How true are pregnancy tests?

Question

My period is delayed, and I took a home pregnancy test, which showed a faint positive line. I'm a bit nervous and want to be sure. How accurate or true are these over-the-counter pregnancy tests generally?

Preeti Saxena · Accepted Answer

When we were trying, seeing those faint lines on the home kits used to give me so much emotional stress and anxiety. These tests are generally very accurate, but testing too early can sometimes give false negatives which is heartbreaking. Please be gentle with yourself during this waiting phase.

Amanpreet Kaur · Answer

Agreed, they are mostly 99% accurate if you use the first morning urine sample.

Deepak Mehta · Answer

No need to buy the most expensive digital kits, even the basic 50-rupee card tests from any local pharmacy work perfectly well. Just wait for a day or two after your missed period to get the most reliable result. If still in doubt, a simple Beta-HCG blood test at a lab will give 100% clarity.

Kavita Rao · Answer

Yes, they are highly reliable! If you get a positive result, it is a wonderful time to start focusing on your health. You can continue light brisk walking daily to stay active, provided your gynecologist gives you the green light after your first checkup.

Saraswathi Krishnan · Answer

Home chemical tests are very accurate nowadays, so don't rely on old-school village methods like using salt or baking soda which are not reliable at all. Buy a proper kit from the chemist. If the line is faint, just wait for three days and test again with your first urine of the morning.

Shruti Nair · Answer

They are way too accurate, trust me! I still remember staring at that double line on a tiny strip at 6 AM, and now my ten-month-old keeps me awake all night long. Use it carefully unless you are fully ready for a lifetime of zero sleep!

How true are pregnancy tests?

6 answers

Consult a obstetrics and gynaecologist

Related reads

Log in or sign up