Common Conditions

Testing for pregnancy is simple using home pregnancy kits, which give results that are about 99% accurate.

Female hormones cause the growth and release of eggs for fertilisation during the women’s reproductive cycle. Once an egg has been fertilised by sperm, a chemical appears in the urine – called ‘human chorionic gonadotrophin’ (hCG). Home pregnancy kits test for the presence of this chemical.

Although hCG is a sure sign of pregnancy, it can still be present after a miscarriage or termination for up to eight weeks, or for about four weeks after giving birth. Fertility drugs can also cause ‘false positive’ pregnancy test results. Alcohol, painkillers, antibiotics and oral contraceptives do not affect pregnancy tests.

Fertility facts

• a woman is most fertile around ovulation, which usually occurs mid-cycle
• an egg can only be fertilised for around 12-24 hours after ovulation but sperm can live for up to seven days (average three to four days) 
• a woman may conceive if intercourse takes place up to seven days before ovulation, and for 24 hours afterwards
• on average it takes couples more than six months to conceive, while one in six couples takes more than one year
• conception can take longer in women aged over 35, or in women who smoke.

Early signs of pregnancy

• breast changes, such as fullness and tenderness, are often the first signs of pregnancy
• the nipples also enlarge as the pregnancy develops
• shorter, lighter bleeding may occur early during pregnancy in some women, and sometimes when their period is due.

See your doctor:

• if you are trying to become pregnant, to discuss diet, folic acid supplements and other health issues
• if you take regular medicines and are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant
• if have missed a period but have had negative pregnancy tests
• if you have had a positive pregnancy test, but have not yet seen a doctor
• if you are having abdominal pain or have developed period problems, such as heavy bleeding
• if you think you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) 
• if you have had unprotected sex or sex against your will and are worried about becoming pregnant  (you can see an accredited pharmacist, doctor, Family Planning clinic or Sexual Health clinic to ask about the emergency contraceptive pill).

Tips for pregnancy testing

• always follow manufacturer’s instructions on the pregnancy testing kit
• always test a ‘mid-stream urine’ sample – this means to pass some urine into the toilet first, then collect your urine sample for testing, then finish passing urine into the toilet
• human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is at the highest concentration in urine first thing in the morning
• pregnancy testing can be carried out in two ways – some test sticks are held in mid-stream urine, others need a mid-stream urine sample collected in a container provided by the manufacturer, which is tested with a dip-and-read stick
• urine samples should be tested immediately after collection
• if the test is negative or inconclusive, even though you may have missed a period, check you followed the instructions correctly and repeat the test according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• if the second test is negative and you still have not had your period, see your doctor.

Always discuss treatment options with your pharmacist to ensure the best outcome.

Pregnancy tests

[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Clear Blue, Crystal Clear, Discover Onestep Early Result, MDS QuickCard One-Step Pregnancy Test, MDS QuickStick One-Step Pregnancy Test, MDS QuickStream One-Step Pregnancy Test

• different brands of pregnancy tests can be used at different times of your menstrual cycle – see product directions
• each test has different instructions on how long the test stick should be held in urine, and when to read the results. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure test results are accurate.

Ovulation testing

[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Clear Plan Easy Fertility Monitor, LH Predict, Clearblue Digital Ovulation Tests, Maybe Baby Saliva Ovulation Tester, MDS QuickPeak Ovulation Predictor Test, OvaCue Fertility Monitor

• home tests are available to check when eggs are released from the ovaries (ovulation) – this is the time when a woman is most fertile
• ovulation is controlled by another hormone called luteinising hormone (LH) – LH levels rise about 24–36 hours before ovulation. Most home ovulation tests measure LH in the urine, indicating when a woman may be most fertile
• ovulation tests that use saliva, test for oestrogen or other electrolytes (such as sodium or potassium). The level of oestrogen in the saliva increases two to three days before a woman's fertile period and reaches a peak on the day of ovulation. Changes in the electrolytes in the saliva are also seen at this time. Most saliva tests are reusable.

Nutritional supplements for pregnancy

[GENERAL SALE]
eg, folic acid (Apo-folic, Thompson's Folic Acid)
eg, folic acid with calcium, iron and other vitamins and minerals (Elevit)
eg, folic acid with iron (Ferrograd Folic)
eg, DHA-rich marine fish oils and evening primrose oil (Mumomega Pregnancy Capsules)

• the Ministry of Health advises women to take extra folic acid for at least one month before getting pregnant and for the first three months of pregnancy. This aids the baby’s development and helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Some women need higher doses – ask your pharmacist
• some women may need supplements of calcium, iron and zinc to keep themselves and their unborn baby in good health during pregnancy. Calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, help increase calcium intake
• check with your pharmacist or doctor for individualised advice about nutritional supplements for pregnancy.

 Planning for pregnancy

• some women who wish to start a family may need a rubella (German measles) vaccination. Even if you have been vaccinated you should check you are still protected before becoming pregnant
• a well-balanced diet can provide a pregnant woman and her unborn baby with most nutrients needed
• extra folic acid is advised before getting pregnant and during the first three months (see above under Nutritional supplements for pregnancy)
• Listeria is a dangerous infection for pregnant women and unborn babies, and can be caused by bacteria in some fresh or unprocessed foods, such as soft cheeses, cold meats and seafood
• toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite, is also dangerous in pregnant women - it is caught through close contact with infected cats or kittens, uncooked or poorly cooked meat
• wash vegetables and utensils well, cook meat thoroughly and reheat food until it is very hot
• stop drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes or marijuana, and reduce caffeine intake from coffee, tea and cola drinks, as they can affect healthy development of your baby.

For more detailed information on topics such as Eating Well in Pregnancy, Listeria Risk in Pregnancy, and Rubella (German measles), visit the Pregnancy Health Centre on www.everybody.co.nz

Availability of medicines

• GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
• PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
• PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.

Consumer Medicine Information on some medicines is available at the government website www.medsafe.govt.nz