Is It Normal to Want to Keep Used Pregnancy Tests? | Antenatal Care

Pregnancy is one of the most emotional and life-changing experiences in a woman’s life, and the moment you discover you’re expecting is often filled with a mix of joy, excitement, and sometimes, a bit of nervousness. For many expectant mothers, the positive pregnancy test becomes a cherished keepsake, serving as a tangible reminder of that special moment. But is it normal to want to keep your used Clear Blue pregnancy test? In this article, we’ll explore why some women choose to hold onto this small but significant memento, how this connects to antenatal experiences, and what it says about the emotions surrounding early pregnancy.

The Emotional Attachment to Pregnancy Tests

For many women, a positive pregnancy test marks the start of a new journey into motherhood. It’s often the first indicator that a new life is growing inside them, and with it comes a flood of emotions. The moment you see the two lines or the word “pregnant” can feel surreal and transformative. This emotional attachment is often why many women choose to keep their pregnancy test as a physical memory of that life-changing moment.

Katy Perry, a famous singer, recently revealed that she still has the pregnancy test from when she found out she was expecting her daughter. In a lighthearted interview, she admitted that although it might seem odd to some, it was meaningful to her and she keeps it in a drawer with other sentimental items. Perry’s openness about her keepsake sparked conversations among women, many of whom admitted they had done the same. But why exactly do some women feel the need to keep their pregnancy test?

Sentimental Value

Pregnancy tests can hold sentimental value as they represent a significant turning point in a woman’s life. The test may symbolise the moment when she transitioned from wondering about pregnancy to confirming that she was, in fact, expecting. For some women, that single moment may be filled with feelings of triumph, happiness, or even relief, and keeping the test serves as a reminder of that time. As with many aspects of antenatal care, these early milestones are deeply emotional, and sentimental items—whether it’s the pregnancy test, a sonogram, or the first baby scan—often become cherished mementoes.

The Psychology Behind Keeping Pregnancy Tests

From a psychological perspective, people often attach meaning to objects that remind them of important life events. According to research on memory and emotional attachments, tangible objects can help people reconnect with moments that felt meaningful. A pregnancy test can serve as a powerful symbol of the beginning of motherhood, much like a wedding ring symbolises the beginning of marriage.

Pregnancy is also filled with many unknowns and changes, both physically and emotionally. Keeping a pregnancy test can act as a comforting reminder of the joy and excitement that came with discovering the pregnancy, a moment of certainty during a time of change. During antenatal stages, it’s natural for mothers-to-be to seek out ways to make sense of their experiences, and for some, a positive pregnancy test helps anchor that memory in a physical form.

Is It Common to Keep Pregnancy Tests?

The idea of keeping a used pregnancy test may seem unusual to some, but many women in the UK and beyond have admitted to holding onto theirs for sentimental reasons. In fact, a quick search online reveals numerous forums and blogs where women discuss their keepsakes and what they mean to them. Some describe their pregnancy test as their “first baby memory,” while others note that they store it alongside baby clothes, scan images, and hospital bracelets.

While there are no specific studies on how common this practice is, anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s not rare for women to keep their pregnancy tests as part of their antenatal journey. Many women view the test as the beginning of their pregnancy story, and for them, it holds as much value as the first antenatal checkup or the first antenatal scan.

Antenatal Care and Emotional Well-Being

Pregnancy is an emotional journey, and antenatal care is designed not only to ensure physical health but also to support emotional well-being. Antenatal appointments often include discussions about emotional health, as mental well-being is just as crucial as physical health during pregnancy. It’s normal for expectant mothers to seek out ways to preserve their memories and experiences, whether through journaling, taking photos, or keeping sentimental items like pregnancy tests.

Some women also find that holding onto these mementoes helps them cope with the stresses and uncertainties that can arise during pregnancy. Pregnancy can come with anxieties, especially if there are concerns about health, complications, or external stresses. In such cases, a keepsake from the earliest part of the pregnancy can provide comfort and reassurance.

Antenatal Support for Expectant Mothers

As part of antenatal care, many women also seek emotional support through antenatal classes or even activities like antenatal yoga or pregnancy massage. These services help mothers-to-be manage stress, improve relaxation, and connect with their changing bodies during pregnancy. Like keeping a pregnancy test, these activities provide a way for women to feel more grounded and supported during their pregnancy.

Antenatal yoga and pregnancy yoga classes are especially popular, as they allow women to stay active while also focusing on mindfulness and relaxation. Participating in these activities during antenatal stages can further enhance emotional well-being, providing mothers with a sense of control and comfort.

Practical Considerations: Is It Safe to Keep a Pregnancy Test?

For those considering keeping their pregnancy test, it’s worth noting that tests can degrade over time, especially if not stored properly. Pregnancy tests are made of plastic, and while they won’t deteriorate quickly, the lines or digital displays can fade, leaving you with a blank or unrecognisable test. To preserve the memory, some women take photographs of their test to ensure they always have a visible reminder, while others may keep the physical test tucked away in a keepsake box.

It’s also important to be mindful of hygiene. If you plan on keeping a test, make sure to clean it after use to avoid any risk of contamination, and store it in a safe place. Although most tests are designed to be single-use and disposed of, keeping a well-cleaned test poses minimal risk.

The Importance of Preserving Pregnancy Memories

For many women, the antenatal journey is a time of reflection, self-care, and emotional connection. Keeping small mementoes like a pregnancy test is just one of the ways mothers-to-be preserve the memory of this unique period in their lives. Whether it’s through prenatal care, antenatal yoga, or something as simple as holding onto a pregnancy test, these moments provide comfort and joy.

It’s also important to remember that every pregnancy is unique. Some women may feel a strong attachment to their pregnancy test, while others may choose not to keep it. There is no right or wrong way to experience pregnancy, and each woman’s journey is personal. If keeping a pregnancy test brings you joy and reminds you of a special moment, then it is perfectly normal.