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| - Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Using homemade tips and tricks to detect pregnancy at home is a common misconception published by several media houses. One such method is to test pregnancy at home using sugar, and like other DIY techniques, we found this one to be scientifically irrelevant and False.
The Claim
According to an article published on WobblyWalk, one can check pregnancy using readily available products at home like sugar. The article mentions several other alternatives such as salt, baking soda, shampoo, soap, wine, white vinegar, bleach and toothpaste. It claims that mixing one tablespoon of crystallised sugar with morning’s first urine can help check pregnancy. If the sugar form clumps, the claim says it is a clear sign of pregnancy.
Fact Check
Do home pregnancy tests actually work using sugar?
No, absolutely not. After researching several journals and scientific articles, we could find any relevant evidence to support the claim. There is no evidence that the sugar crystals react with hCG present in the pregnant female’s urine. Chemically we found no evidence supporting that the sugar would react this way with hCG in the urine. The pregnancy testing kits which are scientifically developed after years of research have the ability to detect the levels of hCH hormone in one’s body, and sugar can not do that.
What is a pregnancy test and how does it work?
A pregnancy test checks if a woman is pregnant or not. It does this by detecting a hormone called hCG in her urine. When a woman is pregnant, her body starts making more hCG, which is a sign of pregnancy. To take the test, a woman usually pees on an hCG testing stick or dips it into a cup of urine. If hCG is present, it reacts with chemicals on the stick, making a line or a symbol appear (specific to different brands). This shows that the woman is pregnant.
What do the doctors say about the DIY pregnancy testing methods?
When we contacted Dr Saumya (MBBS, DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology), practising at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Patna, for her expert opinion on the use of at-home ingredients like sugar for testing pregnancy, she said, “In no way sugar can help detect pregnancy at home. The best way forward is to always contact a doctor in case of a confusion related to pregnancy. hCG testing kits available at local chemist shops which detect the level of hCG hormone in the urine of a pregnant female is reliable and can be used privately. It is advisable to visit a doctor’s office even after carrying out the pregnancy test at home for a confirmatory test like the abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound, this confirms the foetal age, any abnormalities and medical care forward.”
We also approached Dr Pooja Luthra (MBBS, MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology) practising at Jivan Anmol Hospital, New Delhi, for her comments on the best method of pregnancy detection, she said, “using sugar to detect pregnancy at home is not a reliable method. While there are many old wives’ tales circulating, they lack scientific evidence. For accurate results, I recommend using commercially available pregnancy test kits, which detect the presence of the hormone hCG in urine. These tests have been rigorously tested and proven to be highly accurate when used correctly. Visit a healthcare setup as soon as possible after the hCG testing to move forward with appropriate professional care.”
Why does one go for a pregnancy test at home?
Women choose to do a pregnancy test at home for a few reasons. One common reason is that they might be curious or worried if they’re pregnant or not. Doing a test at home can provide a quick answer without having to visit a doctor’s office right away. It’s also private, so they can find out without anyone else knowing. Plus, home tests are easy to use and can be done anytime, which makes them convenient for many people. The hCG testing kits are easily available at the local pharmacies without any prescription and are a feasible method to check for pregnancy initially at home. However, with DIY techniques the ease of availability and convenience comes at a cost ー lack of reliability and medical accuracy ー which can eventually lead to poor reproductive and psychological health of the woman.
We have done fact checks earlier related to pregnancy tests at home: Fact Check: Can you test pregnancy at home using shampoo? Fact Check: Can vinegar help detect pregnancy at home? We have also done stories on 4 worst home tests for pregnancy!
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