Determining pregnancy in the early stages: methods. Definition of pregnancy in a medical institution. Benefits of Inkjet Tests

Detect early pregnancy it is possible only after the implantation of the fetal egg into the uterine cavity, as a rule, this occurs 7-10 days after ovulation. Until this moment, while the fertilized egg is in the fallopian tubes or moving in the uterus in search of a place for implantation, as a rule, there are still no changes in the woman's body associated with pregnancy.

As soon as the fetal egg is introduced into the wall of the uterus, the pregnancy hormone, the so-called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), begins to be produced almost immediately. It is hCG that notifies the woman's body about the fact of the onset early pregnancy.

The fetal egg can be removed by the uterus before implantation, and the woman will not even know about this fact, since there is no delay in menstruation, and the fetal egg comes out along with menstrual flow. Most often, in this way, the woman's body gets rid of defective fetal eggs that cannot attach to the wall of the uterus.

So, the first symptoms of pregnancy may appear as early as 7-10 days after conception, that is, from the first days of implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

Methods for determining pregnancy in the early stages:

At the moment, there are both fairly reliable medical methods for determining pregnancy, and so-called folk methods based on indirect signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Most reliable detect early pregnancy it is possible only in the laboratory, by passing tests for the presence of hormones in the blood or by performing an ultrasound scan. Also, a fairly reliable method can be attributed to a rapid urine test to determine pregnancy.

Consider the most accurate medical methods for diagnosing pregnancy:

1. Pregnancy test

The most popular modern method of diagnosing. All pharmacy express tests are based on determining the level of the hCG hormone in a woman's urine.

The term for determining pregnancy: can be carried out from 1 day of the expected menstruation delay or 2 weeks after conception. There are more sensitive (with a sensitivity of 10 mIU / ml) tests that allow you to determine pregnancy from the 10th day after ovulation, that is, even before the delay in menstruation. But, for the most reliable results, it is recommended to conduct a test on the 7-8th day of the delay in menstruation.

Pros: the accuracy of determining pregnancy is 95%, performed at home, availability, simplicity and convenience of diagnosis, low cost.

Cons: both false positive and false negative results are possible, for example, if the analysis is performed incorrectly, the use of low-quality or expired tests, testing too early, when taking hormonal drugs, tumor processes and other factors. They do not allow to determine the pathology of the course of pregnancy, as well as to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.

2. Determination of pregnancy by an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The doctor necessarily examines the genitals on the gynecological chair, and also probes the body of the uterus with his fingers for changes in its shape, size and consistency. The doctor also interviews the woman about her well-being and additionally evaluates presumptive or indirect signs of pregnancy.

The term for determining pregnancy: a highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologist can diagnose pregnancy as early as 4 weeks after conception or after 2 weeks of delayed menstruation. As a rule, doctors determine pregnancy starting from the 8th week from conception.

Pros: only a doctor can determine how the pregnancy is proceeding, identify possible problems or deviations in pregnancy and correct them in time, and, if necessary, prescribe additional research methods.

Cons: not the earliest and most reliable method. If a woman does not know about her pregnancy and came for a routine checkup for up to 5 weeks, then there is a possibility that the doctor may not notice the pregnancy. Often, additional tests may be required to confirm pregnancy.

3. Blood test for hCG.

Table of correspondence between the norm of the level of hCG to the gestational age

Since the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is absent in healthy non-pregnant women, it is the most convenient indicator of pregnancy.

The term for determining pregnancy: This analysis can be carried out from 1 day of the alleged menstruation delay or 2 weeks after conception.

Pros: the accuracy of determining pregnancy is 98-99%, shows the duration of pregnancy with an accuracy of up to a week.

Cons: high cost, impossible to do at home, you need to go to a medical institution, blood is taken from a vein, false negative values ​​\u200b\u200bare possible if the test is done too early or during an ectopic pregnancy.

4. Blood test for TBG.

The hormone TBG (trophoblastic beta-globulin) is the earliest marker of pregnancy. It is produced by the embryo to protect against the mother's immune system.

The term for determining pregnancy: TBG is detected in the blood as early as 10 days after conception, even before the delay in menstruation.

Plus: the accuracy of determining pregnancy is 99%, it is possible to detect a possible pregnancy before the delay of menstruation.

Cons: high cost, impossible to carry out at home, it is necessary to contact a medical institution, due to the complexity of the determination, not all laboratories carry out blood sampling from a vein, false positive values ​​​​are possible in oncological diseases and benign tumors of the female reproductive system.

5. Ultrasound.

The term for determining pregnancy: a study can show the presence of a fetal egg in the uterine cavity from the 5th day of delay or 3 weeks after conception, subject to the high qualification of the doctor conducting the diagnosis and good resolution of the device.

Pros: allows you to determine not only the fact of pregnancy, but also the period with an accuracy of 1-2 weeks, possible pathologies of fetal development, identify an ectopic pregnancy, and from 5-6 weeks to establish the fact of multiple pregnancy.

Cons: in the early stages, ultrasound is performed only for medical reasons, there is no evidence of the safety of the effect of ultrasonic waves on the embryo, there is a high risk of abortion.

