You've missed your period and you think you may be pregnant. You've been trying for so long and you really would like to know! What should you do now? Well, in the early days, there was a trip to the doctor and the rabbit test. Unfortunately, if you were expecting all the rabbit could expect or hope for was a quick death. Today there is something better! In the early 1970's the home pregnancy test came to be. By detecting levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine we are now able to quickly and effectively find out if we are expecting, in our own home without endangering any wildlife. But, how reliable are these tests? Don't be misled by manufacturers claiming 99% accuracy within the first day or two of a missed period. New research suggests that the majority of home pregnancy tests are not able to detect the small amounts of hCG passed in the urine this soon. "If it's really essential to you to know whether you're pregnant as early as possible, then you must use a super-sensitive test." It was noted that among 18 products tested, only one - First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test - appeared to be sensitive enough to detect pregnancy in at least 95 percent of women on the first day of their missed periods.

"Only 3 of the 18 products tested produced a positive result when testing urine that contained the amount of hCG typically present during the second day after a woman's first missed period. By the third day, 8 products tested appeared effective. It should be noted that all home pregnancy tests become more accurate after at least one week of a missed period". CONGRATULATIONS! ************************

Source: Scienceblog, Reuters Health (c) 2004 Karen Zastudil