Market Trends of Global Pregnancy Detection Kits Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Pregnancy Detection Kits Market according to our research experts:
Blood test for HCG Segment is Expected to Witness Growth Over the Forecast Period
The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) blood test is a quantitative test that measures the level of hCG hormone present in a sample of the blood. hCG is a hormone produced in the female body during pregnancy.
COVID-19 is a current global public health emergency. COVID-19 has left an indelible mark on several domains, and the healthcare industry is no exception. According to a research study by Stefano Cosma et al., published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in April 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections during the first trimester of pregnancy do not seem to predispose to early pregnancy loss, and its cumulative incidence did not differ between women with spontaneous abortion and women with ongoing pregnancy. Moreover, COVID-19 appears to have a favorable maternal course at the beginning of pregnancy, consistent with what has been observed during the second and third trimesters. According to a research study by Matan Anteby et al., published in the Lancet Journal, in January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020, there was a 28.3% reduction in women seeking early pregnancy and emergent gynecological medical care. In addition, Prestige Brands, 2020 has also stated that 75.0% of women prefer self-testing for pregnancy over laboratory tests. This ascertains the growth of self-testing kits during COVID-19.
Unintended pregnancy is a significant public health concern in South Asian countries. For instance, according to a research study by Alamgir Sarder et al., published in PLOS ONE Journal, in February 2021, around 19.1% of pregnancies were reported as unintended ranging from 11.9% in India to 28.4% in Bangladesh. Moreover, younger women who are aged 15-19 years had a 1.42 times higher chance of unintended pregnancies. During pregnancy, the cells in the developing placenta produce hCG. The placenta in the sacs nourishes the egg after it is fertilized and attaches to the uterine wall. The hCG hormone is first detected in the female blood sample about 11 days after conception, and the level of hCG continues to double after 48 to 72 hours. Once they reach the peak- which occurs around 8 to 11 weeks after conception, the hCG levels decline and then remain stable for the rest of the pregnancy. This HCG test is performed to confirm the pregnancy, determine the age of the fetus, diagnose a potential miscarriage, and diagnose an abnormal pregnancy. Therefore, due to the growth of planned and unplanned pregnancies, blood HCG tests are recommended by doctors, which helps to drive the segment market.
Therefore, due to the above-mentioned factors, the blood test for the HCG segment is anticipated to witness considerable growth over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Dominate the Pregnancy Detection Kits Market
Some of the factors that are driving the market growth in the North American region include a growing increase in unplanned pregnancies, awareness regarding pregnancy detection kits, growing expenditure on personal care products, and the presence of key market players.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, May 2021, pregnant women with COVID-19 are at increased risk for preterm birth and might have an increased risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the North American region, the pregnancy detection kits market is expected to witness an upswing as the demand for self-test kits and point-of-care kits will increase due to people preferring to stay at home instead of visiting hospitals during the ongoing pandemic. For instance, according to the statistics from Statistics Canada 2020, the sales of family planning products such as pregnancy tests, and contraceptives have been way up during the coronavirus pandemic in Canada.
In Canada, unintended pregnancies in adolescents significantly impact young women, their families/children, and society. For instance, according to a research study by Amanda Black et al., published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, in May 2019, among Canadian adolescents, there were more than 39,000 unintended pregnancies (UPs) annually. The market players are adopting various strategies such as product launches, developments, collaborations, acquisitions, and expansions to increase market share. For instance, in May 2019, True Diagnostics, Inc., received 510(k) marketing clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the VeriClear Digital Early Result Pregnancy Test for detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in women before their first missed period. Thus, owing to the above factors, the market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.
