Pregnancy test reviews

Hello Ladies,

Today I will be reviewing some of the most popular pregnancy tests available in the UK - all of which are very reliable, easy and quick to use -

The most informative: Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Conception Indicator

• Review: This test is my favourite because the results are indisputable - no time wasted or frustration trying to decide whether a faint line is really there or not. It's also the only test that dates your pregnancy! In addition to telling you very clearly whether your are 'Pregnant' or 'Not Pregnant', it specifies the number of weeks since conception, by indicating '1-2 weeks', '2-3 weeks' or '3+ weeks'. This feature is 92% accurate and particularly valuable for women who are uncertain about when they conceived (or in case of an unplanned pregnancy). The pregnancy test in itself can be used up to 4 days early with the following accuracy based on Clearblue's website: 55% accurate when used 4 days early, 86% accurate when used 3 days early, 97% accurate when used 2 days early, and 98% accurate when used 1 day early. 
• Cost: £ 7.00 per unit if bought as a twin pack (buy online here)

The earliest response: First Response Early Results Pregnancy Test

• Review: This test claims to be the most sensitive, allowing you to use it as early as 5 days before your period is due! For very impatient women who struggle with the "two week wait", this one is for you! Based on the First Response website, this test appears to be the most efficient when used early: 62% accurate when used 5 days early, 78% accurate when used 4 days early, 87% accurate when used 3 days early, and 98% accurate when used 2 days early. Unfortunately, the results of this test are not always perfectly clear. If the second pink line - which is meant to indicate pregnancy - appears very faintly, you may feel uncertain about the result and have to test again a few days later or purchase a different type of test to double check your result.
• Cost: £ 5.25 per unit when bought as a twin pack (buy online here)

The cheapest: Boots Pregnancy Test

• Review: Forget about sexy packaging, this test is all about being the cheapest you can find in UK drugstores - whilst still being over 99% accurate from the day your period is due (cheaper 'pregnancy strips' can be purchased on eBay for only £0.25 per unit but they may not provide the same level of comfort and reliability). This test is the best option for women who's period is several days late and who can't resist the temptation of testing daily. Quite tellingly, these are often out of stock at Boots...
• Cost: £ 2.50 per unit when bought as a twin pack (buy online here)

Clearly, there are many more brands and types of pregnancy tests out there, so please share your recommendations and experiences with our readers!

Love,

Amélie

A fabulous afternoon at the Rose Lounge

So this is what heaven tastes like...

 

One of my (very pregnant) friends came over from Paris last weekend. With less than a couple of months until her due date, there was only so much shopping we could do... so I treated her to an afternoon tea at the Rose Lounge! The Rose Lounge is part of the very luxurious Sofitel St James hotel, and therefore puts a French touch on their afternoon tea.

 

Included in their "Le Tea en Rose" is a selection of adorable finger sandwiches, warm scones, clotted cream, raspberry jam, lemon curd...and most importantly, a delicious tray of Parisian pastries! The choice of pastries was all that we could wish for and so much more... With French classics such as Tarte Tatin, Éclairs au Chocolat and St. Honoré cakes! The selection of teas was just as impressive - we enjoyed some Green Oolong tea and Mediterranean Rose herbal infusion.

 

 

The setting is itself is intimate and relaxing. The room is decorated with creamy pink colors and fragrant displays of roses. We spent almost 3 hours there, just relaxing, gossiping and loving our pastries (there was so much to eat that we both went home with some scones and pastries in a charming little takeaway box!). Husband was very pleased...

 

~ THE ROSE LOUNGE ~

at the Sofitel St James Hotel

6 Waterloo Place
London, SW1Y 4AN

Make a reservation

 

 

My conception story

Hello lovely ladies!

I thought I'd share with you my conception journey... Though each experience is unique, I found it very helpful during this period to read and hear about other women's methods, disappointments and ultimate positive pregnancy tests!

So here is my story -

When my husband and I decided to start trying for a baby at the end of last year, I was thrilled by the prospect but didn't really know where to start (apart from the obvious of course)! I started doing some research and asking questions to friends who had already been there. Once I had mastered to basics of cycles and reproduction (I can't stress enough how much I regretted not paying more attention in biology class), I set out to understand what to do - and more importantly, what not to do - when trying to conceive.

Depending on the studies, the likelihood of conceiving during the first cycle ranges from 15% to 30% - we hoped that we would be part of that lucky minority... but we weren't. I actually realised at the end of the first month trying that my cycle was almost a week longer than the standard 28 days. As a result, there was a good chance we hadn't been trying on the right days!

That's when I decided to get some help in pinpointing ovulation and invested in some Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test with Dual Hormone Indicator. What I liked about these tests was their efficiency and proven results vs. more natural approaches such as the temperature or cervical mucus methods.

Following this purchase, I felt more confident that we would conceive during the second cycle until...the tests indicated that my most fertile days would occur while my husband was away! I was extremely frustrated but there was simply nothing I could do. We tried before my husband left and as soon as he got back, but unsurprisingly I didn't get pregnant.

I hoped for third time lucky and invested in a new pack of ovulation tests for our third cycle trying to conceive. And this time, I unexpectedly had to travel to France during my most fertile days! I couldn't believe it - what were the odds? As before, we tried on the night before I left for Paris and as soon as I got back. During the "two-week wait", I was convinced that there was no chance it had worked, and didn't feel the slightest pregnancy symptom (which some women are reported to feel very early on). However, as my period was late I took a pregnancy test which turned out positive!

WHAT A MIRACLE! I shared the baby news with my husband that night as we boarded a flight to Mauritus! For once, the timing was perfect and we were able to enjoy our first pregnancy joys on a beautiful beach...

To all those readers trying to conceive, I wish you the best of luck and hope you get that desired positive pregnancy test very soon!

Love,

Amélie

Welcome to my blog!

Hello lovely ladies!

And welcome to my pregnancy and baby blog! I hope that you enjoy reading it, and that it brings you happiness, inspiration and plenty of useful information.

I also hope that you will share your own pregnancy and baby joys - either by leaving comments or by sending me your stories for a chance to be published here (please send any conception, pregnancy, birth or baby stories directly to chicbabyandlady@gmail.com, along with pictures of your growing bump or glowing little angel and we will be in touch)!

Now some background on this blog -

My name is Amélie, I'm French and moved from Paris to London in my early 20's. Though I sometimes miss the beautiful streets of Paris and French cuisine, I was blessed to meet my husband in London - a very charming English gentleman (well, most of the time)!

End of last year, we decided it was time to start trying for a baby... Since, it has been a fabulous journey during which I have been grateful to find many helpful pregnancy websites, chat rooms, communities... And even more excited to create my own blog!

So please enjoy this blog, share it, share your experiences, and cherish these precious moments as chic mothers or mothers-to-be!

 

Love,

Amélie