Home pregnancy tests can be very accurate if used properly.Since the earliest recorded history, women have had a strong desire to know whether they are pregnant as early as possible. The body goes through countless changes in the first trimester, and one of the first indicators is a change in the hormones that leave the body through urine.Ancient Egyptians relied on a form of urine testing to determine pregnancy status way back in 1350 BCE. A woman urinated daily on wheat or barley seeds and if the plants grew, it meant she was pregnant. Modern-day validation suggests that test was about 70% accurate in detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by a woman’s body soon after implantation of a fertilized egg inside the uterus.

Home pregnancy tests can be very accurate if used properly.Since the earliest recorded history, women have had a strong desire to know whether they are pregnant as early as possible. The body goes through countless changes in the first trimester, and one of the first indicators is a change in the hormones that leave the body through urine.Ancient Egyptians relied on a form of urine testing to determine pregnancy status way back in 1350 BCE. A woman urinated daily on wheat or barley seeds and if the plants grew, it meant she was pregnant. Modern-day validation suggests that test was about 70% accurate in detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by a woman’s body soon after implantation of a fertilized egg inside the uterus.

Since the earliest recorded history, women have had a strong desire to know whether they are pregnant as early as possible. The body goes through countless changes in the first trimester, and one of the first indicators is a change in the hormones that leave the body through urine.

Since the earliest recorded history, women have had a strong desire to know whether they are pregnant as early as possible. The body goes through countless changes in the first trimester, and one of the first indicators is a change in the hormones that leave the body through urine.

Getting a faint positive on a home pregnancy test can mean that you’re pregnant or were previously pregnant. But sometimes a faint line can be the spot where your urine evaporated from the stick.

Could you be pregnant? Get answers to common questions about home pregnancy tests.

The first home pregnancy test was introduced in 1976. Since then, pregnancy tests have become the most common diagnostic assay used at home. Pregnancy tests use antibodies to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Home pregnancy tests are sold almost everywhere. You can find them in most stores, from your major retailers to your grocery store, convenience store, and even discount stores.

Pregnancy tests can sometimes give a false negative result to women several weeks into their pregnancies, according to research by Ann Gronowski, PhD, a professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Her findings led the FDA to change its standards for evaluating new pregnancy tests, but old tests with the false-negative problem are still on the market.

Since the earliest recorded history, women have had a strong desire to know whether they are pregnant as early as possible. The body goes through countless changes in the first trimester, and one of the first indicators is a change in the hormones that leave the body through urine.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

There may be no other moment in life so full of anticipation, anxiety and impatience as waiting for the results of a pregnancy test — whether you’re crossing fingers the results are positive or negative.

Excitement, anxiety, hope: wondering if you’re pregnant can be nerve-wracking. A home pregnancy test detects pregnancy hormones in your urine and can quickly reveal if you’re expecting—some even work before you notice the first pregnancy symptoms—so you can get that need-to-know answer right away. There are a few different types of pregnancy tests to choose from, and we’ve rounded up our favorite picks.

What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process Opens a new window. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.

Based on advice from four ob-gyns, a survey of over 300 new and expectant parents from The Bump community and feedback from our independent product tester, we chose the Clearblue Rapid Detection Pregnancy Test as the overall best pregnancy test. In particular, this option stood out for its ease of use, quick results, accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

The first home pregnancy test was introduced in 1976. Since then, pregnancy tests have become the most common diagnostic assay used at home. Pregnancy tests use antibodies to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

"Am I feeling more tired than usual?" "Are my breasts more tender than they normally are?" When trying to conceive, you may begin questioning every possible pregnancy symptom. While your first instinct may be to take a home pregnancy test, you might be wary about doing so if you're concerned that the results won't be accurate. It's a valid fear – there's nothing worse than taking a pregnancy test only to get hit with a big fat negative because you took it too soon.

Picking out a pregnancy test can feel overwhelming, especially when you consider the number of brands and types available, and of course, what’s at stake. The good news? Some tests clearly come out on top when it comes to accuracy, reliability, and usability, making it easier to narrow your choices.

Taking a pregnancy test can trigger a whole range of emotions, which is unsurprising considering the results can impact the rest of your life. As pregnancy tests perform such an important task, it is vital that you choose the best pregnancy test so that you can trust the results are accurate

Taking a home pregnancy test can be exciting, but it also may be stressful. That's especially true if you're not sure whether you should trust the results. Know when and how to take a home pregnancy test. And learn some of the possible drawbacks of home testing.