When you are pregnant, your body begins to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is produced by the placenta during pregnancy, and is the hormone that a home pregnancy test detects. Your body begins to produce HCG about six days after an egg is fertilized and after the embryo implants in the uterus. Levels of HCG increase rapidly in a pregnant woman’s body and are detectable in urine. By the time you think you may be pregnant (usually after you miss your period), HCG levels are high enough that a home pregnancy test will detect them.

Why Use A Home Pregnancy Test?

Home pregnancy tests are extremely easy to use, readily available in most grocery and drug stores, and are relatively inexpensive. Most tests work the same way (but read and follow the directions on the package) where the woman urinates on the test stick, waits three to five minutes, then reads the symbols in a results area. Each brand of home pregnancy test has its own symbols to show whether or not you are pregnant (lines, plus signs, words, etc.); be sure to read the box to know what symbol you are looking for. If you have a positive test, give your doctor a call. If you have a negative test, you can test again in a few days, or give your doctor a call if you still haven’t started your period.