Pregnancy tests in pharmacies

If you want to be sure of finding out quickly whether you're pregnant, after a few days' delay in your period or even a few days before your expected menstruation date, the various pregnancy tests available are highly reliable. Appreciated by some, and eagerly awaited by others, a pregnancy test lets a woman know if she's pregnant as soon as she feels the first symptoms or acts of delayed menstruation. In France, over two million pregnancy tests are sold every year in pharmacies. Although there are different types of test, they all have the same function: to detect pregnancy thanks to the level of HCG hormone present in the urine. When should I take a pregnancy test to ensure a reliable result?

Pregnancy tests come in a variety of forms, but all work on the same principle. A drop of urine permeates an absorbent wick and rises by capillary action to a substance that reacts chemically in the presence of the pregnancy hormone. This reaction may take several days. You'll need to follow the instructions on the package insert before reading the results. Depending on the type of test, the result may be displayed as " pregnant " or "not pregnant", or as a colored line. It is also necessary to check for the presence of the small coloured band in the control box, which means that the urine has passed through to the test substance. If the test is positive, pregnancy is almost certain; false positives are very rare.

If the test is negative, and especially if it was performed only a few days after the expected date of menstruation, the HCG level may simply not yet be sufficiently detectable. It is advisable to repeat the test after a week's delay. If the delay in menstruation continues and the tests are still negative, it's best to consult a doctor, who will probably recommend a urine or blood test in a laboratory. The best time to carry out this test is in the morning, as the hormone is more concentrated in the urine, but it can also be carried out during the day.

See our selection of Pregnancy Tests. Fight everyday discomforts with effective, high-quality remedies.

For some time now, you've been feeling different and your body seems to be evolving in an unusual way. Your breasts have hardened, you feel nauseous and your period is slow to start - in short, you have all the symptoms of pregnancy.
You think you might be pregnant, but beyond the first signs, you'd like to be sure before announcing the good news? Then you need a pregnancy test. 99% reliable and easy to use, a urine pregnancy test will tell you whether or not you're pregnant.

How do pregnancy tests work?

All pregnancy tests, whatever their form, are based on the same principle: the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) in urine. This hormone is produced as soon as the embryo is nested in the uterus, making it an early and reliable indicator of pregnancy.

Detection process :

Urine absorption: An absorbent wick is impregnated with urine. This rises by capillary action to an area containing a chemical substance that reacts in the presence of hCG.
Reading the result: After a delay specified in the instructions (usually a few minutes), the result is displayed in the form of :
- An explicit message such as "Pregnant" or "Not pregnant".
- A colored line or several bands, depending on the test model.

Reliability of results :

Positive test: Pregnancy is almost certain. False positives are rare.
Negative test: If performed too early, hCG levels may not yet be detectable. In case of doubt, it is advisable to repeat the test after one week, or to consult a doctor for a more precise examination.

When to take a pregnancy test

Optimal timing :

Delayed menstruation: The test is generally reliable from the first day of delayed menstruation. Some "early" tests can be carried out up to 4 days before the expected date of menstruation, but their reliability is then slightly reduced.
Morning urine: As hCG is more concentrated in the first urine of the day, this can improve accuracy, particularly in the case of an early test.

If the result is uncertain :

If the test is negative, but menstrual delay persists, it is advisable to wait a few days before retesting.
In the event of contradictory results or prolonged absence of menstruation, medical consultation is essential. A doctor may prescribe a more sensitive and accurate laboratory blood test.

Early symptoms of pregnancy :

Even before taking a pregnancy test, certain physical signs may suggest pregnancy. These symptoms include :

Tender or hardened breasts.
Nausea or vomiting, especially in the morning.
Unexplained fatigue.
Delayed or absent periods.

Although these signs may suggest pregnancy, they do not constitute confirmation. A pregnancy test is essential to remove any doubt.

What products for conception and pregnancy can I find on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of products to help women conceive and stay pregnant. Here are the main categories available:

To prepare the body for pregnancy and meet the specific needs of pregnant women, pregnancy food supplements provide essential nutrients for both mother and baby.
To quickly confirm a pregnancy, pregnancy tests offer a reliable, easy-to-use solution.
To accurately identify fertile periods, ovulation tests optimize the chances of conception.
To maintain comfort during pregnancy, abdominal support products offer support adapted to the developing belly.
To prevent and reduce stretch marks, specific skin care products help preserve skin elasticity and suppleness throughout pregnancy.

These products dedicated to conception and pregnancy, available on Soin-et-Nature, enable you to live through this important period with serenity and comfort, while taking care of yourself naturally.