So you've managed to get yourself pregnant, at least you think you are, but now what...
Firstly, congratulations!!! Secondly, don't panic! Thirdly, if all you can think about is having a drink to calm your nerves then go ahead (I won't tell anyone). Fourthly, are you sure you are pregnant? Have you pee'd on a stick? Have you pee'd on an English stick or a Thai stick? Have you had a blood test to confirm?
Lets start talking about the practicalities.
Pregnancy tests
Urine Tests
Average Pee Sticks are available in all Pharmacies.
My experience is that Boots tend to only stock their own brand and one called "Exact Pregnancy Test" whilst you may find a different selection in more local pharmacies.
But the problem with Thai tests are that they are not as sensitive as you can get back home. There is no such thing as "First Response" here.
Brand | Sensitivity | Cost (THB) |
---|---|---|
Exact | over 25mlU/ml | 120 |
Boots | over 25mlU/ml | 120 |
Check Tru (Ovulation and Pregnancy test) | over 20mlU/ml | 270 |
First Response | over 6.3mlU/ml | Not available in Thailand |
So you will have to wait a little longer to be sure, or you can easily get a blood test done at any health clinic.
Blood Tests
It is as simple as walking in, asking for a blood test to confirm your hcg levels and within a few hours they will email you the results.
I have used:
RSU at 571, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31.
They charge THB 900 per test (in 2015)
RSU at 571, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31.
They charge THB 900 per test (in 2015)
Wellness Clinic at Interchange Building, Asoke.
They charge THB 600 per test (in 2016)
They charge THB 600 per test (in 2016)
You can also get an HCG test done at any of the hospitals, but they will likely charge you minimum THB1,000 plus doctors consultation time.
If you are are using an independent clinic before you choose your antenatal provider then you may also need some help and reassurance on understanding HCG tests. I used this website to help understand the basics. http://www.babymed.com/tools/hcg-calculator