Also no less important for determining pregnancy are indirect signs by which a woman, from the very first days of pregnancy, can independently diagnose her “interesting position”.

Depositphotos/LEV DOLGACHOV

There are two types of women, one category is planning a pregnancy, the other, on the contrary, wants to avoid fertilization. For the former, this is a chance to quickly confirm whether their dream has come true, and for the latter, the possibility of medical abortion. Despite the categorical difference in plans, the task for them is the same - to learn how to determine pregnancy at an early stage.

Signs that occur in a woman even in the first stages of fertilization will help in making an important decision. It is worth listening carefully to your body, and it can tell a lot. The main task is to isolate them and differentiate with other processes in the female body that are not associated with an interesting situation.

How to determine pregnancy without a test?

Despite the fact that today the pharmacy has a wide range of tests that give the correct answer even the next day after sexual intercourse, they cannot be called reliable. The reason for this inconsistency is the standard method of determining by measuring the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Its production begins only 6-8 days after the fertilization of the egg. However, it is reliably known that this process can occur 2-3 days after spermatozoa enter the fallopian tube of a woman.

According to simple calculations, the test can provide correct information only 8-12 days after conception. In this matter, it is worth paying attention to the sensitivity of the diagnosis, the higher it is, the more reliable the result.

However, in the blood, hCG is 2-3 times higher than in the urine. As soon as the shell of the egg (chorionic tissue) is implanted into the uterine cavity, the active production of a specific hormone begins. This happens 4-5 days after conception. At the same time, the amount of his presence increases daily by 2 times.

So, the first method of how to determine pregnancy in the early stages will be the donation of venous blood for the presence of the hormonally active hCG protein.

The sampling of similar material will be required for analysis of trophoblastic beta-globulin. This is an analogue of the previous study, but with more accurate reliability of the data obtained.

There is a possibility of late implantation, when the embryo is fixed on the 7-8th day after fertilization. Accordingly, a biochemical study will give a false negative result.

Medicine to help

There are two more ways to recognize pregnancy before a delay:

  • Visiting a gynecologist. By contacting an experienced specialist, you can also find out the necessary information during a visual examination on a gynecological chair. Firstly, the uterine mucosa becomes bluish due to abundant blood flow, the organ itself increases in size, and the cervix becomes softer.

This method requires additional confirmation, since the symptoms are differentiated from premenstrual syndrome.

  • ultrasound. Such a diagnostic study will not only answer the patient's main question, but also exclude the presence of an ectopic fetal attachment. Using a special vaginal sensor, the doctor also determines the embryonic age by the nature of its development.

Nature will let you know

It is also possible to determine pregnancy at home without any devices. The human body carries centuries-old wisdom, and the female body always lets you know about any changes, be they positive or negative. Fertilization is no exception. In this case, it is not necessary to wait for an obvious fact - a delay in menstruation. It is enough to carefully listen to unusual sensations, for example, in a room with a comfortable temperature, a woman in an interesting position may feel a lack of air, she may be thrown into a fever. Other features can be found in the table.

Signs of pregnancy

What are the sensations?

Nausea, vomiting

Early toxicosis is explained by the individual characteristics of the female body.

Changes in sensation and appearance of the breast

The appearance of a venous network on the mammary glands, darkening of the halo, the release of white matter (colostrum) indicates an early stage of preparing the breast for feeding.

Drawing pain in the lower abdomen

Such a symptom can be observed within a week after conception. Requires a visit to a specialist. In some cases, it indicates the development of a fetal egg outside the uterus. Also, unpleasant sensations can accompany emotional outbursts.

Highlights of pink, brown shades

Many perceive it as premenstrual syndrome, but menstruation does not begin, which indicates the likelihood of implantation bleeding, i.e. successful fertilization.

Increased sexual desire or complete apathy

Hormonal changes affect everyone differently. Some cause a strong desire for intimacy, while others, on the contrary, lack of desire. Activity or inactivity can continue throughout pregnancy.

Unreasonable drowsiness and fatigue

Changes in the background of hormones due to the daily increasing production of progesterone.

Changes in food preferences, increased feeling of hunger or vice versa its decrease

19% of women experience severe hunger. Others report a decrease in appetite. Doctors explain this by a different reaction to the invasion of the trophoblast villi.

Problems with bowel movements, flatulence

There may be several factors:

  • neurogenic - strong feelings;
  • immobility.
  • manifested diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • malnutrition;
  • binge eating.

Rapid pulse

The pulse is measured in a somewhat unusual way - through the stomach. Having dipped 3 fingers below the level of the navel, you need to press a little and feel the vibrations. During pregnancy, they can be felt, because. there is increased blood flow. If the result is negative, listening is not fixed.

Enhanced sense of smell

Most odors will seem more pungent as they almost all sensations are amplified at times.

Manifestation of chronic diseases

Restructuring in the body almost always affects existing diseases that are in remission. During this period, their exacerbation may begin.

Experts do not consider such symptoms to be objective, because. most of the items presented are similar to premenstrual symptoms. However, most women who have gone through all stages of pregnancy indicate precisely such sensations.

How to determine pregnancy at home?

