Funke felt giddy at the prospect of a positive pregnancy test!
At long last! Could she really be pregnant? Of course, she and Jide had been trying for years; countless visits to fertility clinics, series of tests. They had gone the whole nine yards.
This time, she was almost certain missing her period would translate to a growing baby. She had some of the signs or pregnancy she only needed to confirm with a quick pregnancy test.
Over the years, women across the world have tried various methods of confirming pregnancy. A common strategy in Nigeria is to check for weight increase, eye color and of course, an invisible sign on the palm.
In her case, Funke was considering taking the salt pregnancy test.
What Exactly Is The Pregnancy Salt Test?
This is a self-administered test that involves two simple ingredients: Salt and Urine.
The test is based on the belief that salt reacts with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (a hormone present during pregnancy) in urine. Therefore, when salt is added to the urine of a pregnant woman, certain changes are expected to occur.
How Is It Conducted?
- Collect a small amount of urine (preferably early in the day) into a small bowl
- Add one or two teaspoons of salt into the bowl containing the urine
- Hold on and wait for your ‘results’
Results?
Although there is no standard for measuring results, most people rely on certain observable changes in the mixture.
- If the mixture becomes milky, the test is positive.
- When no change occurs, the test is negative.
Is It Reliable?
NO.
This strategy of pregnancy determination is not accurate at all (just the way it is with other self-administered tests except the pregnancy test strip).
Although the test is based on hormonal levels during pregnancy, there is no solid evidence that supports this practice. Yes, we know a couple of women may have told you this method worked for them.
It’s simple; they got lucky.
Another reason why this method is unreliable is because there is no standard mode of administration. Some sources would advise waiting for 10 minutes while others recommend an 8 hour wait.
Sometimes, reading the test results can also be really difficult. The results of this test is based solely on ‘visible’ signs. In fact, what you see may be quite different from what your spouse sees after this test.
What Pregnancy Test Methods Are Reliable?
- Blood Test
- Urine Test (Home Pregnancy Test Strip)
- Ultrasound
Finally,
If you think you’re pregnant, take any of the tests listed above to get confirmation.
However, if you’re just like Funke and you really want to take the Pregnancy Salt Test; it can be a fun thing to do.
Nevertheless, don’t take the results seriously, use a reliable method to confirm.
REFERENCES
- Maria Masters 2020, Pregnancy Test With Salt. Viewed on 19/6/2020 https://www.whattoexpect/getting-pregnant/prepping-for-pregnancy/pregnancy-test-with-salt
- Shutterstock
