How Do Pregnancy Tests You Can Take At Home Work?

There are only two types of pregnancy tests that are backed by science. The most popular is the pregnancy test you take at home. Find out how accurate they are!

A pregnancy test works by detecting the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, also called hCG, which the body produces when a fertilized egg settles in the uterus early in pregnancy. Pregnancy tests taken at home should be taken at the first urine of the day.

However, doctors recommend that a blood test be performed to confirm pregnancy. Blood tests are done by a doctor and they can detect small amounts of the hCG hormone. Therefore, they are able to detect a pregnancy in the very early stages. In general, women seek medical attention once they have taken pregnancy tests at home.

Pregnancy tests taken at home are the most popular and easiest way to check for pregnancy. They are usually inexpensive, can be purchased at any pharmacy, and women can self-administer them. How accurate are they really?

Early symptoms of pregnancy

One of the most famous symptoms of pregnancy is nausea.

Women take a pregnancy test when they suspect they are pregnant. In addition to not having menstruation, they may feel some of the early symptoms. They can last for a few days or one or more consecutive months.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the truth is that there can be many causes for missed periods. These include birth control pills, disorders such as diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), eating disorders and certain medications. So what are the early signs of pregnancy?

Nausea and / or vomiting

These traditional symptoms can begin at any time between the 2nd and 8th week of pregnancy. This is due to the effects of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). However, it does not always occur and some women can enjoy a pregnancy without vomiting.

According to a survey of early pregnancy symptoms by the American Pregnancy Association, 25% of women surveyed indicated that nausea was the first sign of pregnancy.

Mild spotting or bleeding

This is known as implantation bleeding. It occurs when the embryo settles in the uterus between 6 and 12 days after conception. Some women experience spotting and cramps. Nevertheless, only 3% of women identified implantation bleeding as their first sign of pregnancy.

Use pregnancy tests at home if you experience breast changes

Higher concentrations of hormones and changes in the breast structure cause tension in the nipples and breasts from 3-4 weeks after conception. About 17% of women reported that a change in their breasts was the initial sign of pregnancy.

Frequent urge to urinate

An increased urge to urinate may be a sign of pregnancy.

The urge to urinate is common during pregnancy. hCG increases blood flow to the pelvic area and with it the urge to urinate. This usually occurs between the 6th and 8th week of pregnancy.

Exhaustion or fatigue

Due to the increased level of progesterone and the body’s efforts to support pregnancy, many women usually mention that they feel tired during early pregnancy. This symptom disappears in the second trimester and may return as the due date approaches.

Headache

Headaches are common during the first trimester of pregnancy. The primary causes of this are hormones, stress and strain on the body from carrying the extra weight.

Pregnancy tests at home

You can buy pregnancy tests that you can take at home at any pharmacy. These urine tests include a sample strip or collection container. It depends on the brand.

To take a pregnancy test at home, follow these steps:

Put the test strip under your urine for 5-10 seconds. If the pregnancy test has a collection container, pee in it and insert the strip into the container for 5-10 seconds. After this time, your test will show the result of the reaction between the reagent on the test strip and the hCG.
The test strip may show a plus or minus sign, a single or double line, or another sign or symbol in the test window that tells you if you are pregnant or not. Each test comes with instructions.

There have been cases of false-positive tests. In other words, the test said the woman was pregnant even though she was not. This can happen if she has had an abortion shortly after the fertilized egg has become attached to the uterus, or if she has taken a pregnancy test shortly after a course of fertility treatment.

Despite the above, you should make an appointment with your doctor if the test says you are pregnant so you can confirm the result with a blood test or find out what is happening to your body.

If you do not have access to any of these scientifically supported tests, other tests may also work according to anecdotal data from popular culture. They detect the reaction between hCG and the chemical compounds. However, these tests are not scientifically supported.

Although there are false-positive tests, the pregnancy tests taken at home are considered to be very accurate.

The shampoo test is among the popular pregnancy tests you can take at home

Collect your urine in a plastic container. Next, mix shampoo and water in another container. It will create a soap mixture that you will need to mix with your urine.

If the mixture foams, it means that the test is positive. People claim it works because hCG will react with the shampoo and make it lather. Nevertheless, this method has not been proven by science.

Sugar

Place a tablespoon of sugar in a plastic container and then pour a tablespoon of urine over it. If the sugar clumps together, then the result is positive. On the other hand, if it dissolves quickly, then the result is negative.

People say it works because pregnancy hormones do not allow the sugar to dissolve. Nevertheless, there is no scientific basis for this.

Toothpaste

To use the toothpaste pregnancy test, place some toothpaste in a container and then pee on it. The toothpaste should be white because the idea is to see if it turns blue. If it turns blue, then the result is positive. Popular culture says that it works because the toothpaste changes color when it comes in contact with hCG.

Can you trust the results of pregnancy tests you do at home?

Pregnant woman with scan image on her belly

If your pregnancy test is positive, make an appointment with your gynecologist to confirm if you are pregnant.

Definitely. The results of pregnancy tests taken at home are generally accurate. Only in certain situations such as those we have mentioned above, one can experience that the test of false-positive.

In contrast, the latest tests we have mentioned in this article are anecdotal. Science only supports the effectiveness of home pregnancy tests and blood tests.

If you are experiencing any of the early signs of pregnancy, it is best to find out if you are pregnant or not. Of course, you should also consult your doctor.