Pregnancy Checking

If you miss a period and want to quickly check if you are pregnant, before you visit your doctor, try the home pregnancy test. This is is especially convenient for women who are trying to get pregnant. After all, you do not want to go rushing to a doctor each time you experience some telltale sign of pregnancy but are not sure you are pregnant.
How does it work?
The home pregnancy test works by detecting a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone appears in a pregnant woman's urine, approximately 20 days after her last menstrual period. The levels then rise rapidly, reaching a peak in the next 60 to 80 days.
How is the test performed?
Try to perform the test first thing in the morning for optimal results, though this is not mandatory.
Pregnancy tests are usually stored in the refrigerator. So, make sure you bring the test kit to room temperature before you use it.
Collect urine in a clean, dry glass or plastic container. Ensure that there is no detergent residue in the container.
Take out the pregcolor card (see image below) and place it on a flat surface.
Draw out a little urine with a dropper (provided with the kit) and put just two drops in the circular test well that is usually marked 'S'. Do not spill urine on the reading strip.
Wait for three to five minutes (depending on manufacturer's instructions) and then read the test results. Trying to read the results before the stipulated time or waiting too long, can both lead to inaccurate readings.
Some newly launched pregnancy test kits (for example, Clearview) can be held directly in the urine stream and do not require you to collect urine in a container. These kits are usually more expensive (around Rs 150).

How do I interpret the results?
1. Look at the regions marked 'C' and 'T' on the test card. 'C' indicates a control. This band must always appear because this is the comparison band. 'T' indicates the test sample.
2. If only one pink/purple band appear, in the region marked 'C', it means that the test is negative for pregnancy.
3. If two pink/purple bands appear, one in the region marked 'C' and the other in the region marked 'T', it means that the test is positive for pregnancy
4. In case no bands appear, then the test is invalid. Repeat the test with a new pack of pregcolor cards after 72 hours.
5. If the line formed in region 'T' is faint, this could be due to low levels of hCG hormone. In case of a faint band, repeat the test with a new pack of pregcolor cards after 72 hours.

What if the test is negative?
If the test is negative the first time you perform it, wait for 72 hours and repeat the test. The first negative result might be because the test was taken too early and the hormone levels had not risen enough to be detected. On the other hand, it could be because of faulty technique. Follow the instructions carefully when you repeat the test.
Dr Anjali Rajurkar, an obstetrician from Mumbai, says, "If you are experiencing other symptoms of pregnancy and yet your test turns out negative twice, see your obstetrician immediately. "

What should I do if the test is positive?
If the test is positive do a test at your nearest lab and then visit your obstetrician to confirm the pregnancy and get further medical advice.