Let's figure out how to recognize pregnancy without a doctor and a pharmacy test. Moreover, in the early stages, the second option is a waste of money. We use folk methods that were used by our mothers and grandmothers.

iodine test

Before the test, you can not drink water for two hours and wash yourself using hygiene products. It is also necessary to refrain from urinating during this time. As with standard diagnostics, morning urine is used. It should be borne in mind that the material collected for this method is valid for only 10 minutes.

Having collected the test liquid in a sterile container, we moisten a strip of plain paper in it. Next, drip a few drops of iodine onto the surface. If the color changed and turned blue, conception did not occur; if purple or lilac - the result is positive.

The effectiveness of iodine use is determined only by the initial stage of fertilization. In the later stages, the indications are not reliable.

with soda

Since urine in pregnant women has a low acid composition, when 1 tsp is added to it. soda, the bubbling reaction will be minimal. As in the previous case, only the morning sample is used.

With potassium permanganate

In addition to urine, you will need 200 ml of warm water and potassium permanganate powder on the tip of a knife. Initially, you need to make a weak manganese solution. After obtaining a crimson hue, a gradual infusion of urine is performed. As a result, small white flakes are formed, and the color of the liquid remains unchanged. Such indicators are a sign of future motherhood.

With thermometer

Measurement of basal body temperature is one of the most popular and effective ways to check pregnancy. Immediately after sleep, without getting out of bed, you need to insert a thermometer into one of the zones: anal, vagina or oral. Measurements last for five minutes. The indicators are recorded daily with the obligatory indication of the date, time and the result itself. If the temperature is stable at 36.8-37 ° C, it indicates either ovulation or pregnancy. In the first case, such data will be available for 1-2 days, then they will decrease to 36.5-36.7 ° C.

Folk methods

Despite significant advances in medicine, many still prefer non-traditional methods. This is because in each category there is a possibility of error, and deciding what to believe is an individual right. About how to understand that a girl is pregnant, based on beliefs further.

onion helper

Place a couple of bulbs in separate containers filled with water. Define one of them as a positive result of fertilization, the other - negative. The result depends on the first, ascended parost.

Using the Ring

The action is carried out with an assistant. A wedding ring is used as the main ceremonial accessory. The object is put on the hair, and the woman takes a prone position. A ring is hung over her stomach and if the object starts to rotate to the sides, she can be congratulated on her future motherhood.

Regardless of the chosen method for determining the early fertilization period, further actions are important: the timely intake of multivitamin complexes for women in position, the organization of proper activity and rest, as well as focusing on eating habits. All this will affect the future health of the future crumbs, and, accordingly, the peace of mind of his parents.

In modern medicine, it is generally accepted that the most reliable definition coming pregnancy possible only after the first days of delayed menstruation. However, most women want to know as early as possible whether they are carrying a fetus. This desire is always justified, and the reasons may be different. Some women are waiting for this moment with trepidation, indulging in dreams of the miracle of the birth of their baby, others are afraid to find out about their interesting situation and mentally prepare for the abortion procedure. In most cases, this situation is likely as a result of unprotected intercourse.

In both cases, early methods of diagnosing pregnancy will be quite relevant. It is important to note the fact that the earlier pregnant women are registered, the higher the probability of successful gestation and delivery without complications. There is no need to talk about abortions in early pregnancy, since they will warn about the dangers and complications immediately before the procedure.

Determining the onset of conception is also possible in the early stages, however, the degree of reliability will vary depending on the method of determination. In addition, it is important to understand exactly what changes occur in the female body before and after conception, since it is these processes that can testify to the onset of pregnancy.

What happens in the body after conception

Everyone knows that pregnancy is in a strong alliance with the female menstrual cycle, and conception itself is possible only on strictly predetermined days: 1-2 days after ovulation. It is not without reason that the cycle is counted from the first day of the onset of menstruation, since it is with the beginning of this period that the body begins to prepare a new egg for removal from the ovary. By the middle of the cycle, the egg will mature, by about day 14. It is important to note here that this figure is typical for those women whose cycle is 28 days. If this period is longer or shorter, it is important to correctly identify the correct period for the onset of ovulation, especially using calendar methods of contraception. Doctors warn that this method is very unreliable, and if the day of ovulation is calculated incorrectly, then such methods of protection are completely meaningless.

In parallel with ovulation, the female body adapts to potential conception: the endometrium becomes softer and thicker, preparing to receive the fetal egg. The follicle, which released the mature egg, transforms into the corpus luteum and begins to produce progesterone, which is necessary for successful implantation and preservation of pregnancy. The basal body temperature also rises, to about 37 degrees, since it is this temperature that most contributes to successful conception. In this state, the body of women intends to remain a little more than a week.

In the event that conception does not occur, then all processes return to normal: the temperature drops again to the usual level, degradation of the corpus luteum occurs, the endometrium will exfoliate and come out with menstruation. A new cycle begins.

In the event that conception has occurred, the fertilized egg will continue to move through the fallopian tube. From that moment on, she begins to share and develop. After a week or a little more, the fetal egg will be introduced, after which the chorion, one of the varieties of the fetal membranes, begins to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Over time, this hormone begins to accumulate in the female body.

