Did you know there were online pregnancy tests? Upon searching for an “online pregnancy test,” I find pages of results. The first one that I connect to only asks for my name. “Meg Ryan” I quickly type in. As the page changes, a beeping sound begins and the screen advises me to sit as still as possible as the remote testing system apparently is scanning my body for pregnancy hormones. In less than a minute the following message appears on my screen. “Pregnancy detected! Congratulations, Meg Ryan!” It is complete with an image from an ultrasound of what looks to be a baby at about 38 weeks.
Wow! I can’t wait to have another baby shower! Only one slight problem. I am one million percent sure that I am not pregnant. The site further offers to click on a “View my baby” button if you want to know if it is a boy or girl. I am far too reluctant to do this for fear that a porn virus will be sent to every contact in my computer. Did I mention that at some point during my results, I got a pop-up for Publishers Clearing House? Maybe I am pregnant and I won the sweepstakes.
When trying another site, it is more of a quiz than an actual test. Then towards the end of the quiz, the company tries to persuade you to order their pregnancy test with the claim that it is more accurate than store tests. The big promise is that it can detect pregnancy sooner than other tests. But is it really sooner if you have to wait for them to ship it to you?
Many of the online sites that I searched, welcomed me to take their “test” and answer questions to find out my chances of being pregnant. After going through a series of questions on Babymed.com, my results showed that it was “highly unlikely” that I was pregnant at this time and stated that pregnancy could only be confirmed by taking an actual pregnancy test. It appears this site, like some of the other on-line pregnancy sites, are designed to offer tips to women that are in the process of trying to get pregnant.
There are many online resources to provide symptoms of pregnancy and ways to focus on getting pregnant. Do I really trust an online remote pregnancy testing system? No. Your computer can link you to information but if you are looking for the pink lines, you need to drive to the store and buy the test.
Edited by Jody Smith