Home pregnancy tests are commonly used today as the first test to confirm pregnancy. Many of these tests can now be done the first day after a missed period or 14 days after conception. When a woman becomes pregnant the production of the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, increases and levels rise in urine. The home tests measure these levels in urine and can be very accurate. Home tests are similar to the pregnancy tests done on urine in doctors' offices.

If the tests is positive, please plan a visit to your physician as soon as possible to confirm the pregnancy and to arrange for follow-up pregnancy care. If the test is negative, but you have missed a menstrual period and are having lower abdominal pain, call your doctor immediately. This may be a sign of an ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy and is a serious condition.

Additional HealthWise Information

• Home Pregnancy Tests
  
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

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