First week of pregnancy

In most cases, during the first days, future mothers do not even assume that they are already carrying a baby, since there are no external or internal changes, a fertilized cell is not yet present in the uterus. Moving along the fallopian tube, she, the cell, undergoes continuous division so that, after attaching to the uterus, she already has the placenta and umbilical cord at her disposal. Gradually, during the first 7 days, the cells multiply and already have the size of a small pea, this is the embryo.

After a week, the fertilized egg will reach its target and attach to the wall of the uterus. Starting from this period, women who are attentive to their feelings are able to feel any changes that begin to occur in the body. The first 7 days are considered to be one of the main ones during the entire period of bearing a baby. Since it is at this time that the highest percentage of the likelihood of a miscarriage. The reason for this is the fact that the female body is not always ready to perceive the embryo as its part.

There are cases when the body accepts the embryo as a foreign body, which must be disposed of. Unfortunately, in this case, good immunity in women may not be a positive factor for a healthy conception, since it can reject the embryo as a foreign body. Nevertheless, it is important to note that most often the body independently begins to suppress the undesirable manifestation of immunity.

It is important to remember the need to undergo a full examination in a medical institution immediately before the conception of a child. This procedure is extremely necessary, because in the modern world it is almost impossible to remain absolutely healthy and not have chronic diseases or various infections, which many may not be aware of.

Hormonal changes in the body

In those cases when the embryos manage to safely attach to the wall of the uterus, they become one with the mother's body. After this is done, women should know that from that moment on, the life and health of the unborn baby directly depends on their condition.

Hormonal changes that occur in the female body, make new amendments to the lifestyle of the expectant mother. The placenta of the uterus begins to produce a hormone called progesterone. This hormone should be responsible for ensuring that the uterus does not begin to contract prematurely, since any movements of this organ can interfere with the normal process of attaching the embryo. At the moment when the embryo has become one with the mother's organism, successful fertilization can be determined. This also applies to those cases when there is not a single week left before the start of the next menstruation.

Second week of pregnancy

After the first days of families, the baby can already be perceived as a full-fledged future citizen, and not a “foreign body”. It is from the 8th day of the life of the embryo that the mother's body begins to make every effort to preserve it and protect it from all kinds of harmful external influences.

Thanks to the body of a happy mother, from the second week, nutrition begins to flow into the tiny body of the unborn baby, and it is during this period that the formation of the intestine begins, which contributes to the nutrition of the embryo. This intestine will increase in size over time and after some time the formation of other organs begins, which are vital for the little man - we are talking about the heart and the vascular system. The main protection of the baby is the amniotic sac, which eventually fills with a nutrient fluid, which in medicine is called amniotic fluid.

In the same period, the placenta will form, the union with which is facilitated by the umbilical cord, which so far resembles a thin thread. However, in fact, the placenta is an amazing organ, with the help of which the entire period of stay in the womb of the mother, the child can interact with the mother's body, taking not only food and all kinds of vitamins, but also the oxygen necessary for breathing. And the products of the result of the vital activity of the fetus come through the umbilical cord back to the placenta, from which the female body removes them on its own.

Early toxicosis

In the first weeks of gestation, improper work of removing toxins can cause an unhealthy state of expectant mothers during this period. Symptoms can range from mild nausea to exhausting vomiting, which, by the way, goes away pretty soon, and will come as soon as the baby’s waste disposal system is established. However, not all women will immediately be able to feel any changes in their own bodies, and even more so. At a fairly early date, women can lead a normal life without noticing any changes in their own body.

At that moment, when a woman felt that the desired pregnancy had come, she should immediately visit a doctor. It is during this period that there is the greatest need to undergo all the necessary examinations and tests. If the body is not completely healthy and the woman is sick with any chronic diseases, do not be afraid if they worsen in the first time after pregnancy.

This is a natural consequence of pregnancy. Of course, it is necessary to continue the treatment of ailments, but all methods of treatment must be approved by a gynecologist who observes the period of gestation. The use of vitamin complexes during this period can help the mother and her unborn baby, but their intake should be agreed with the supervising doctor, since even harmless, at first glance, vitamins can cause discord in the vulnerable body of a pregnant woman.

Definition of pregnancy by sensations

Evaluation of sensations can be an addition, but in no way the main way to detect pregnancy at an early date. For example, at the time of implantation, damage to a blood vessel is possible, resulting in minor bleeding of a smearing nature. Often women take this sign for the onset of menstruation. It is worth noting that this bleeding, in the event of pregnancy, will be one-time and much less abundant than monthly discharge. At the same time, implantation bleeding is one of the first signs of early detection of pregnancy.

Most of the women in first weeks of pregnancy may be subject to increased drowsiness and a rapidly growing appetite. In this case, the woman will note for herself that the amount of food consumed has increased several times, in contrast to what was needed last month.

Some may also follow changes in tastes and preferences worth following. For example, until recently, not even enduring the smell of fish, with the onset of pregnancy, a woman can even refuse meat in favor of fish. Or a woman has never had a special love for sweets and starchy foods, but now she cannot pass by the showcases of pastry shops. Such radical changes in taste are also considered to be a sign of pregnancy.

Special feelings in early pregnancy are not seen very often. But most women with an already established pregnancy claim that one of the first signs of pregnancy was, which changed countless times a day. Pregnant women became too sentimental and began to cry, and after a few minutes they became funny, although there was no reason to laugh. A similar change in mood can also be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), so this sign cannot be called reliable.

