Gone are the days when pregnancy can only be confirmed in an obstetrician's clinic. Nowadays, there are a number of pregnancy test kits available in the market especially designed for home use. These kits test for the presence of a pregnancy hormone produced called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, in a sample of urine. If done properly, they are accurate (most doctors use the very same things to verify pregnancy), very easy to use and interpret.

WebMD has a comprehensive article on home pregnancy tests. The six-page article discusses the types and levels of accuracy of the different home pregnancy tests currently available, when and how to use one, how to interpret the results, factors affecting the accuracy of pregnancy test kits, and other considerations to think about when doing a pregnancy test at home.

Remember, there is no test that is 100% accurate, especially when there are errors in the way the test is performed. If you performed the test and are still in doubt, do visit your doctor. At any rate, if your test turns positive, well, congratulations! Pick up the phone and call your doc!