2017 HCHB_digital

Pregnancy Tests and Supplements
Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin
(HCG) – a hormone produced by the placenta within six to 10 days of implantation
of a fertilised egg – in a woman's urine.
The level of this hormone increases rapidly from conception, doubling every one
to two days until it peaks at around 10 to 12 weeks. It can be measured in the
urine of a pregnant woman from at least the first day of a missed period, with some
tests having the ability to measure it from as early as four days before an expected
period, or seven days after conception.
If instructions are followed correctly, home pregnancy tests are sensitive enough
to provide a reading that is at least 99% accurate. Alcohol, pain-killers, antibiotics
and oral contraceptives do not affect pregnancy tests. Some medicines, such as
fertility drugs, can cause false-positive pregnancy test results.
Traces of the HCG hormone may be found in urine for up to eight weeks after
a miscarriage or termination, and for up to four weeks after the birth of a child.
Home tests are also available to pinpoint the time of ovulation – the release
of eggs from the ovaries (see Product options below).
Fertility facts
• Technically, a woman can only get pregnant during the five days before
ovulation, up until the day of ovulation. This is called the "fertile window"
and reflects the lifespan of sperm (five days) and the lifespan of the ovum
(24 hours).
• Women are most likely to get pregnant two days before ovulation and the day
of ovulation. 12-24 hours after ovulation, the probability of pregnancy rapidly
declines and pregnancy will not be possible during that cycle.
• For women unaware of when their "fertile window" is, sexual intercourse is
recommended every two to three days to optimise their chances of conceiving.
• Age is the most important factor when it comes to conception.
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Women are most fertile between the ages of 16 and 25.
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At age 30, the chance of conceiving each month is around 20%. This
declines to approximately 5% by age 40.
»»
The risk of pregnancy and birth complications, caesarean section, stillbirth,
miscarriage and birth defects all increase with age.
• Obesity also affects the chance of conception and having a healthy baby.
PRODUCT OPTIONS
Category Examples Comments
Pregnancy testing
Folic acid supplements
Iodine
Ovulation testing
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Discover Onestep Early Result, EasyCheck
Midstream Pregnancy Tests*, Pregnosis Early
Pregnancy Test Dip & Read*, Pregnosis In-
Stream Early Pregnancy Test*
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, folic acid (Apo-Folic 0.8, Blackmores Folic
Acid)
eg, folic acid with iodine, iron and other vitamins
and minerals (Elevit with Iodine, Blackmore’s
Conceive Well, FabFol)
eg, folic acid with iron (Ferrograd F)
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, NeuroTabs (contains equivalent iodine
150mcg), Elevit with iodine (contains potassium
iodine 250mcg), FabFol (contains equivalent
iodine 150mcg)
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, EasyCheck Ovulation Kit*, Ovuplan 10 Day
Pregnancy Planning Kit*, Ovuplan Scope*
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly as stated on the packet. Some test sticks are
held in mid-stream urine, while others need a urine sample collected in a clean container,
which is tested with a dip-and-read stick. Test urine samples immediately after collection.
Some fertility drugs may give false-positive results.
Folic acid taken one month before and three months after conception reduces the incidence
of neural tube defects (eg, spina bifida). Women planning a pregnancy should take
supplements containing 0.8mg of folic acid. Women at high risk of a neural tube defect
(NTD) affected pregnancy (including spina bifida) may require more folic acid and should ask
their GP for advice. This includes those who have previously had an NTD-affected pregnancy,
have a family or personal history of NTD (or whose partner has a family or personal history),
who are on insulin treatment for diabetes, or women taking medications known to affect folate
metabolism (eg, carbamazepine, clomiphene, valproate, retinoids and etretinate).
The NZ MOH recommends healthy pregnant and breastfeeding women take a daily 150mcg
iodine-only tablet from confirmation of pregnancy until the discontinuation of breastfeeding
in addition to eating iodine-containing foods such as low-fat milk products, eggs, seafood,
and commercially prepared bread. Women with pre-existing thyroid disease or with currently
high iodine intakes should be referred for further medical advice.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) controls egg release. LH levels noticeably rise about 24–36 hours
before ovulation. Home ovulation tests usually either measure LH in the urine, or oestrogen
levels in saliva, and help to pinpoint the most fertile days in a woman’s cycle.
Relieve leg cramps Crampeze Pregnancy Leg Cramps Contains magnesium, vitamin B6 and D, and viburnum opulus to assist with the relief of leg
cramps during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
Natural / herbal products /
supplements
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Mumomega Pregnancy 30 Capsules*, Bio-
Oil, Mustela Stretch Mark Double Action, ginger,
horsetail, Lady's Mantle
eg, Sea-Band Mama
Mumomega capsules contain DHA-rich marine fish oils and evening primrose oil.
Creams or oils applied twice daily from the first trimester of pregnancy may reduce the
development of stretch marks. Ginger has been shown to alleviate nausea in pregnancy.
Horsetail may help tone the uterus and Lady's Mantle may help prevent spot bleeding.
Pressure applied to the Nei-Kuan acupressure point may help relieve morning sickness.
Products with an asterisk have a detailed listing in the Pregnancy section of OTC Products, starting on page 255.
Page 122 HEALTHCARE HANDBOOK 2017-2018 Common Disorders