Some signs of early pregnancy expressed quite strongly. For example, increased salivation is one of the signs of pregnancy in the first 7 days after a successful conception, and in some pregnant women it goes quite noticeably. According to doctors, such a “side effect” of pregnancy occurs as a result of the action of the actively produced female hormone progesterone. In addition, excessive salivation can cause early toxicosis. This is due to the fact that women try to swallow saliva as little as possible in order to avoid vomiting.

It is important to note that abundant intense salivation may appear due to heartburn, which is characteristic of pregnant women. Saliva production is enhanced due to the lack of an alkaline environment in the stomach. In other words, swallowed saliva should “wash” the esophagus and neutralize the acid that burns it.

Next symptom of pregnancy, determined before the delay of menstruation, is frequent urination. At the moment when the amount of hormones in the female body begins to grow rapidly, the result is an increase in blood flow to the urinary organs, including the bladder. One of the signs of pregnancy in the early stages is the frequent trips “in a little way”. Failure of the kidneys and edema are symptoms of pregnancy after an attempt to conceive a baby. Most often, by 3-4 weeks, urination returns to noma. However, with the beginning of the third trimester, the problem will return, because during this period the grown fetus will begin to put pressure on the mother's bladder.

Also, an increase in blood flow to the genitals provokes an increase in the amount of secretions that protect the vaginal microflora from the possible penetration of harmful microscopic organisms from the outside. At the same time, discharge will not save you from yeast fungi. For this reason, in the case the appearance of thrush, another sign of early pregnancy, women need to see a doctor, since a neglected case of thrush can adversely affect the health of the unborn baby.

One of the most unpleasant signs of pregnancy after conception is considered increased gas formation. This is due to progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the intestine and inhibits its work. Unfortunately, pregnant women will have to put up with such a problem for a long time - until the end of the first trimester, and sometimes until the middle of the entire period of bearing a child.

Swelling of the mammary glands can be encountered quite early. Here it is worth noting the fact that in some women the breasts swell and as a harbinger of the onset of menstruation. Pulling pains in the lower abdomen can be considered an equally unreliable indicator.

Separate changes can be noted in sexual desire. Some women may notice drastic changes even in the very early stages. The palette of these changes ranges from the desire to completely abandon sexual life, to just an unusually strong attraction.

It is obvious that the above signs are indirect and highly unreliable. Undoubtedly, if a combination of several signs has been identified, the likelihood of pregnancy increases. The main thing to remember is that this is not conclusive evidence, but becomes only an excuse for taking a test and donating blood for analysis, it is not worth drawing conclusions based only on sensations.

Possible signs of pregnancy

This group of features includes menstrual disorders and transformation of the genitals. For example, the cessation of menstruation is considered to be evidence of the onset of pregnancy. Monthly discharge, of course, can stop in case of serious illness, endocrine disorders, due to improper diet, as a result of negative emotions, or this may be evidence of an increase in weather sensitivity.

Nevertheless, the cessation of menstruation in healthy young women is often associated precisely with the successful fertilization of the egg. After three days of the absence of menstruation, you can resort to using a pregnancy test, home tests, even during this period, can most likely determine whether a woman is pregnant or not.

Also, a sign of the onset of pregnancy is considered to be the occurrence of secretions, which are called colostrum, which are released during pressure on the mammary glands and come from the milk passages that open slightly on the nipples. The next symptom is blueness (cyanosis) of the cervix and vaginal mucosa and changes in the size, shape and consistency of the uterus.

How to determine pregnancy before a delay at home? Anyone involves the definition of the hCG hormone. A home test will detect it in the urine, and a laboratory test in the blood. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin can only be produced in the body of pregnant women. If attempts at conception did not lead to fertilization, then the hCG hormone in the blood or urine will not be detected. At the moment when the fetal egg is attached to the uterine wall, the volume of the hCG hormone in the female body begins to steadily increase. Approximately every 2-3 days, the indicator of this substance increases. It will reach its maximum mark by 7-12 weeks. HCG will be present in the urine and blood of women for another 3 weeks after delivery.

How to choose a pregnancy test? When purchasing a test, it is important to consider the degree of its sensitivity. Most tests have a sensitivity of 10 to 25 mIU/mL. They are able to recognize the hormone hCG in the urine after the first day of missed menstruation. On sale you can find more sensitive products, which will cost more. With the help of such a pharmacy method, the onset of pregnancy can be determined as early as 7 days after the intended conception.

In the event that the delay in menstruation for a period of more than 7 days, then pregnancy will determine any test. However, the instructions for a pregnancy test always stipulate the fact that the accuracy of the test can vary between 95-99%. Therefore, a false (positive or negative) result is possible.

A false negative result is considered to be the case when fertilization occurred, but the test showed a negative answer. This is possible if: the test was carried out too early, when the hCG level is not high enough; the expiration date of the test has expired; the test procedure was carried out incorrectly; the day before, an excessive amount of liquid was drunk (in the evening urine, the concentration of the hormone is too low to correctly determine pregnancy).

