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

April 22, 2025
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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.

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Struggling to Conceive Again? Understanding Secondary Infertility

If you have found yourself staring at negative pregnancy tests month after month, wondering why it’s so hard to conceive for the second time, you are not alone. You might be feeling confused, frustrated, and maybe even a little betrayed by your own body, but secondary infertility is more common than you might think. Most couples who have been through the beautiful, life-changing journey of having a child expect that pregnancies can happen again quickly, and this unexpected difficulty could be a result of secondary infertility. Wondering what it is and how can an IVF centre in Gurgaon help you overcome this? Here you go! What is Secondary Infertility? Secondary infertility is when you are unable to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after already giving birth to a child (or children), without using fertility treatments before. It can come as a complete shock, but sadly our bodies don’t always follow the plans we make. In fact, as per studies, the prevalence of this condition in India rose to 28.6% in 2015-16, marking a 5.9% increase. People might say things like, “At least you have one child,” as if your longing for another kid somehow becomes less valid, but your heart knows better, and so do we. Why Does It Happen? Some of the common causes of secondary infertility include: Male factor infertility: Sperm quality and quantity can change over time too. Emotional Impact: It’s More Than Physical Secondary infertility often brings with it a unique form of grief, which is silent and misunderstood. You might feel guilty for wanting more, or worse, invalidated by others who think one child should be enough. This emotional weight can be overwhelming. You may also feel isolated in your pain because the society assumes that once you have a child, your fertility journey is “complete.” This can lead to feelings of loneliness, guilt, envy, and even depression. Tip: Don’t bottle it all in. Consider joining a support group or talking to a fertility counselor. Shared experiences can help lighten the load and provide much-needed perspective that can make your journey easier. Make space for your emotions. Journal, meditate, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. You are not broken. You are not failing. You are navigating one of life’s hardest journeys with so much courage. What Can You Do? You can talk to a fertility specialist, and they can run tests to help uncover what’s going on and discuss treatments that might be right for you. From medications to IVF and lifestyle changes, there’s a lot that can be done, so you should not lose hope. When to See a Specialist? If you have been trying to conceive again for over a year (or six months if you are over 35), it’s time to talk to a fertility specialist. Many IVF centres in Gurgaon offer specialized services just to combat secondary infertility. A fertility doctor can help with: Advanced treatment plans including IVF, IUI, and ovulation induction Lifestyle Changes That May Help While medical intervention is often necessary, there are lifestyle adjustments that may support fertility: Looking for an IVF clinic in Gurgaon to start your pregnancy journey again? Reach out to our team at Yellow IVF today!

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

IVF Cost Breakdown: What You Should Know Before Starting Treatment

IVF provides hope to couples struggling to conceive naturally. It has become a beacon of possibility for people facing infertility issues across the globe. With nearly one in six couples dealing with infertility, it’s crucial to have access to clear, reliable information for those considering IVF as a solution. However, one of the biggest deterrents for many is the cost of IVF treatments. Since there is no fixed price for the procedure and it often requires multiple cycles the process can be heavy on the pocket. The pricing can vary greatly depending on individual cases, the clinic’s approach, and the type of IVF treatment recommended. That’s why cost transparency and the quality of care provided by the clinic go hand in hand and should never be compromised. Finding a certified and experienced IVF doctor in Gurgaon isn’t always easy, but this article will help you better understand the costs involved and the treatment options available information that’s essential before taking the next step. Understanding the Cost of IVF Treatment India’s fertility treatment landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by rising demand, greater awareness, and technological advancements. According to FemTech India, the Indian Fertility Market is growing at a CAGR of 16.45%. Factors contributing to this growth include delayed parenthood due to career priorities, lifestyle-related infertility, and an increasing number of people seeking expert care. The cost of IVF varies based on several medical and non-medical factors: location, clinic reputation, and case complexity are just a few. Breakdown of Basic IVF Cycle Costs Factors That Influence IVF Costs: Number of IVF Cycles: Some couples may require multiple cycles as per their individual case. Type of IVF Treatment: There are different kinds of IVF procedures that vary in cost: Is Financial Assistance Available? Yes, and it’s worth exploring all options. IVF is a significant investment emotionally and financially. Fortunately, several financial support avenues are now available: – Choosing the right plan that balances both medical efficacy and financial viability is crucial. The wrong decision can add unnecessary stress while the right one can pave the way for new beginnings. If you’re considering IVF in Gurgaon, consult with the experts at Yellow Fertility & IVF Centre. With free consultations and personalized treatment plans, they help you make informed decisions that are right for your health, your future, and your finances.

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

What Do Pregnancy Tests Detect?