What Is The Toothpaste Pregnancy Test And Does It Work? | HuffPost Life

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Life Editor at HuffPost UK

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Pregnancy tests are available at the majority of supermarkets and pharmacies, but some women are using an alternative method to check if they’re expecting, without leaving their bathroom.

The “toothpaste pregnancy test” is a cheap, DIY method gaining popularity and it’s just as bizarre as it sounds.

To conduct the test, women mix a small amount of their urine with some toothpaste in a dish.

Advocates of the test claim that if a woman is pregnant, the toothpaste will change colour and sometimes froth.

If the woman is not pregnant, the toothpaste will remain unchanged.

Ilya Andriyanov via Getty Images

It may sound far-fetched, but there’s been a recent spike in people searching “toothpaste pregnancy test” on Google, suggesting a growing number of women may be giving it a go.

There’s even a multitude of YouTube tutorials demonstrating how to do the test.

But Stuart Gale, owner and chief pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said the test shouldn’t be taken too seriously and is not an accurate way to detect pregnancy.

“This is a bit of fun for anyone who thinks they might be pregnant,” he told HuffPost UK.

“The fizz in the toothpaste is caused by the acid in the urine reacting with the calcium carbonate in the toothpaste to give off carbon dioxide.

“The more acidic the urine is, the greater the fizz. Whether or not a person is or isn’t pregnant wouldn’t make any difference.”

Gale added that regular pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, if used properly.

“Even if the ‘toothpaste test’ does appear to be ‘positive’ I would strongly recommend that any possible mum-to-be gets official confirmation of the fact that they are indeed pregnant with a proper pregnancy test,” he said.

According to NHS Choices, you can buy a pregnancy test to use at home from a supermarket or pharmacy, or you can ask for a test at:

- Contraception clinics.
- Sexual health clinics/ GUM clinics.
- Some GP surgeries.
- Most NHS walk-in centres (England only).

Except for some pharmacies and in supermarkets, pregnancy tests are usually free and are confidential, even if you’re under the age of 16.

Have you ever used the toothpaste pregnancy test? Let us know in the comments below.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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