A false positive result is two lines on the test in the absence of a valid pregnancy. Such a result is possible if: the test was performed a few weeks after delivery; after an ectopic pregnancy, abortion or miscarriage; with a trophoblastic tumor, which contributes to the production of the hCG hormone; when taking drugs containing the hCG hormone.

Types of home pregnancy tests

The strip test is a paper strip, this is the most convenient and simple means for determining successful fertilization. It is enough to lower the strip into the urine for 10 seconds and the result will be obtained. It is recommended to analyze morning urine as it is more concentrated. Stripes will appear on the strip test. One is evidence of the absence of pregnancy, two are confirmation of the fact of conception.

Tablet tests are designed in the same way as strip tests. However, in this case, the paper strip is placed in a plastic case. For analysis, it is enough to place a drop of urine into a special connector on the test. The result will also appear as stripes.

Inkjet tests are quite convenient to use, since in this case there is no need to collect urine in a vessel. It is enough to place the test under the jet to get the result. The inkjet test is quite sensitive, so it is not necessary to conduct it on morning urine.

Electronic tests are equipped with a sampling strip. They can be placed under a stream or lowered into a container with collected urine. The result will not be long in coming and will be obvious in a few minutes.

In order to avoid errors and false indicators, the test is recommended to be carried out several times. It is also recommended to use tests from different manufacturers. A second test should be carried out 2-3 days after the first.

Basal temperature in determining pregnancy

Basal temperature will help to timely identify, diagnose and treat various abnormalities or pathological changes that can lead to sad consequences throughout pregnancy. Measurement of basal temperature will be the best assistant in establishing the condition of women bearing a fetus and the fetus itself at an early stage of gestation. The procedure is completely painless and safe.

How is basal temperature measured?

Since basal temperature is an indicator of the temperature of both the skin and internal organs, it must be measured through the rectum. In order for the result to be accurate and reliable and not to be corrected by various factors of influence, it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules, the observance of which is extremely necessary and stipulated above.

To measure basal body temperature you need every day at the set time, the difference is permissible no more than 30 minutes. Measurements are carried out in the morning, after waking up, being in a horizontal position. The thermometer in the rectum must be placed for at least 7 minutes. Immediately after the withdrawal, the indicator should be fixed, which should be entered in the schedule table. The onset of a cold or sore throat may be a symptom of diseases that increase basal body temperature. All changes and suspected causes should be recorded in a table that will help the doctor give a more accurate diagnosis.

Measuring basal temperature is a fairly simple procedure, it can be performed at home without outside help and an ordinary thermometer can be used. It should be noted that basal temperature is measured not only in the rectum, it can be measured in the oral cavity or vaginally. But compliance with all the indicated rules is necessary in any case.

An increase in basal temperature as a sign of pregnancy

Keeping a basal temperature chart can help calculate pregnancy at home before the necessary consultation, examination by a doctor, testing, and until a missed period.

In the first days of the cycle, most often, the basal temperature does not exceed 36.7 or 36.8 degrees. As soon as ovulation occurs, within 1-2 days, the basal temperature begins to reach 37 degrees or slightly higher. Such changes are associated with the fact that the beginning of the ovulation period entails some changes in the functioning of the hormonal background: estrogen hormones recede into the background, giving way to progesterone in functioning. Progesterone is a hormone that produces the corpus luteum, which is formed instead of a ruptured follicle.

Before the onset of menstruation basal body temperature will drop to the original figures of -36.9 or 36.8 degrees. If the temperature does not drop, then the probability of successful conception is high. In the event that the temperature remains elevated at the level of 37-37.2 degrees for several days, pregnancy can be assumed. In the event that the basal temperature was measured systematically and regularly, its result can be taken as the main symptom of pregnancy. To confirm an interesting situation, of course, a test should be carried out a little later, and then an examination by a gynecologist.

The onset of pregnancy should not be a reason to stop the basal temperature chart. The identified and recorded data will contribute to the correct and timely diagnosis of disorders and inflammation throughout the entire period of bearing a child. For example, if the basal temperature rises steadily every day, and as a result reaches 38 degrees, this may be evidence that the pregnancy is frozen or ectopic.

A decrease in the basal temperature in a single order may indicate overwork of a pregnant woman or too abrupt a change in climatic conditions, or it may indicate emotional overload. This, of course, is not a reason to panic, but it is never superfluous to consult a specialist to confirm the normal development and condition of the fetus.

What is dangerous for the fetus violation of basal temperature

An increase in basal temperature during gestation can negatively affect or be evidence of impaired fetal development. If the basal temperature in early pregnancy reaches 38 degrees, this fact may lead to some disorders in the baby. For example, the process of formation of the central nervous system may be disturbed or mental development will be impaired. Also, the consequence may be the provocation of muscle hypotension; underdevelopment of body parts (facial, including); provoking microcephaly syndactyly (joined fingers at birth). Lowering can lead to termination of pregnancy or miscarriage.

One way or another, if an increase or decrease in basal temperature is detected in early pregnancy, in order to prevent the above complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner, who can identify the disease and prescribe adequate treatment.

As soon as an increase or decrease in basal temperature was noted during an already confirmed pregnancy, in order to avoid negative and irreversible consequences, it is forbidden to resort to all kinds of self-medication methods. Of paramount importance is the need to identify the cause of changes in basal temperature, and then it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations for the treatment and elimination of diseases.

