Yes, technically a pregnant woman can take a polygraph test. However, there are several factors that need to be considered. These factors often result in women not having to take a polygraph test when they are with a child.
If you’re pregnant and someone wants you to take a polygraph test, it’s important to research the topic and to inform them that you are pregnant.
In this article
- Some Testers Will Not Perform The Test On Pregnant Women
- Liability
- It Can Yield Skewed Results
- Medications May Alter Results
- Can A Pregnant Woman Take A Polygraph Test? Not In The Third Trimester…
- Can You Refuse To Take A Polygraph Test?
- Discuss It With Your Doctor
- What If You Get A False Positive Because You’re Pregnant?
Some Testers Will Not Perform The Test On Pregnant Women
Some companies that administer a polygraph test will not do so on pregnant women. There are quite a few reasons for this. One of them is due to liability reasons.
Another common reason is that the results are more likely to be inaccurate. In certain cases, an inaccurate test result could ruin someone’s life, and no one wants to risk that.
Even if you are not showing yet, inform the person requesting the test that you are pregnant. Offer to show them a note from your obstetrician stating that you are pregnant.
Liability
Liability is the number one reason why most people will not attempt to make a pregnant woman take a polygraph test. When wondering if a pregnant woman takes a polygraph test, they often conclude that she can.
However, if something were to happen during or directly after the test, they could be held liable for that.
For example, if you have a miscarriage due to stress or after having to answer stressful/traumatizing questions, it could be determined that you had a miscarriage because of the stress of the polygraph test. No one wants to be responsible for that!
It Can Yield Skewed Results
Although these tests are already well-known for being unreliable, they are even more unreliable when they are conducted on pregnant women.
This is because they are based on vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and sometimes sweat. Pregnant women are more likely to have high blood pressure, have a higher heart rate, etc.
Also, pregnant women are often more nervous about these tests than other subjects because of the impact being pregnant can have on results, which will lead to further skewed results.
Discomfort Has A Significant Impact
Even tests conducted on individuals that are not pregnant but are simply wearing uncomfortable clothing can affect results. If this is the case, imagine how it will affect the results of a pregnant woman?
The further along you are, the more uncomfortable you will be. If you must take a polygraph test while pregnant, sit in your most comfortable position, and make sure to wear comfortable, non-restricting clothing.
Inform Them Of Any Medical Conditions
Although higher blood pressure and vitals can result in a false positive, these symptoms will also show up during base questions. Those are the questions that are asked in the beginning, such as your name and address.
Make sure to inform them of any medical conditions to explain a future false-positive result or to make them aware so that they do not give you a false-positive result. An inconclusive one might be the end result, however.
Medications May Alter Results
If you are on any medications, it is important to tell the person giving you the test. Certain medications can affect vital signs or increase sweating.
They may also have certain side effects, such as anxiety, that can indirectly affect the test results. Because of this, it is important to notify them and to make sure that they write it down.
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Can A Pregnant Woman Take A Polygraph Test? Not In The Third Trimester…
According to some, a pregnant woman cannot, or should not, take a polygraph test if they are in the third trimester. This is because women that are further along are often in more pain, and they are more uncomfortable.
When a person is in pain or not comfortable, they may yield more inconclusive results. This essentially makes the test a complete waste of time.
Can You Refuse To Take A Polygraph Test?
Yes, you can. Regardless of what the police say, you are not required by law to submit to a polygraph test. You have every right to refuse, including if you are being accused of a crime.
You can refuse to take one if your employer requires it. However, it is important to note that this may cause problems in your job. This will definitely cause problems if your employer requires that you take a polygraph test as part of your employment.
This is common in the security industry or for people in job positions that have access to highly sensitive data.
Discuss It With Your Doctor
You can avoid taking a polygraph test with a note from your doctor. While most medical professionals will not consider it dangerous to submit to a polygraph test, there are some that will write you a note.
This will usually state that it is not recommended because it can cause unnecessary stress to both you and the baby. It never hurts to ask if you are concerned about the stress level, or the possibility of a false positive because you’re pregnant.
What If You Get A False Positive Because You’re Pregnant?
If you’re expecting a child, the chances are pretty high that you might yield a false positive or other inaccurate test results. If this is the case, you have a pretty good shot at beating it in court, or if your employer attempts to use it against you.
There is a very good chance that you have a wrongful termination case. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
When wondering whether can a pregnant woman take a polygraph test, it is obvious that it will not pose an immediate danger to low-risk pregnancies. However, there is always an exception.
Women that are stressed or have high-risk pregnancies might be advised not to take the test if it causes stress. Some women may want to refuse the test if they are concerned about inaccurate results.
