Women are getting hooked on pregnancy tests

Pregnancy test addiction is an actual thing. That’s according to a new survey which revealed that 62 per cent of mums-to-be carry on taking tests, despite already getting a positive result.

For many women, seeing those two blue lines on a pregnancy test is enough to start looking forward to impending motherhood. But for others, that first test is just one of many they will continue to take in the search for reassurance that all is well.

The survey of 1,435 mums by parenting site ChannelMum.com found that women were taking an average of six different pregnancy tests to ensure they really are expecting.

Almost two thirds of mums-to-be (62%) continue taking tests as they worry about the health of the pregnancy or the initial test being wrong.

Seven per cent of pregnant women take 10 tests while one in 20 admitted to checking 16 times or more before finally accepting their pregnant status.

And the addiction to testing doesn’t come cheap, with women spending an average of £30 on tests.

The research even found one in 12 are so hooked on checking for a positive result that they keep taking tests right up until they have their 12-week scan.

Commenting on the findings Siobhan Freegard, founder of ChannelMum.com said: “Being hooked on pregnancy tests may seem strange, but the majority of mums do it.

“Seeing the positive sign come up gives mums-to-be a buzz and also helps reassure those who may be nervous about their pregnancy.

“However, it’s important not to get addicted to continual tests, as they are expensive and unnecessary.

“We have heard of mums testing up to five times a day to check they are still pregnant, so if you are that anxious, then get professional support.”

More than four in 10 mums-to-be admit using specialist but expensive early tests which can give a positive result up to five days earlier than normal kits.

And one in 100 even said they resorted to bizarre (and unproven) DIY tests including mixing toothpaste with urine, which some people believe indicate pregnancy if it changes colour.

Pregnancy tests aren’t the only thing mums-to-be are getting addicted to, they are also splashing out millions of pounds on unnecessary baby scans.

A previous survey also by ChannelMum.com revealed that almost a third of pregnant women are forking out for expensive private ultrasounds.

The poll of 2,000 mums found that despite fears that too many high-intensity scans could pose a threat to the foetus, a fifth of mums having extra scans pay out for two, while 18% buy three or more.

The research also revealed that one in fifty mums-to-be have admitted to paying for an astonishing nine or ten extra scans, which works out to be more than one a month.

The reasons the pregnant woman cited for undergoing the private procedures include more than a third (36%) admitting it was because they felt “anxious about their baby” and a further third to simply “check in” on their unborn child.

The results have lead to some experts dubbing the phenomenon Scanxiety.

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