Folk ways to determine pregnancy

Among the various ways to detect pregnancy in the early stages there are folk remedies. Among them is a pregnancy test, by the way, also associated with urine. For example, to detect pregnancy, urine must be boiled. After boiling, it is poured into a transparent vessel, preferably glass. This method assumes that white flakes should appear in the urine of a pregnant woman.

Another way to detect pregnancy also relies on the manipulation of urine. To do this, you need to dip a piece of paper or a piece of cloth into a vessel with urine, then apply a certain amount of developer - a few drops of iodine. If iodine acquires a purple hue - the woman is "in position", if blue - not.

Obviously, the definition of early pregnancy using folk methods practically does not carry any probability and accuracy. The reliability of this technique is not higher than 50%. With only two options, such a percentage is clearly useless.

Medical methods for diagnosing pregnancy

It is possible to determine early pregnancy only after implantation is completed, since until this moment the parental organism does not come into contact with the fertilized egg in any way. In other words, the body itself is not yet aware of the onset of pregnancy. Naturally, the transformations that are associated with the bearing of the fetus do not occur.

Doctors insist that with absolute certainty the diagnosis of pregnancy is possible only in medical institutions. For this procedure, it is necessary to donate blood no earlier than 8-11 days after the intended conception. This analysis is able to detect the presence of hCG in the blood.

In the fourth week of the gestation period, doctors will insist on the need to undergo an ultrasound examination. It is during this period that it is extremely necessary to establish whether the pregnancy is proceeding correctly, whether there are any anomalies, pathologies, and to determine the risk of the appearance of possible diseases of an actively developing baby.

It is a single method that allows you to diagnose pregnancy in the early stages with 100% accuracy. The results of pregnancy tests are possible positive in the case of an ectopic and missed pregnancy. The results of an ultrasound examination, even in early pregnancy, will clearly show what is happening in the uterus.

Up to 3 weeks, pregnancy is not displayed on ultrasound, only on the vaginal sensor. It is important to note that if the expectant mother cares about maintaining the pregnancy, then it is preferable not to use the vaginal sensor, since such manipulations can provoke a miscarriage. Starting from the 4th week of pregnancy, a fetal egg can already be distinguished on a conventional ultrasound.

Summing up, it can be argued that the definition of pregnancy at an early stage, before the delay in monthly discharge, is real. At the same time, the advantage in timing cannot be called significant: just a couple of days. However, in difficult situations, a couple of extra days can save the life of a baby or save many complications in the event of a planned abortion. In any case, it is important to remember that home diagnostics can give false results. For this reason, having identified an affirmative result, one should immediately go to the antenatal clinic after confirming the diagnosis.

Every woman who is interested in this issue wants to find an answer to it as soon as possible. And each has its own reasons for this: someone with trepidation and hope expects even the slightest hint of pregnancy, and someone is shocked by the mere thought of it or suspicion. Fortunately for both, there are many ways to find out pregnancy and confirm your guesses. The most faithful, fast and fairly reliable of them is. They are easy to use, inexpensive, available in every pharmacy and simply amaze with their variety: electronic, interactive and the simplest test strips.

How to accurately determine pregnancy without a test?

If you don’t have a test with you, but you want to find out as soon as possible, start measuring your basal temperature (during pregnancy, it exceeds 37 degrees for about two weeks and beyond). This method is even more reliable than testing, so you can even start with it. The main thing is to carry out measurements correctly so that the results are as reliable as possible. And also keep in mind that the method of measuring basal temperature may be valid only for women with a regular menstrual cycle and good reproductive health (if there are no inflammatory and chronic processes in the pelvic organs).

More precisely, the question of whether you are pregnant or not, the gynecologist will be able to answer you after examination on the gynecological chair. And they are unlikely to be mistaken (especially in the early stages) - clinical methods for diagnosing pregnancy: a blood test for hCG and ultrasound with a transvaginal sensor.

How to determine pregnancy at home without a test

However, what to do when neither a pharmacy, nor a test, much less a gynecologist (we can’t even talk about a laboratory) is at hand? To do this, take a closer look at yourself, to all the changes taking place in the body (if any). The first signs of pregnancy - and the signs of pregnancy in the first month - will help you find the answer to the exciting question on your own at home: is there life inside you? Among the earliest pregnant women with experience and doctors call a feeling of malaise, fatigue, drowsiness, a cold-like condition, increased urination, minor pain in the lower abdomen, increased vaginal discharge, breast engorgement and increased breast sensitivity, a change in taste preferences and even the nature of the stool (may start constipation or diarrhea). Just keep in mind that all these are only indirect symptoms and should not be taken as a final verdict. Many of these signs may accompany some painful conditions or be a manifestation of premenstrual syndrome.

