee sampark kar sakety hai jiski jaankari aaapko iski website pe mil jayegi. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts https://www.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/india Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna   chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Sohail bete yadi unsafe sex ke baad bhee periods ho rahe hain toh ismein pregnancy ke chances na ke barabar hai. Phir bhi yadi aap aur safe hona chahtey hain to chemist se liya gaya ek Home pregnancy test kit se test kar leejiye aur sthiti nischit kar leejiye. Kripya aaj ke baad condom ka nirdharit upyog keejiye. Aur urinal problem ke anya karan bhi ho sakte hain, iske bare mein ek panjikrit doctor se mil lijiye. https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had an unprotected sex with my partner for 1 Minute and i did not even ejecuted in her vargina but still she missed her periods by 3 days late.Is that indicate pregancy?
It is a very big misconception that sperm exit does not pregnancies because even a sperm is too high to be pregnant, read: https://lovematters.in/hi/news/10-most-common-contraception-myths Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Also, you can contact FPAI clinic information about which you can get at their website. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had unprotected sex with my partner last month but I haven’t ejected in her vargina but still she missed her periods by 3days late.What is that indicate?Is it mean of pregancy?
Listen Kane, it is a very big misconception that sperm exit does not pregnancies because even a sperm is too high to be pregnant, read: https://lovematters.in/hi/news/10-most-common-contraception-myths Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Also, you can contact FPAI clinic information about which you can get at their website. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had my periods on 28th July and had an unprotected sex on 9th September.That day I was ovulating as I have the symptoms of Pre-mensuration.The next day I feel breast tenderness & changes in my white discharge. There is no or little bit of white discharge on my underwear.After 2-3days I am not feeling that pain on my Breast.Is it possible that I am pregnant or should I wait for my periods to be skipped?
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