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* Before the test *

Ok, So u have missed your cycle for 3-4 days now and suspecting that you're pregnant. The first thing you do before you visit your doc is to get a Home Pregnancy Test(HPT). Though they're accurate most of the times, it solely depends on the womans body and the hCG level that has accumulated.

Pregnancy tests look for hCG in the urine or blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. The pregnancy hormone, hCG, is made in your body when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

Many home pregnancy tests claim they can tell if you're pregnant on the day you expect your period. But some studies show that most don't give accurate results this early in pregnancy. Waiting one week after a missed period will usually give a more accurate answer.

* The TEST ! *

Though the tests are quite accurate if you're pregnant, But the accuracy depends on many things. These include:

* How they're use - PLEASE follow the directions exactly as described on the box and check for the EXPIRATION date when using them.

* When they're used - The amount of hCG or pregnancy hormone in your urine increases with time. So, the earlier after a missed period you take the test the harder it is to spot the hCG. If you wait one week after a missed period to test, you are more apt to have an accurate result. Also, testing your urine first thing in the morning may boost the accuracy.

* The brand of test - Some home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others. So, some tests are better than others at spotting hCG early on.

* After the test *

Every woman ovulates at different times in her menstrual cycle. Plus, embryos implant in the uterus at different times. So, the accuracy of HPT results varies from woman to woman.

Sometimes women get false negative results (when the test says you are not pregnant and you are) when they test too early in the pregnancy. Other times, problems with the pregnancy can affect the amount of hCG in the urine.

Caution: If the test turns out negative and you still didn't get your periods for another one week, chances are the tests were not able to sopt hCG in your body and you might be pregnant. I would advise going straight to your doc and get a blood test done instead. My wife was pregnant and the home pregnancy test gave negative reports till she was 2 months pregnant. Only after a gynae visit we were able to confirm the pregnancy.

Learn more about this author, Max Allan.
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