And finally. If you do not observe absolutely no signs of pregnancy in yourself, and it is not possible to check by any of the methods mentioned, but there is still a suspicion of fertilization that has taken place, you can try the old grandmother's methods. To do this, you may need simple improvised means, which are almost always in the kitchen or in the medicine cabinet in any home, and sometimes you can determine pregnancy without a test without any special devices and substances at all:

  • Method 1: you need to lie on your back on a flat surface, relax and, putting your finger to the navel (and according to some sources - 7-8 centimeters below its level), feel if there is a pulse. If a pulsation is felt inside the navel, then you are pregnant, and, accordingly, if nothing is felt, then no.
  • Method 2: collect urine according to all the rules in a clean vessel and gently drop iodine on its surface. If the drop is delayed for some time, then the test should be taken as positive, and in the absence of pregnancy, iodine will immediately dissolve in the urine.
  • Method 3: soak a piece of paper in your own urine and put a drop of the same iodine on the sheet - and analyze the result. A change in color to blue indicates the absence of pregnancy, and a positive test should be considered if the color has changed to lilac or purple.
  • Method 4: prepare a "cocktail" of your own urine and natural wine. Thank God, you won't need to drink it, but you will have to consider the reaction. If the final product of your experiment is cloudy or curdled, then you are unlikely to be pregnant. Otherwise, the mixture of urine and wine remains clear. If you consider such a “test” a perversion, then you simply do not know what else can be done to determine pregnancy at home without a test! Get ready...
  • Method 5: boil the urine previously collected according to all the rules, bringing it to a boil. Then pour into a transparent container and take a closer look. During pregnancy, a flocculent sediment forms in it after this, and in its absence, the urine will remain light and transparent. Naturally, there is no guarantee that the resulting flakes are not the protein present in the urine. But in general, none of the described methods can be considered reliable.

To believe such folk diagnostics or not is up to you to decide. But you can check it - it's at least funny.

Hundreds of women are looking forward to the long-awaited pregnancy, buying an incredible amount of tests and checking them every two hours. And only one woman in a million is able to intuitively feel the birth of a new life literally from the first day. So how do you find out about the long-awaited event before and after the delay of the menstrual cycle?

How to Know You're Pregnant When You're Not Menstruating

  • The very first and, of course, the main symptom is the absence of menstruation. In the first days of the delay in the menstrual cycle, you can do 2 tests to determine the amount of the hCG hormone in the blood and urine. The urine test is less sensitive for pregnancy, shows the coveted strips only a week after 1 day of delay. The test indicators in the blood for the level of the hCG hormone react already on the first day of the absence of regular menstruation.
  • The strip test to determine pregnancy is carried out early in the morning on an empty stomach. It is during the period of morning awakening that there is a maximum amount of hormones that react to the number of strips.
  • After 5-7 days of delay, you can go for a control ultrasound, which will accurately determine the presence or absence of pregnancy, as well as determine the place of attachment of the fetus. If the fetus began to develop outside the uterus, the pregnancy is called ectopic, which poses a threat to the woman's life.
  • A trip to the gynecologist at 7-8 weeks of pregnancy will help diagnose pregnancy, when the uterus begins to increase in size.

How to know if you're pregnant before your delay

  • Measurement of basal temperature - during ovulation, the temperature rises to 37.5 degrees and persists during pregnancy for 7 weeks. To find out if conception has occurred, in the morning, without getting out of bed, measure your basal temperature.
  • Fatigue, drowsiness - from the 1st day of pregnancy, you will literally “fall off your feet”, even adhering to your usual lifestyle. This is due to the preparation of organs for bearing a baby and the restructuring of all body systems to work for two. The sleepy state will last until the end of the 1st trimester, just then the body will be fully tuned for bearing.
  • Changing taste preferences - even your favorite morning coffee can become unbearable on the second day after conception, and the taste of the hated fish will become your favorite throughout pregnancy. Increased interest in certain foods is caused by a lack of vitamins in the body of a pregnant woman.
  • Frequency of urination - the uterus, even slightly enlarged in size, exerts an influence on the bladder through the sympathetic nervous system, which causes frequent urination. This symptom manifests itself especially at night, when the body is in a relaxed state.
  • Swelling of the mammary glands - already on the third day after the onset of pregnancy, the breast begins to swell, becomes heavier and increases by 1 - 2 sizes. In some cases, pain and a feeling of "bursting" may occur.
  • Toxicosis is nausea in the morning, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Appears at 5-6 weeks of gestation, when the fetus is firmly attached to the walls of the uterus. Women who lead an active lifestyle may miss all other signs of pregnancy, paying attention only to unreasonable vomiting. In such cases, you need to remember when your period should come, take a test and consult a doctor. It is forbidden to take medicines without a doctor's prescription.


How to understand that you are pregnant - folk methods

Our great-grandmothers and grandmothers in the period of “complex” medicine used folk remedies to determine pregnancy from improvised means. Experience-proven research:

  • Pour urine into a glass and add a teaspoon of baking soda. If there is a reaction - bubbles and foam, then you are not pregnant. If nothing happens, with a certainty of 60% you will soon become a mother.
  • Pour morning urine into a small container and drop a drop of iodine into it. If the droplet did not dissolve and remained on the surface, you may be pregnant, if it blurred, then most likely not.
  • Lie on your back, close your eyes and place your palm on your lower abdomen. Hold your breath, listen - if you feel a heartbeat, then you are pregnant. Sometimes this method is the first signal that you are pregnant.
  • If you dreamed that you were fishing in a dream, you can say with an accuracy of 70% that you will soon become a mother!