Quick Take
A number of social media users claim to have successfully used baking soda to test pregnancy at home. Like a number of other home tests for pregnancies, we found that this process also has no scientific validation and is False.
The Claim
An article on the WobblyWalk claims that you can use baking soda to test pregnancy at home. The article says that mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with one’s first urine in the morning can help check pregnancy, if there’s a fizzy reaction.
Fact Check
Can baking soda alone detect pregnancy at home?
No, that’s not possible. As per the theory behind the claim, baking soda (basic in nature) reacts with the pregnant female’s urine (acidic in nature); and if the reaction causes a fizz it means the test is positive and the woman is pregnant. Chemically, it is a simple acid-base reaction and it has nothing to do with hCG detection in a pregnant woman’s urine. Also, the claim does not mention anything about specific measurements, which again raises questions on its credibility. We found absolutely no scientific evidence to support this homemade/DIY pregnancy test.
How do medical professionals advise you to check pregnancy?
According to an expert gynaecologist, Dr Saumya, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Patna, “Best methods to test pregnancy initially at home would be to go for the over-the-counter hCG testing kits, which are safe, 99% accurate and reliable. Further tests like blood tests and transvaginal or abdominal USG under the supervision of gynaecologists, helps in confirmation.”
On asking another expert Dr Shiba Mittal, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, about reliable pregnancy tests and household methods of pregnancy detection, she cautioned against such approaches. She clarified, “there is no scientific basis for using common household items to identify pregnancy. Although there are several claims that these substances can detect pregnancy, they are unreliable and have risks involved.” Dr Shiba strongly recommends avoiding using these unproven DIY techniques. Such methods could reveal false positives and negatives. Furthermore, postponing a doctor’s confirmation of pregnancy may lead to the continuation of an unwanted pregnancy. Early identification by a doctor could aid in preventing possibly life-threatening extrauterine pregnancies (foetus grows outside the uterus). Moreover, it could cause a delay in the delivery of much-needed prenatal vitamins, essential medical advice, and critical examinations on time, which could raise the risk of pregnancy-related problems.
How efficient are home pregnancy kits available in chemist shops?
The efficiency of home pregnancy testing kits available at the chemist shops are fairly accurate with 99% accuracy. The accuracy of the results depends on factors such as how the test is conducted, the stage of pregnancy, as well as the amount and concentration of urine used. These testing kits detect the amount of hCG hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin) present in the urine of the pregnant females. That being said, further tests (abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests) are still needed even after an hCG test to confirm the pregnancy and determine the foetal age, presence of abnormalities, multiple pregnancy and guide the way forward.
Why is the baking soda test not scientific to detect pregnancy?
Upon extensive research, we found no scientific evidence related to the chemical viability of this reaction between the baking soda and hCG in urine. There is no published research validating this homemade pregnancy testing method. The baking soda is basic in nature and urine is acidic which causes a chemical reaction (a fizz). The amount of fizz produced is influenced by the concentration of urine, which is in turn affected by what a person has eaten or drunk throughout the day, and it has nothing to do with one’s pregnancy.
What can be the side effects of wrong pregnancy test results?
There are no direct side effects related to the homemade pregnancy testing methods, because these are done outside one’s body. However, wrong pregnancy test results can lead to late detection of pregnancy or false positive and false negative results. This can result in delayed professional care and eventually poor maternal and child health. Failure to diagnose can result in missed opportunities for abortion, leading to potential loss of the option. Wrong or missed diagnoses in cases of pregnancy have a huge impact on the physical, psychological and financial stability of a woman and eventually the family.
We have done several fact checks related to pregnancy tests at home: Can shampoo help detect pregnancy at home? Can you check pregnancy using vinegar at home? Also read our story on 4 worst home tests for pregnancy!
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