We all like something that’s free, don’t we? After all, pregnancy tests can be expensive when you buy them in the shops, so any chance of a free pregnancy test would be great, wouldn’t it?
Here at Zoom Baby we sell pregnancy tests, so it’s probably not in our best interests to tell you where to get a free pregnancy test. However, we will tell you what we know.
Where You Can Get a Free Pregnancy Test
There are a few place on your doorstep that you may want to try:
- community contraceptive clinics – find sexual health services near you
- sexual health clinics
- some young people’s services – ring the National Sexual Health Helpline on 0300 123 7123 for further info
- Brook centres – offer help to people aged under 25
- Umbrella provides free and confidential sexual health services in Birmingham and Solihull. Umbrella clinics give out free pregnancy tests to people who are concerned that they might be pregnant and would like further help and advice.
You can also purchase home pregnancy tests from many supermarkets and pharmacies. Although they might cost you a bit more than buying form the Zoom Baby website, these tests can provide instant peace of mind. Results are quick and you can carry out the test in private.
The following places provide free pregnancy tests:
Life Charity
This pro-life, anti-abortion charity offers free pregnancy tests here. We do not know how long they take to arrive or what brand they are, so let us know if you use them.
Ovulation Tests … with Free Pregnancy Tests
All Zoom Baby Ovulation Tests are supplied with free pregnancy tests too. After all, if you are trying for a baby, you will want some pregnancy tests handy if you realise that you period might not be coming! Our ovulation tests are most popular in packs of 20 Ovulation Tests or 40 Ovulation Tests. All packs are supplied with pregnancy tests at no extra charge.
Getting Test Results and Next Steps
After taking a free pregnancy test, you’ll be eager to know the result. Here’s what to expect:
- Clinic tests: If you take a free test at a clinic, the staff will be able to interpret the result for you immediately. They can discuss options for support or next steps depending on the outcome.
- Home tests: For free tests done at home, you’ll need to check the instructions to see when the result is ready. This is usually 1-5 minutes. A positive result is indicated by 2 lines, while 1 line means negative. Be sure to read within the stated time frame for an accurate result.
If your free test shows positive, make an appointment with your GP straight away. They can confirm the pregnancy, run blood tests, estimate your due date, and discuss antenatal care. Registering with a midwife early on is important.
If the test is negative but your period still hasn’t started, take another test in a few days as the first may have been too early to detect pregnancy hormones. Retest if you experience any pain or unusual symptoms.
A free test is a starting point, but visiting your GP ensures you get proper medical care. Don’t rely solely on the free test result without follow-up.
How Accurate Are Free Pregnancy Tests?
Free pregnancy tests available from clinics and charities work just as accurately as store-bought tests. The technology is the same – they detect the pregnancy hormone hCG in urine. So you can feel confident in the results.
Accuracy depends more on when the test is taken and how it’s performed, not whether it’s free or not. Following some simple tips boosts the accuracy:
- Use the first urine of the day as it’s the most concentrated.
- Read instructions carefully and take the test as directed.
- Check the expiry date and don’t use if passed.
- Wait until at least a week after a missed period for optimal sensitivity.
- Retest if you get an ambiguous result.
- Confirm any positives with a doctor.
False positives are very rare with pregnancy tests – getting a positive result when you’re not actually pregnant. False negatives are more common if testing too early.
While no test is 100% foolproof, modern home pregnancy tests are over 99% accurate when used properly. And free tests perform just as well. For definitive answers, get any positive or ambiguous results checked out by your GP.
How Early Can Free Pregnancy Tests Be Taken?
Most free pregnancy tests, like regular store-bought tests, can detect the pregnancy hormone hCG from the first day of your missed period. However, you’ll get the most accurate result if you wait a bit longer.
Taking a pregnancy test earlier than a week after a missed period risks a false negative. HCG levels take time to rise high enough to be picked up on a test. The further along after missing your period, the more detectable the hormone.
For the best chance of an accurate outcome, hold off on using your free pregnancy test until at least one week after your period doesn’t show up. While some tests market earlier use, you may end up taking multiple tests unnecessarily.
If you have irregular cycles, go by when you expect your next period rather than an exact date. If you’re tracking ovulation, wait at least two weeks after suspected conception.
While it’s tempting to test super early, false negatives cause unnecessary stress. Use free tests wisely for optimal results. Wait until the time is right to potentially save yourself hassle and disappointment!
Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash
Zoom Baby is a leading supplier of Pregnancy Tests and Ovulation Test Kits
