Throughout history, the question of whether or not a woman was pregnant often held significant implications. Before the advent of contemporary pregnancy tests, societies utilized a myriad of strange, sometimes even bizarre, methods to discern this crucial information.
Here are 13 such unusual pregnancy test methods from various eras of history. As we explore these curious practices, perhaps we’ll gain a new appreciation for the ease and accuracy of modern pregnancy tests. Buckle up as we embark on this fascinating journey through the annals of time!
Ancient Egyptian Wheat-and-Barley Test
In 1350 BCE, Egyptian women urinated on wheat and barley seeds. Germination indicated pregnancy wheat for a girl and barley for a boy. Recent experiments found 70% accuracy in this method.
Greek Onion Test
The ancient Greeks believed that if a woman ate an onion and her partner could smell it on her breath the next morning; she was not pregnant. This unusual test relied entirely on the olfactory senses.
Medieval ‘Piss Prophets’
Medieval ‘piss prophets’ claimed to predict pregnancy by observing the color and characteristics of a woman’s urine. There are no statistics available on the accuracy of these predictions.
Rabbit Test
1920s, medical practitioners injected a woman’s urine into female rabbits. If the rabbit ovulated, it suggested the urine contained the pregnancy hormone, hCG. This method was almost 100% accurate but expensive to the rabbits.
Peeing on a Latch or Nail
English folklore suggested that if a pregnant woman urinated on a latch or a nail and it rusted, she was carrying a boy.
Drano Test
In the mid-20th century, some women mixed their urine with Drano. The resulting color change was thought to indicate pregnancy, although no scientific evidence supports this.
Toothpaste Test
In the 1970s, women mixed their urine with toothpaste. If it frothed or changed color, it was taken as a sign of pregnancy. No reliable stats validate this method’s accuracy.
Soap Test
In the 1980s, women mixed their urine with soap. If it bubbled or frothed, it was thought to indicate pregnancy.
Dandelion Test
Folklore suggested that pouring urine over dandelion leaves would reveal pregnancy if the leaves become red or blistery. There’s no data to confirm the test’s accuracy.
Wine Test
Ancient Egyptians also mixed wine and urine. If the mixture bubbled, the woman was considered pregnant.
Pinesol Test
Some women mixed their urine with Pinesol household cleaner. Changes in color or froth suggested pregnancy, but there’s no scientific proof for this method’s effectiveness.
Mustard Powder Test
A woman soaked in a bath filled with mustard powder. She was deemed pregnant if her period didn’t start by the next day.
Bleach Test
Some women added bleach to their urine. It was seen as a sign of pregnancy if it foamed or fizzed, but no data supports this method’s accuracy.
6 Signs the Guy You’re Dating Is a Keeper
Ladies everywhere will agree a romantic partner can add a ton of excitement and joy. With so many options out there, we gotta ask: did you pick the right one? Don’t worry if you missed some things during decision-making; it’s never too late to reevaluate your choices!
6 Signs the Guy You’re Dating is a Keeper
5 Best Quiet Blenders of 2023
Do you want a blender that won’t disturb your quiet? If so, you’re in luck!
Why Do Americans Easily Get Divorced? A Closer Look at the Top 20 Reasons
Welcome, dear readers, to the wild rollercoaster ride called American married life. Heard the gossip? Seen the stats? Wondering why Americans swap wedding rings faster than they trade cars?
Why Do Americans Easily Get Divorced? A Closer Look at the Top 20 Reasons
Woman Refuses to Babysit Her Ex-Husband’s Child: Is She the Heartless Villain or a Heroine of Independence?
A divorced woman finds herself caught in a complex and emotionally charged situation. Having recently separated from her ex-husband, she still struggles to overcome the bitterness and hurt surrounding their split.
She the Heartless Villain or a Heroine of Independence?
Did His Unfaithfulness Trigger a Vengeful Spiral? He Cheated on His Wife, and Now She’s Getting Even!
In a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, we delve into the troubled marriage of a remorseful husband who finds himself caught in a web of infidelity.
