Checking pregnancy at home refers to using over-the-counter pregnancy tests to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. These tests are widely available at pharmacies and can provide a quick and convenient way to determine if a person is pregnant.
Home pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in urine. When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, the placenta begins to produce hCG, which then enters the bloodstream and is excreted in urine. Pregnancy tests contain antibodies that bind to hCG, causing a color change or line to appear on the test.