^
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Baking soda pregnancy test

Medical expert of the article

Obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

A pregnancy test with soda is a very accessible home method for determining a possible pregnancy. Speaking about early diagnosis of pregnancy when it is impossible to determine it by more informative methods, folk methods are also widely used. This can be not only soda, but also the use of iodine as an identifier of a possible pregnancy. Therefore, in order to talk about the effectiveness of the method, you need to know the basic principle of its action.

Basic principles of the soda test

When talking about the principle of this method, it is necessary to understand first of all the chemical and physical properties of urine. Normally, urine has a relative density higher than water and has a slightly acidic reaction. When a woman is pregnant, chorionic gonadotropin begins to be excreted with urine, which changes the properties of urine, as well as other substances that have an alkaline reaction. This disrupts the process of excretion of ammonia by the kidneys and the urine reaction becomes slightly alkaline. But a change in urine reaction is also possible with other kidney pathologies. This can be an inflammatory kidney disease - pyelonephritis, as well as cystitis, urethritis, glomerulonephritis. A change in urine reaction is also possible when consuming products containing alkaline substances, which include carbonated drinks, Coca-Cola, fried foods. Therefore, when conducting a test with soda, it is necessary that the above factors do not affect the woman's condition in any way, since in this case the test will be uninformative.

What is the principle of this test? Soda is an alkaline component that, when reacting with acid, produces a hissing reaction. If soda is added to the urine of a healthy person, it will hiss due to the acidic reaction of the urine. During pregnancy, the reaction changes and the interaction will not occur, so the soda will simply precipitate. This is the main diagnostic sign that is taken into account when conducting a soda test.

There is also the use of iodine as an additional component. If iodine is added to such a solution with soda, it should spread over the surface of the liquid, since it has a high coefficient of surface tension. During pregnancy, it is the relative density of urine that can change, which contributes to a change in the surface tension of the liquid. Such changes will have a characteristic picture - during pregnancy, if you drop iodine into urine, the drop of iodine will not spread, as is normal, but will look like a single drop placed on top, like a drop of oil in water. These are the basic principles of urine changes during pregnancy, which allow you to diagnose pregnancy at home.

trusted-source[ 1 ]

Methods for conducting a soda test during pregnancy

For a higher degree of reliability of the test with soda, the correct technique for collecting urine is necessary. To do this, you need to collect only the morning portion of urine, which contains the maximum amount of hormones and biological substances that contribute to changes in the properties of urine during pregnancy. You need to take half a glass of urine and pour in a teaspoon of soda, then you can not stir it, if the solution fizzes, then you are not pregnant. A home pregnancy test with soda is convenient because it can be done at home. A pregnancy test with soda and iodine should also be done with a morning portion of urine. You can take a slightly different modification as a basis - in this case, a drop of soda should be dropped on a piece of paper soaked in urine and if the iodine changes color, then there is no pregnancy, and if it remains orange, then there is a high probability that there is an embryo.

The reliability of a pregnancy test with soda is difficult to assess, since there are many subjective moments that can affect the deviation of the result. But speaking about this, taking into account also reviews, we can say that its reliability is less than 50%, that is, if there is a pregnancy, it can give a false result with a one-to-one probability. Therefore, it is better to confirm such a test with a pharmacological pharmacy test that detects the level of chorionic gonadotropin.

Reviews of the soda pregnancy test say that its effectiveness is questionable. There are many women who tried this test without pregnancy, and the soda fizzed, but during ovulation it did not fizz. There are also confirmations when the soda sediment was confirmed by two strips of the real test. Therefore, it is difficult to judge the effectiveness of this method of diagnosing pregnancy.

A pregnancy test with soda is a very simple and affordable home test. But its effectiveness is very low, which is explained by many subjective factors that can affect the properties of urine. But in any case, in emergency situations it is necessary to remember about this method, and whether to believe it or not - decide for yourself.


The iLive portal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The information published on the portal is for reference only and should not be used without consulting a specialist.
Carefully read the rules and policies of the site. You can also contact us!

Copyright © 2011 - 2025 iLive. All rights reserved.