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| - Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
An article claims that using shampoo to test pregnancy at home is a popular process. We have fact checked and found that the claim has no scientific validation. We term it as False.
The Claim
An article published on WobblyWalk claims that using shampoo can test pregnancy at home. The article says that 2-3 drops of shampoo, a few drops of morning urine and water mixed in a bowl can help check pregnancy at home. It also mentions several other ways to test pregnancy at home with the use of salt, sugar, bleach, toothpaste, soap, white vinegar, wine and baking soda.
Fact Check
Can you test pregnancy at home using just shampoo and water?
No, absolutely not. The homemade pregnancy tests described above hold no scientific evidence. They are not accurate and reliable methods to check for pregnancy at home. The theory behind this claim suggests there is a reaction between hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and shampoo, making it fizz. There is no chemical scientific basis to support this claim. We found no published research for these homemade/ DIY pregnancy tests. Hence, one should not base their healthcare decisions on these DIY methods. It is always important to consult with a gynaecologist for a confirmatory test.
What is the best way to test pregnancy, as per doctors?
Dr Saumya, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, while talking about the reliability of homemade pregnancy tests and the best methods to detect pregnancy, said, “Unfortunately, there is widespread prevalence of homemade pregnancy tests/methods in the rural and even the urban population due to the associated stigma with unwanted pregnancy or the lack of privacy and autonomy for women. Nevertheless, these DIY methods are completely baseless and should not be used as confirmatory tests for something as significant as pregnancy. The pregnancy testing kits (hCG tests) which are easily available at the local pharmacies are fairly reliable and accurate. That being said, even after an hCG test, one should get a confirmatory test ー beta hCG test from a blood sample ー done at a healthcare facility under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Apart from this, an ultrasound of the lower abdomen can help confirm pregnancy, identify the foetal age, detect any abnormalities and presence of multiple pregnancies too.”
We approached Dr Shiba Mittal, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, for comments on the best pregnancy testing methods and she explained, “The most reliable method of determining a woman’s pregnancy is to look for beta-hCG, in both the urine and the blood.” She further adds, “Pregnancy kits can be used at home or in a doctor’s clinic to detect HCG in the urine. The accuracy of the at-home detection procedure is usually determined by how precisely the test is conducted. Blood tests help to identify pregnancy at an early stage. Along with comparing the test findings, we also look at physical symptoms like nausea, exhaustion, breast soreness, and missed or irregular periods.”
Hence, it is always advisable to seek medical advice for pregnancy confirmation and associated guidance. We did another fact check where we busted the myth regarding vinegar pregnancy test.
Can you check pregnancy at home?
Yes, one can test pregnancy at home. Pregnancy testing kits are available over-the-counter (you don’t need prescription for these) and are fairly sensitive with 99% accuracy, when done correctly. During pregnancy, the women’s body produces hCG, and hCG test kits detect its presence in the urine. Sometimes, on extremely rare occasions, a woman might experience pregnancy-like symptoms while the hCG testing kit shows a negative result. This discrepancy could occur for a couple of reasons. First, there may not be enough urine for an accurate test. Or, the urine can be way too dilute because of excessive water intake. Second, if the female is in the very early stages of pregnancy, her hCG levels might be too low to register on the test. However, in any case, one should always visit the gynaecologist office for a confirmatory test and further medical care.
Why do people think shampoo will help detect pregnancy?
There is extensive misinformation regarding the homemade pregnancy testing methods. With many media platforms publishing myths regarding homemade remedies or methods for pregnancy testing, it influences people to trust these false claims. On the other hand, people in the rural areas lacking basic education, financial stability and access to healthcare services have no other choice but to resort to these homemade remedies. Even in urban setups, there is a widespread stigma with women’s reproductive health concerns, especially pregnancy. In cases of unwanted or unplanned pregnancies women tend to lack the decision-making power about their own body, till date. This associated stigma, the potential lack of choice and privacy leads them to unreliable and unsafe homemade/DIY remedies. Shampoo, being readily available becomes a popular choice.
What are the consequences of wrong pregnancy tests?
Homemade pregnancy tests do not cause direct side effects since they are outside the body. But in cases of wrong results, it can delay finding out about a pregnancy. It can also give rise to incorrect positive or negative results. This may lead to people not getting medical help on time. This, in turn, can affect the health of the mother and the foetus. Missing a pregnancy diagnosis may result in a loss of making a choice about their pregnancy. They won’t be able to consider abortion if needed, which could be a big loss and cause significant emotional distress. Getting wrong pregnancy diagnoses or missing them can really affect a woman’s physical, mental, and financial well-being, as well as her family’s.
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