For many women living in the Philippines, a pregnancy test can be an expensive and taxing experience—not just for the financial cost, but for the inner and outer costs that come with it. The truth is, the cost of a pregnancy test in the Philippines is far from easy to bear; some Filipino women are unable to get tested at all due to the high expense or even legal restrictions.
In order to solve the problem, it is essential to have an established health literacy so that we can prevent the possible complications and consequences when we do not perform these tests as early as it should be.
In this article, we will explore the realities of what it takes to get a pregnancy test done in the Philippines, as well as how you can support Filipino women in getting access to medical care. Read on to learn more about what it takes to get a pregnancy test done in the Philippines.
Preparations for Pregnancy
It is encouraged that women who plan to get pregnant must have proper care of themselves before pregnancy. Whether anticipated or not, just keep in mind that having good preconception care makes pregnancy easier and minimizes negative effects on the baby.
Preconception Care
Preconception care (PCC) means “care before conception”. Improving health literacy as the ability to understand, assess, and use accurate health information, is the fundamental goal of pre-conception care. People may prevent illness, manage their health on a daily basis, and maintain a high standard of living if established with good health literacy.
Preconception care, in other words, is health care for the younger generation (women and their husbands/partners) in order to understand the state of their bodies at the present time and to develop the proper knowledge and health-related habits in order to get ready for future pregnancies and changes in their bodies. It is crucial to involve the woman’s husband or partner in this endeavor as well.
Preconception care helps women and their partners stay healthier before getting pregnant, helping them to have a healthy pregnancy and childbirth as well as to make plans for their future, which may include getting married, getting pregnant, giving birth, raising children, and working.
Additionally, it will help future generations’ long-term health improve, ultimately prolonging their healthy life expectancy. Even for individuals who are not currently considering becoming pregnant, maintaining your physical well-being and establishing a healthy lifestyle now will improve your quality of life later on. Learn more about the specific preconception care tips for you to know the steps that you can do.
Part of the preparations for pregnancy is to constantly monitor your pregnancy status through a pregnancy test. Through this article, you will know how much is a pregnancy test in the Philippines and how to use them.
What Is A Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant or not. You are pregnant if your pregnancy test results are positive. You are not pregnant if the test results are negative. Technically, the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that your body produces in elevated levels when you are pregnant—this is what pregnancy tests detect to evaluate the result.
Your body begins to alter from the very beginning of pregnancy in order to sustain the cells that will eventually develop into a baby.
A fertilized egg moves from conception through your fallopian tubes to your uterus. The fertilized egg, also known as an embryo, implants (attaches) to the uterine wall. The placenta begins to develop as a result. HCG starts to be produced by and released from your placenta into your blood and urine. Around 11 days following pregnancy, HCG can be seen in a person’s blood. HCG takes a little longer to show up on urine testing.
HCG production is one thing that happens extremely quickly. Your body starts to create more HCG while you are pregnant—around six to ten days after conception when the fertilized egg has implanted in your uterus.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test?
Given that hCG levels in the blood and urine rise significantly during early pregnancy, you should take advantage of this moment.
The accuracy of a home pregnancy test depends on the timing of ovulation. Dependably, ovulation might vary from month to month. Also, a fertilized egg can implant in the uterus at various times. That may have an impact on when HCG production begins and when it can be detected by a home pregnancy test. The results of pregnancy tests can also be impacted by irregular menstrual cycles because it can be challenging to determine when a period should begin.
More specifically, take the test right with your first pee in the morning, when your urine is at its greater concentration to get the most accurate result.
How Much Is A Pregnancy Test In The Philippines?
When a woman in the Philippines finds out she is pregnant, she faces many costs – both financial and emotional.
It is no secret that the cost of a pregnancy test in the Philippines can be quite expensive. The average price of a pregnancy test in the Philippines is around PHP 500, which is approximately USD 10. This price range depends on the type of test – whether it is a urine test, blood test, or ultrasound – and where it is performed. For example, a urine test at a government hospital may only cost 100 PHP, while an ultrasound at a private clinic could cost 1,000 PHP.
