Early Pregnancy TestsEarly pregnancy tests are a type of home pregnancy test. The main difference between the two tests is a normal home pregnancy test can begin to detect hCG (a hormone produced by the placenta which signifies a woman is pregnant) on the first day of a missed period, while most early pregnancy tests claim that hCG is detectable four to eight days before a missed period. The actual time frame and accuracy of early pregnancy tests vary greatly by brand, and any early pregnancy test should be thoroughly research before it is purchased and used. Although many early pregnancy tests are ninety-nine percent effective when tested in laboratories, errors and misuse in the real world can make them much less reliable. To get the optimal results when taking an early pregnancy test, it is vital to follow the exact instructions provided with the test. One common mistake many women make is diluting their urine by drinking too much water. This can reduce the amount of hCG in urine, and result in a false reading. The best time of the day for a woman to conduct an early pregnancy test is when she first wakes up. By testing the first urination of the day, it is possible to get a true hCG reading. Another common mistake is attempting to interpret the test after the time frame has expired. It is important to evaluate your test within the time period given by the instructions (normally five minutes). Read more of our articles on pregnancy tests First Response Pregnancy Test |