Home Pregnancy Tests

Taking a home pregnancy test can be nerve-racking, especially if you're not sure whether you can trust the results. It’s important to be aware of the possible pitfalls of taking a home pregnancy test.

Many home pregnancy tests claim to be accurate as early as the first day of a missed period — or even before. For the most reliable results, however, you should wait until one week after a missed period. Many home pregnancy tests can reliably detect the HCG hormone in your urine one week after a missed period. Days earlier, however, some home pregnancy tests might not be as precise.

If it's important to confirm your pregnancy right away, ask your health care provider about a blood test to detect HCG. The blood test can be done in Dr. Shey’s office and is more sensitive than is the urine test.

Many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99 percent accurate on the day you miss your period. Although research suggests that some home pregnancy tests don't consistently spot pregnancy this early, home pregnancy tests are considered reliable when used according to package instructions one week after a missed period.

Could a positive pregnancy result be wrong?

It's possible to get a positive result from a home pregnancy test when you're not actually pregnant. This is known as a false-positive. There are several reasons why a false-positive might, including taking a pregnancy test too soon after taking a fertility drug that contains HCG. Or an ectopic pregnancy or menopause also might contribute to misleading test results.

Could a negative pregnancy result be wrong?

It's possible to get a negative result from a home pregnancy test when you're actually pregnant. This is known as a false-negative — and it's much more likely to occur than is a false-positive. You might get a false-negative if you take the test too early, check the results too soon or drink too much fluid before taking a home pregnancy test. For the most accurate results, take the test first thing in the morning — when your urine is the most concentrated.

If your home pregnancy test is positive, or you've taken a few home pregnancy tests and gotten mixed results you should make an appointment with your health care provider. If your home pregnancy test is negative and if your period doesn't begin, repeat the test in a few days or one week — especially if you took the test before or shortly after a missed period.

If you continue to get negative test results, but your period doesn't begin or you still think you might be pregnant then you should check with your health care provider. Many factors can lead to missed periods, including illness, strenuous exercise, weight loss, stress and hormonal imbalances. If you're not pregnant, your health care provider can help you get your menstrual cycle back on track.