Missing your monthly periods can be terrifying! Especially when you are underprepared for pregnancy, there is no way you can sleep peacefully. And to those women who are expecting the good news, this can be a moment of suspense. Instead of waiting for the right answer with bated breath, you can now find out the results yourself with a home pregnancy test.

Yes! Before you rush to the clinic and wait in the long queues, you can perform an early diagnosis using pregnancy kits. If you are a newbie and have never used these tests, this article is just for you. Read along as we discuss the usage, accuracy, types and popular home pregnancy kits in India.

What is a Home Pregnancy Kit?

A home pregnancy kit is designed to give 99% accurate results at home using a simple urine test. The kit consists of a chemical strip and a urine dropper in a sealed packet. It is available in most medical stores and can be bought without a doctor’s prescription.

How Does It Work?

The test confirms your pregnancy by measuring the hormone levels in your urine. It determines the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a placental hormone that is found in the early stages of gestation. (1)

Your body starts to create hCG once a fertilized egg enters your uterus (womb). Around six to 14 days after fertilization, the levels rise rapidly and by adding a few drops of urine on the strip, you can notice the results. The entire process takes about two to three minutes.

See More: Early Stages Of Pregnancy

When To Perform The Early Pregnancy Home Test?

Your body shows certain signs to indicate your chances of being pregnant, like the ones listed below:

1. Missed Period:

A skipped period can be a reliable sign of pregnancy. If you have a 28 or 30-day cycle and you have not got your menses yet, it may the right time to take the test.