As a self-care mom, it is important that you maintain your physical and mental well-being. You are the primary carer for the family. So you need to stay on top of your health. At-home lab testing emerged as a convenient solution. If you are too busy and struggling to find time to seek traditional healthcare appointments, at-home lab testing is an option.
In this post, you will learn about a mom self-care hack that will help make things easier for you. The advancement of technology allows you to monitor your health right at the very comfort of your home. No need for long drives and wait times in laboratories just to get testing done.
What Are At-Home Labs and How Do They Work?
At-home labs are test kits that let you collect samples without leaving your home. Some kits allow you to collect samples like urine, blood, saliva, or swabs that you can send to a certified lab and get your results online.
But there are also those at-home lab kits that allow you to do it yourself. These kits require you to get samples like urine. Immerse the strip to the sample and wait for the required time before scanning it with your smartphone.
Why Is Self-Care Essential for Moms?
Getting self-care for mom isn’t selfish—it’s a necessity. Research published in the Liberty University highlighted that increasing the amount of time for self-care as a mom, it also increases mental well-being and overall satisfaction with life.
Yet, new data from the 2024 Women’s Wellness Index Report revealed that 78% of women prioritize the well-being of their family more than their own. But you cannot give from an empty cup. This goes without saying that filling your own cup first allows you to give more to your family.
Also, your children will learn healthy habits by watching you. If you make your health a priority, you create a pattern of health and wellness that benefits everyone in your home.
How Can At-Home Labs Revolutionize Your Self-Care Routine?
At-home lab kits turn health tracking from a time-consuming chore to a manageable part of life. They help catch problems early so they’re easier to fix. Rather than waiting for testing when you are showing symptoms, this is a healthy alternative.
Compare this to a traditional lab testing. You will physically visit a clinic. You need to find childcare while you are out. You drive to the lab, wait (with kids in tow if you haven’t found temporary help), and often return to get the results. That’s more or less taking 3-5 hours of your day.
At-home test kits allow you to monitor your health while your kids play or are taking a nap.
What Types of At-Home Lab Tests Are Most Beneficial for Moms?
These at-home lab tests are great if you are looking for mom self-care ideas (even great if you are a spouse who wants to take care of your partner in life). What are the types of at-home lab tests most beneficial for moms?
Prenatal Tests
You’re familiar with home pregnancy tests kits—that’s just the start. But today you can now track protein levels at home to know if you are in danger of preeclampsia (high blood pressure risk during pregnancy). This test can help you stay informed in between doctor visits.
Hormonal Balance Tests Help Postpartum Moms
After childbirth, the hormones can swing wildly. There are tests that allow you to monitor your hormones or any imbalances thereof that may cause fatigue, weight changes, or even mood swings.
Urinary Tract Infection Testing
Women are more prone to urinary tract infection (UTI) than men because of the design of their anatomy with shorter urethra—making it easy for germs to enter and infect. At-home UTI test kits allow you to check if you’re having the infection basing on the symptoms that you may have, like:
- Burning sensation during peeing
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy (or even smelly) urine
- Appearance of blood in the urine
- Strong urge to urinate
How to Order and Use At-Home Lab Test Kits?
Ordering and using at-home lab kits are easy and user-friendly. Here’s how:
- Choose the test kit based on your symptoms or goals. Many companies offer discounts for bulk kits.
- Order them conveniently online. Most of them ship within 1-2 days
- When your test kit arrives, ensure that you read all instructions or product labels before starting. Most of the test kits work best early morning (like requiring early morning urine)
- Wash your hands thoroughly and prepare a sterile testing area. A clean kitchen table or bathroom table top works great.
- Collect the required sample (e.g., urine) following the kit’s instruction guide. Many test kits already have online videos you can watch prior to buying.
The next steps depend on what kit you bought:
-
- Send out
- Test kits at home
For send-out lab tests:
- You should package your sample following a meticulous instruction guide to ensure that your samples are stable.
- Schedule a pickup for mailing. Some companies include pre-paid shipping.
- Wait for the results online, which is usually 3-7 days depending on what test you want performed. You will get the email once the result is ready.
- Log-in to your dashboard to view the results. Included usually in the result is the range of normal values.
- If results are a cause of concern, many companies often include doctor consultations or recommendations for next steps.
For at-home test kits:
- You use the kit as instructed (e.g., immerse a strip on your urine sample)
- Wait for the appropriate time indicated in each test kit (e.g., three minutes
- Scan the strip with your smartphone (may require logging in to your dashboard)
- View your results
But remember, these at-home lab test kits are not a replacement for medical advice. They aren’t as comprehensive as testing done in facilities. And they are not for treatment purposes.
These at-home lab test kits just give you an overview on your health and well-being without wasting your time going to and fro clinics or facilities.
Are At-Home Lab Test Kits Accurate, Affordable, and Private?
How to self-care as a mom comes with real challenges. Even with the convenience that at-home lab kits offer, there are still uncertainties that must be answered.
The accuracy, affordability, and privacy of at-home lab test kits all depend on which provider you signed up on.
But most of these companies offer high-grade laboratory test kits that were rigorously tested. Quality standards in the development of the test kits are followed to ensure that your results are highly accurate.
Most companies are HIPAA compliant as well so a breach of your privacy is not a cause for concern. Their online platforms have advanced data protection and secure access controls.
When it comes to affordability, many companies offer discounts if you buy in bulk or you get a steady supply from them (e.g., 6-, 12-, or 18-months supply). You just have to check carefully the platform you are signing up for.
All of these factors when balanced make at-home testing particularly valuable for moms. If you need convenient, reliable health options, while you’re at home taking care of your household members, these at home test-kits are the solution you are looking for.
Think of it as a life hack, not all moms are taking advantage of.
Conclusion
Prioritizing self-care as a mom is a necessity. If you don’t prioritize your health, it will come back at you—which isn’t good most of the time. It isn’t even selfish when you think of your well-being first before others. It just means that you need to be at your best so you can take care of your family.
