As little as twenty-five years ago, when a woman suspected that she was pregnant, she had no other choice than to go to the doctor to find out. There was no such thing as a home pregnancy test.

Luckily, in this day in age, finding out whether or not we are pregnant can be as simple as a quick jog to the drug store and ten dollars. But how do you choose one?

The selection of at-home pregnancy test can be very overwhelming, and when you are already faced with the prospect of having a new baby, it is especially so. Should you choose early detection or rapid result? Do I want sticks or a cup? Is there a difference between brands or is the discount store brand just as effective as the name brands?

First, let’s take a look at just what a home pregnancy test does. As soon as an egg is fertilized, massive changes begin to take place in the woman’s body including the production of hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), also known as the pregnancy hormone. This hormone can be found in both the blood and urine of pregnant women and increases at a rapid rate during the first days of pregnancy. When using a home pregnancy test, a special strip is formulated to change colors when hCG is detected in the users urine.

Since, for many women, the first sign that she might be pregnant is a missed or late menstrual period, many of the home pregnancy tests on the market are designed to detect hCG levels that are expected at this time. It is suggested that women test on the first day of their missed period. There are, however, Early Detection home pregnancy tests that are more sensitive and can detect a smaller amount of hCG, therefore allowing the user to test for pregnancy several days before they expect their period. These tests are usually accurate and can in fact detect pregnancy earlier, but only if you know to look for it. If you are not trying to conceive and are not expecting a pregnancy, then you may not even suspect it until you have missed your period. Since Early Detection tests can be more expensive (only by a few dollars) it may be a waste to purchase Early Detection when regular early pregnancy test will work just as accurately.

Another special test that is available is called Rapid Result. These tests claim that they can spot pregnancy in less than a minute rather than the usual three to five minutes of waiting. These test are also a few dollars more for this prompt result, however, in most cases even those tests that do not advertise their swiftness will show you accurate results in two minutes. Usually, I haven’t even finished washing my hands before the results are all set to be read on regular test, so I do not recommend Rapid Result home pregnancy tests above others.

When pregnancy tests first hit the market, they were all the same. The first step was always urinating in a cup and then proceeding with the instructions of the various tests. In the nineties, a new test was introduced that did not require the cup but rather holding the test strip in your urine stream. Both kinds of tests are still available, though most have found the test strips to be more convenient and less messy than the cups. They are equally as effective so it is my recommendation that you choose whichever you are more comfortable with.

Pregnancy tests range in price from as little as $4 to $30. Do not use price as an indication of effectiveness. All home pregnancy tests test for hCG and all are effective in discovering a healthy pregnancy. Price differences are found on brand name tests and their individually patented technology. For example, a few years ago, one of the brands developed a digital result window. The effectiveness of the test was the same, just an easier to read result. Due to this technology they were able to charge a significant price increase. Now, the technology is widely offered and you can buy the same test at off-brand prices. The same applies to the Early Detection and Rapid Detection that was mentioned earlier. Both are now offered with off-brand prices. I do not recommend one brand over another. Rather you should choose the technology that best suits your needs. If an easier to read result window is important to you, then I recommend a digital pregnancy test. Just be sure to follow the instructions that are enclosed in the test that you purchase as these can vary from test to test.

If you suspect that you may be pregnant, a home pregnancy test is the most cost-efficient and accurate ways to determine whether or not you should call the doctor.