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Waiting to find out if you're expecting! In the app universe, there's a growing niche focused on those moments of anticipation when suspected of a pregnancy. But, of course, nothing replaces a clinical or pharmacy test.
So what do these online “pregnancy test” apps actually offer? Are they reliable or just a fun tool?
In this article, we’ll talk about these apps, assess their effectiveness, benefits, and limitations. If you’re curious about how technology is trying to address this fundamental human curiosity, keep reading!
How do these online pregnancy test apps work?
Online “pregnancy test” apps are emerging as tools that attempt to help women identify the possibility of being pregnant. However, it is important to understand how they work and recognize that they are not a replacement for traditional testing methods.
Most applications starts by asking several questions to the user that may include the date of the last menstrual period, regularity of the cycle, symptoms and date of frequency of unprotected sexual intercourse.
Based on the information provided, the application uses an algorithm to estimate the probability of pregnancy. This calculation is often based on average and statistical patterns, such as the typical ovulation period in a regular cycle.
Many applications too have a list of common pregnancy symptoms. By evaluating the symptoms reported by the user, the app can provide an analysis of how similar they are to early signs of pregnancy.
Some applications try to estimate a possible date of conception based on the dates provided for sexual intercourse and last menstrual period.
After processing the information, the application offers a result, which can range from a percentage of probability to a simple answer of “likely” or “unlikely.”
In addition to the prediction, many apps also offer additional information about pregnancy, reliable testing methods, and where to seek medical advice or care.
Limitations and accuracy
The accuracy of any algorithm depends on the accuracy of the information provided. If a user does not know the exact date of her last menstrual period or is confused about the symptoms, the result may be inaccurate.
Application algorithms generally consider regular menstrual cycles, but many women have irregular cycles, which can complicate prediction. The apps don't have access to hard biomedical data, such as hormone levels, which are essential for confirming a pregnancy.
The apps operate without any physical tests. In contrast, traditional pregnancy tests detect the hCG hormone in urine, a reliable indicator of pregnancy.
Many early pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue, breast tenderness, and mood swings, are similar to premenstrual symptoms. Apps may not adequately differentiate between these.
There are medical conditions, medications, and other factors that can influence your pregnancy symptoms or menstrual cycle. Most apps don't take these into account.
O provision of personal and sensitive information, such as sexual activity, can raise privacy concerns if the app doesn’t have robust security measures in place. Many apps may provide vague results, such as “possibility of pregnancy,” which can be confusing or cause unnecessary anxiety.
The best apps to predict whether or not you are pregnant
O Flo is a period and ovulation tracker that lets you log symptoms and activities. It relies on algorithms to predict fertile days and potentially identify early signs of pregnancy.
In addition to tracking the menstrual cycle, the Clue analyzes the data you enter to predict ovulation and fertile days. It has a user-friendly interface and the ability to customize what you want to track.
Designed to help women understand their fertility, the Ovia Fertility & Cycle Tracker allows you to input a variety of information, including basal body temperature and ovulation test results. With an advanced algorithm and personalized feedback on reproductive health, it's a great app option.
O Natural Cycles is a certified contraception app that uses basal body temperature to predict fertile days. It is one of the few apps certified as a contraceptive method, which indicates a more rigorous approach to prediction.
O Period Tracker Deluxe tracks menstrual cycle, symptoms, moods, and activities. Has a pregnancy prediction feature that is based on when you log intercourse and your predicted ovulation date.
And finally, the Glow tracks menstruation, ovulation and fertility, and also allows you to record events related to sexual health. It offers an integrated community, allowing discussions and sharing of experiences.
These apps are great tools to help women better understand their bodies and cycles. However, they should be used as guides and not as definitive diagnoses.
If you suspect you are pregnant or are trying to conceive, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for guidance and confirmation.
