How Accurate Are Home Pregnancy Tests? Everything You Need to Know

April 22, 2025
Yellow IVF

Taking a pregnancy test at home but unsure how accurate it really is? The most common question that arises is: Can these tests be trusted? Many at-home pregnancy tests claim to provide 99% accurate results; however, it is best to be sure and consult your doctor if you feel the test results are not what you expect.

What Do Pregnancy Tests Detect?

Pregnancy tests are designed to detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which begins to develop in a woman’s body during early pregnancy. hCG levels start to rise once the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus usually 6 to 10 days after conception. To detect this hormone, either a urine sample or a blood sample is used. Urine tests are the most common and can easily be done at home using a pregnancy test kit.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

Here are the types of pregnancy tests you can take at home:

1. Strip Tests

There are two types: One where you dip the strip in a urine sample and wait for the result & then a more common one: a plastic stick you directly pee on, then wait to read the lines.

2. Digital Tests

These work just like regular test kits but instead of showing lines, they display clear results such as “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.”

When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Home pregnancy tests vary in how early they can detect pregnancy. For the most accurate results, it’s best to take the test after you’ve missed your first period. If you take it too early, the hCG levels might still be too low to detect, leading to a false negative.

For best results, use your first-morning urine, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG. If testing later in the day, make sure you haven’t peed for at least 3 hours beforehand. However, no test is 100% foolproof. Some people may experience inconsistent results and may need to retake the test.

Things to Know Before Taking a Pregnancy Test

Check the expiration date on the kit.
Store it at room temperature. Do not use it if the packaging is damaged or already open.
Home kits are generally safe and don’t require any lifestyle changes before use.However, if you’re on fertility medication that contains hCG, it may affect the results.

How to Read the Results

If both the Control line and Test line appear, the result is positive. If only the Control line appears, the result is negative. If no lines appear, the test is invalid, and you should use a new kit.
Sometimes the Test line may appear faint especially if you’re testing very early. Even a faint line usually indicates a positive result.

Once you’ve taken the test, it’s important to consult a doctor to confirm the result and begin your pregnancy journey on the right note.

FAQs

Can medications affect my pregnancy test result?

Yes, especially fertility drugs containing hCG can lead to false positives.

Can I reuse a pregnancy test kit?

No, pregnancy tests are for one-time use only.

Do irregular periods affect test accuracy?

They can make timing tricky, so testing a few days after a missed period is best.

Should I drink water before taking the test?

Avoid excessive fluids before testing—they may dilute your urine and affect accuracy.

Is a blood test more accurate than a urine test?

Yes, blood tests can detect lower levels of hCG and confirm pregnancy earlier.

Yellow IVF

Are Pregnancy Cravings Actually Real?

Newly pregnant and suddenly obsessed with pickles at 2 a.m.? Or maybe craving something totally random that you never even liked before? Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone. You’ve probably already scrolled through a few articles or heard stories from fellow moms, but let’s get into it: Why do these cravings hit so hard? Well, here’s the thing, even science hasn’t cracked the full mystery. Cravings could be sparked by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, or just plain psychology. Craving ice cream? Might be your body asking for calcium. Thinking about dirt or clay? That one’s usually tied to iron or zinc deficiency (and yes, it’s a real thing called Pica). When Do These Cravings Start? Here’s where it gets interesting. Some moms-to-be get cravings as early as the first few weeks, while others sail through pregnancy without any weird food obsessions. Most commonly, pregnancy cravings: And it’s not just cravings for food aversions show up too. That dish you loved pre-pregnancy? Suddenly unbearable. These aversions usually kick in around week 5 or 6 and are also driven by hormonal shifts. Why Do We Crave Certain Foods? A big player here is hCG the hormone responsible for that positive pregnancy test. It skyrockets during the first trimester and might mess with your sense of taste and smell, which can amp up both cravings and aversions. But let’s not blame hormones entirely. Your brain plays a role too. Sometimes just hearing someone say, “I craved fries like crazy during pregnancy” is enough to make your taste buds go, “Yup, me too!” Basically friends, family, culture, environment… it all adds up. Is It All in Your Head? Not completely. Some experts believe cravings are your body’s clever way of nudging you toward what it needs and away from stuff that could harm you. But let’s be honest, not all cravings are about nutrients (we see you, double chocolate lava cake ). So whether you’re reaching for something sweet, salty, sour or slightly odd it’s always a good idea to check in with your OB-GYN. They’ll help you keep those cravings in check and make sure your nutritional needs are met. Because let’s face it pregnancy is a wild, wonderful ride and cravings are just part of the adventure. FAQs

