Most people are familiar with store-bought home pregnancy test kits, but not many know about homemade alternatives. Long before modern kits became available, women used simple methods to test for pregnancy using everyday household items. These do-it-yourself pregnancy tests can be an affordable and discreet way to check for unplanned pregnancies without the hassle of purchasing a test or visiting a doctor’s office.
### How Do Homemade Pregnancy Tests Work?
Homemade pregnancy tests function similarly to standard kits by detecting the presence of the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone in urine. This hormone starts to appear shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, making it a key marker of pregnancy. When urine is combined with certain substances, specific chemical reactions can indicate the hormone’s presence and signal a positive result.
While these tests are creative and practical, their reliability depends on factors like the timing of urine collection (morning urine is most concentrated) and the proper ratio of materials used. To help ensure accurate results, it’s recommended to repeat the test and compare outcomes. Below are a variety of homemade tests you can try.
—
### Common Homemade Pregnancy Tests
#### **1. Tylenol and Peroxide**
This method uses crushed white Tylenol tablets (avoid gel capsules) and peroxide. Mix equal amounts of Tylenol powder and peroxide, then add a teaspoon of morning urine to the mixture. If the solution turns blue or foams, it may indicate pregnancy. A lack of reaction suggests a negative result.
#### **2. Sugar Test**
Place a tablespoon of sugar in a bowl and add an equal amount of morning urine. If the sugar clumps together, it could mean pregnancy, as hCG prevents it from dissolving. If the sugar dissolves normally, the result is negative.
#### **3. Baking Soda Test**
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with morning urine in a bowl. If the mixture bubbles or foams up, it’s a positive indication. A lack of reaction suggests no pregnancy.
#### **4. Bleach Test**
Pour morning urine into a cup of bleach in a 1:1 ratio. A foamy or fizzy reaction usually indicates pregnancy, while no reaction points to a negative result. Be cautious while handling bleach, as its fumes can be harmful. Use gloves, cover your nose and mouth, and perform this test in a well-ventilated area.
#### **5. Pine-Sol Test**
Mix half a cup of Pine-Sol with a half-cup of morning urine. If the color of the solution changes, it may mean you’re pregnant. If the color remains the same, the test is negative. Make sure to use original, non-scented Pine-Sol for this test.
#### **6. Dandelion Leaves**
Place fresh dandelion leaves in a shaded container and pour some morning urine over them. If red spots or blisters form on the leaves within ten minutes, it indicates pregnancy. If the leaves show no change, the result is negative.
#### **7. Toothpaste Test**
Use plain, white toothpaste for this test. Mix about two tablespoons of toothpaste with half a cup of morning urine. If it turns blue and foams, it’s a positive result. If the toothpaste simply dissolves or shows no change, it indicates a negative result.
#### **8. Vinegar Test**
Combine half a cup of white vinegar with an equal measure of morning urine. Look for any change in color after 5–10 minutes. A color change suggests pregnancy, while no change indicates a negative result.
#### **9. Mustard Powder Soak**
This involves soaking in a mustard powder bath to determine if a missed period is due to pregnancy. Add half to three-fourths of a cup of mustard powder to a bathtub filled with warm water, and soak for 30 minutes. If your period doesn’t arrive within 2–3 days, it could be a sign of pregnancy.
#### **10. Tuna Juice and Vinegar**
Mix equal amounts of tuna juice, vinegar, and morning urine. After ten minutes, the solution should turn green for a positive result. If the color remains yellowish-orange, the test is negative.
#### **11. Onion Juice**
This ancient Greek method involves placing an onion or its juice near the body overnight. If a pregnant woman uses it, her breath will allegedly have a specific odor the next morning. While interesting, this test’s accuracy is more folklore than science.
#### **12. Simple Urine Test**
This doesn’t require any additional substances. Collect your first urine of the day in a flat-bottomed jar and let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours. If a thin layer forms on top, you may be pregnant.
#### **13. Wheat Test**
Inspired by ancient Egyptian practices, urinate on wheat seeds. If the seeds germinate over a few days, the estrogen in your urine might be stimulating their growth, suggesting pregnancy.
#### **14. Latch Test**
Place a metal latch in a container and urinate directly onto it. Let it sit for three hours. If the latch leaves an impression at the bottom of the container, it indicates pregnancy.
#### **15. Wine Test**
Mix equal amounts of wine and morning urine and wait for about 10 minutes. If the original color changes, it’s a positive sign. If there’s no reaction, the results are negative. This test dates back to medieval times.
#### **16. Red Cabbage Test**
Boil chopped red cabbage in water and let the water cool. Mix equal parts of this water with morning urine. If the solution turns red or pink, it predicts pregnancy. If it stays purple, it’s not a positive sign.
#### **17. Barley and Wheat Test**
Also from ancient Egypt, this involves urinating on barley or wheat seeds. If the seeds sprout, it indicates pregnancy. Egyptian folklore even claims that sprouting barley predicts a baby boy, while wheat suggests a girl.
#### **18. Soap Test**
Add morning urine to a piece of soap and observe. If the soap froths or foams, it’s a sign of pregnancy. If nothing happens, the result is negative.
—
### Things to Keep in Mind
Homemade pregnancy tests are simple and accessible, but they may not be as reliable as commercial kits. Here are a few tips to increase accuracy:
1. Always use your first urine of the day due to its higher hCG concentration.
2. Use clean, preferably plastic, containers for testing and dispose of them afterward.
3. Allow at least 5–10 minutes for reactions to take place.
4. Repeat the test for consistent results before making any conclusions.
While these methods can be fun and creative, it’s essential to consult a doctor or use a store-bought test for confirmation. Homemade tests can be useful as a preliminary check, but they should not replace professional medical advice.