The realities of our lives are constantly being updated with new methods of conducting legal proceedings, resolving personal and domestic conflicts, innovative techniques in investigating offenses, and uncovering cases of corruption and fraud committed by staff at various institutions. Professional polygraph test no longer seems like something exotic, but is often used in various situations.
However, this universal method has its own specific requirements for testing certain individuals. There is a list of contraindications that constitute a compelling reason for not persuading someone to undergo a lie detector test.
A special case is a clear understanding Can pregnant women take a polygraph test? To fully answer this question, let’s review the general contraindications and determine the reasons why testing cannot be performed.
Health conditions as a reason for refusing to take a lie detector test
A qualified polygraph examiner understands that testing can only be performed when the respondent is in a normal and stable psycho-emotional and physical state. After all, in addition to the negative impact of a stressful situation on the body, existing health problems can distort the test results.
Pregnant women are at increased risk when answering serious and complex questions, which can increase levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body. A significant number of highly qualified polygraph examiners prefer not to conduct the interview themselves.
Polygraph testing for pregnant women – features
Such a delicate period in any woman’s life is not, in itself, an absolute contraindication. However, the significantly increased sensitivity of the female body during this period, especially in its reaction to all types of external stimuli and stress, imposes certain restrictions that apply at different stages of pregnancy:
- Doctors usually advise against agreeing to the procedure passing a lie detector test in the first trimester, when the most active development of the fetus is observed;
- pass a polygraph test not recommended in cases of clearly established complications during pregnancy, when there is a high risk of miscarriage;
- with persistent toxicosis, which significantly weakens the body. This condition is accompanied by dizziness and even loss of consciousness. This unpleasant feeling can only be exacerbated by additional stress.
Each individual situation has its own nuances, but it’s still best to consider the health of your future child and avoid risking testing, which can be a nerve-wracking procedure for many women.
What should I do if I have a strong need for a lie detector test during pregnancy?
Life can be full of unexpected situations. Even though testing in this situation is undesirable, sometimes there’s no other way to prove infidelity to a spouse, to pass an urgent background check for a job, etc. Of course, extreme caution and tact are required when preparing for the test and during the interview itself regarding pregnant women.
Solution pass a polygraph test the procedure should only be performed by the subject herself, who has signed the prescribed consent form for the procedure. A doctor’s permission is also required. This is due to the following reasons:
Ø The presence of a large amount of hormones in the body during this period. Due to stress, hormones can negatively affect the fetus;
Ø a phenomenon such as toxicosis interferes with obtaining reliable and normal physiological responses to the questions asked;
Ø The body’s changes during pregnancy lead almost every woman to a state of heightened emotionality. The response to any external stimuli often becomes unpredictable and unexpected even for the respondent. Often, instead of an answer, the polygraph examiner receives a scene of hysterical crying, and the most modern lie detector gets confused with his conclusions and can’t figure out what’s going on.
But, if the expectant mother and her close circle insist on the need pass a polygraph test, it’s crucial to prepare in advance. You can prepare yourself for the upcoming examination in the comfort of your own home during a preliminary interview with a polygraph examiner. An experienced specialist will try to channel your emotions and reassure you that there are no risks to you or your unborn child.