What Is The Cost Of IVF Treatment in Gurgaon? A Comprehensive Guide

Is your heart dying for a ‘good news’ but fertility issues aint letting your dreams come true? Well, infertility is not that scary as there are multiple ways to kick it away. When found in males, it often refers to a reduction of sperm counts while women may suffer from issues like PCOD which makes it difficult for them to conceive. With the advancements in science, IVF has emerged as a ray of hope for couples aspiring to be parents. Getting in touch with an IVF doctor in Gurgaon might change your times. Turning your destiny upside down is not possible with the groundbreaking IVF. Let’s sail together to get a shore closure to a joyful parenthood. How Much Does An IVF Treatment Cost? When seeking fertility treatments, pondering on IVF costs in India is very obvious. Well, to your relief, they are pretty affordable. For this reason, along with the local residents, even people from other countries come to India for IVF procedures. You will be on cloud nine to discover surging fertility treatments in India. The estimated rise in the fertility market by a whopping 16.45% CAGR by 2033. Although, an IVF cost in Gurgaon is very economical, it varies with every patient due to personalized package plans, treatment techniques, etc. Let’s dive into those factors that will help you estimate your total expenditure for an IVF treatment. 1. Cost Of Medications The cost of medicines required to undergo the treatment, their dosage and the duration for which they need to be taken will affect the total expenditure required for an IVF. 2. Number of IVF Cycles When looking for critical treatments like IVF, it’s always better to consult a good gynecologist giving value for your money and satisfactory service. Look for experienced doctors to enhance your chances of success in the IVF procedure. If luck is on your side, you might be successful with a single IVF cycle. However, some patients might need to undergo repeated IVF Cycles. 3. IVF Procedure Treatments Fertility clinics may use various IVF procedures like natural IVF, traditional IVF or mini IVF. The cost may vary depending on the method utilized for the fertility treatment. Summary The process of going through an IVF procedure can be difficult for couples but with the assistance of experienced doctors it can become a memorable one. With the advancement of science and IVF procedures, it is a blessing to enrich the lives of childless couples and a way out to help them fulfil their dreams of a smiling baby. To aid such parents financially, many insurance companies now partially or fully support the IVF procedure thereby helping them to achieve the dream of their parenthood. Are you looking for IVF treatments in Gurgaon? Consult an IVF doctor in Gurgaon at Yellow Fertility and IVF Center for personalized services at very affordable rates. With our personalized services, you are just few steps away to living your parenting life. Source: https://femtechindia.com/the-booming-indian-fertility-market-and-the-role-of-technology/

Finding the Best IVF Centre in Gurgaon: What to Look for?

Bringing a new life into this world is probably the best experience one can have. But the journey can be daunting for some couples. Infertility is a major concern for today’s couples. The reasons may vary from an unhealthy lifestyle, increased stress in our life, age, and health of both partners. As age increases, many couples resort to fertility centers to try their luck. So, there is no doubt that India’s IVF market is booming and is estimated to grow at 16 – 18 % over the next five years. So, meticulously choosing IVF centers in Gurgaon that align with your needs may give you the best gift you have been waiting for. Unveiling IVF In Vitro Fertilization is a specialized kind of fertility treatment that comes as a relief for childless couples. In IVF, the mature eggs and sperm are fertilized together in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs called embryos are placed in the women’s uterus. The total time taken for a single IVF cycle may take around 2 -3 weeks. What To Look For In An IVF Centre? IVF centers are lifesaving for childless couples. With the increasing number of IVF centers, choosing the best IVF center in Gurgaon can be a nerve-wracking experience. So, we have come up with certain factors worth considering before deciding on the final one. 1. Proximity To Place Of Residence Getting an IVF treatment done would mean frequent visits to the center for treatment. Traveling long hours would be inconvenient and non-feasible in the long run. Choose a center within an hour’s distance from your home or work area to spare yourself from the hassle. 2. Equipped with Modern Technical Devices A fertility center needs to match up with the latest trends in IVF treatment. Facilities like embryo freezing devices are important assets every IVF center in Gurgaon must possess. Also, proper hygienic conditions and a comforting experience for patients help determine the choice of the fertility clinic. 3. Market Reputation The goodwill of the IVF clinic holds immense value in the fertility market. Check on the past results of the center and the credibility of the doctor. Choosing a good clinic with reputed doctors could increase your chances of success in IVF. 4. Cost Effectiveness Make the right decision regarding the fertility center to go to considering your budget and preferences. Choose an IVF center in Gurgaon that gives value to your money and efforts. Final Thoughts IVF treatments are a blessing in disguise for couples facing fertility issues. The happiness and joy on the faces of new parents after successful fertility treatment at some of the best IVF centers in Gurgaon are unmatchable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, proper medications, and following your doctor‘s advice can increase your chances of success and birth of a healthy baby. Wish to go for IVF treatment to fulfill your family’s dreams and aspirations? So, what are you waiting for? Connect with the expert doctors at Yellow Fertility and IVF Center for a consultation call now! Happy Parenting! FAQs

How Accurate Are Home Pregnancy Tests? Everything You Need to Know

What Do Pregnancy Tests Detect?