Early Home Pregnancy Test HPT

Several brands of home pregnancy tests claim to test for pregnancy
before the missed period. These tests are more sensitive to hCG. The home pregnancy test is available for as little as $1.00. These tests reveal whether hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, is present in the urine. The tests are normally performed at home after the date when the menstrual cycle is supposed to start. Depending on the brand of home pregnancy test chosen, the woman could test as early as the first day of her missed period.

Several brands of home pregnancy tests claim to test for pregnancy before the missed period. These tests are more sensitive to hCG. As soon as the egg is fertilized and attached, hCG is released to promote the growth of the fetus. The most sensitive home pregnancy tests are able to read even the smallest amount of hCG in the urine.

While these home pregnancy tests can test positive for pregnancy as early as ten days after conception, obstetricians still suggest the woman wait until the first day of her missed period. This is the time when the hCG levels will be high enough to test on every home pregnancy test.

The home pregnancy test and the urine test performed in an obstetrician's office are one in the same. The test results are valid only for a few hours after the positive result on the home test and while that test is, more than likely, accurate, the obstetrician will need to see the positive test result in order to start a plan of care.

Whether taken at home or in the office, the urine pregnancy test is easy to take and more than 97% accurate. The majority of the problems reported about urine pregnancy tests are related to the improper use of the test or the test being performed inaccurately. The most common problem is too little urine being absorbed by the urine pregnancy test stick.