This can be a significant amount of money for many people, especially those who are living on a tight budget. There are a few ways to save money on a pregnancy test in the Philippines, but it is important to remember that the quality of the product should never be compromised. Here are a few tips on how to get the most affordable and reliable pregnancy test in the Philippines:
Do Some Research
It is important to do your homework before you buy anything, and this includes pregnancy tests. Compare prices from different stores, websites, and brands before you make your purchase.
Check for discounts and coupons
Many stores offer discounts and coupons on their products, so be sure to check if there are any available before you buy your pregnancy test.
Shop Around
Don’t just settle for the first store or website you find selling pregnancy tests. You can physically shop around and hop from store to store until you find the best deal possible.
Different Types Of Pregnancy Tests Available
There are a couple of different types of pregnancy tests available in the Philippines. The most common type is the urine test, which can be done at home or a clinic. This test measures the level of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, in your urine. HCG is a hormone that’s produced during pregnancy.
If the first test is positive, you’ll need to confirm it with a blood test. This test is more accurate and can be done at a clinic or hospital.
Another type of pregnancy test is an ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of your developing baby. An ultrasound can be done as early as six weeks into your pregnancy.
No matter what type of pregnancy test you choose, make sure you’re ready for the results before you take the test. A positive result means you’re pregnant and will need to start planning for a healthy pregnancy and delivery!
How To Choose The Right Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy. There are many factors to consider when choosing a pregnancy test, and such of these are price, convenience, and availability.
The first thing you need to consider is whether you want a urine test that you can do yourselves at home, or through blood tests that should be examined in a lab. Blood tests are more expensive since they provide a more accurate result.
Fertility troubles impact up to 15 percent of couples. The road to motherhood can often be a great challenge but know you’re not alone in those challenges.
If you decide to get a home pregnancy test, make sure you read the instructions carefully to know the result indications. Brands of OTC pregnancy tests may vary from one another, so in case you buy one, follow them exactly as directed. In case you’re not sure how to use the test, ask your doctor or midwife for help.
Once you’ve decided which type of pregnancy test is right for you, it’s time to think about cost. Home pregnancy tests start at around $10, while OTC tests start at around $25. The price difference may seem significant, but it’s important to remember that accuracy is more important than cost when it comes to pregnancy tests. Choose the option that’s right for you and your budget.
Can I Trust The Results?
When taken at the right time, home pregnancy tests in the Philippines are 99% accurate, although blood pregnancy tests are even more accurate, relative to one another. In instances where the test shows incorrect, these are the following factors that may have affected the results:
Causes of False Positive Results
Luteinizing Hormone Peak – During your LH Peak, the pituitary gland may release HCG. If a pregnancy test is taken at this time, it may lead into a false positive result.
Chemical Pregnancy – A number of early pregnancies end in miscarriage even before the first day of your period. An early pregnancy that might not be viable could be detected by a test that was taken too soon.
Perimenopause – At the menopausal transition where your body changes happen for menopause, hCG levels rise without pregnancy.
HCG Treatment – Women under infertility treatment for ovulation stimulation through hCG may be detected as a positive result.
Causes of False Negative Results
Testing Too Early – hCG production during early pregnancy is not enough or at low levels to detect it as positive.
Insufficient Test Sensitivity – Testing during early pregnancy demands a more sensitive test to detect with more precise parameters.
Urine is too diluted – Pregnancy tests may find it difficult to detect when tested with an increased urine volume.
Testing Too Late – Immediate testing after taking the urine sample should be done. Specifically, it should be taken under 30 minutes after peeing or the test may lead to a different result.
Your Feelings Are Valid
The emotional cost of a pregnancy test can be just as high as the financial cost. There is this anxiety or excitement as you take the test and wait for the result. In context, many women in the Philippines feel considerable pressure to have children, and a positive pregnancy test result can bring both joy and anxiety. Some women may worry about how they will afford to raise a child, while others may worry about telling their families or partners about the news. Regardless, taking a pregnancy test is one of the important things that you should do when you are in doubt to get rid of the uncertainties that bother you.
Conclusion
The cost of a pregnancy test in the Philippines can vary significantly from one testing option to another. It is important to consider both the inner and outer costs associated with each method and any additional services that may be necessary for certain tests. We hope this article has helped you gain a better understanding of these costs and how they factor into your decision-making process when it comes to taking a pregnancy test in the Philippines.
