Early pregnancy signs

Most women who are planning a pregnancy would like to know whether fertilization has occurred, and by what signs it can be known. This question is really important, because from the first months, when the baby's organs are formed, it is necessary to protect yourself from factors that can negatively affect the fetus

The earlier it becomes known about conception, the higher the chances of a healthy fetus. Below, the obstetrician-gynecologist of the ""Dobrobut"" medical network Valery Zharov lists the main early signs of pregnancy, which can be used to suspect the fact of conception.

1. Delayed menstruation. Every woman knows about this symptom, but first you need to decide what duration of the menstrual cycle is considered normal. And the norm can be considered 28/-7 days, that is, 21–35 days and 3–7 days of menstruation itself.

It is important to know: menstrual function is affected by many factors, so a delay cannot be considered as a reliable sign of pregnancy. The absence of menstruation is often caused by pathological changes in the organs of the reproductive system, stress, and hormonal disorders. Characteristic signs of pregnancy on the first day of the delay should also be accompanied by other manifestations.

2. Nausea, vomiting. Nausea is the most common complaint in the initial stage of pregnancy, and it is experienced by most women in the 5th-6th week of pregnancy, but nausea can appear as early as two weeks after conception.

It is important to know: nausea and vomiting can also occur both with poisoning and with other problems of the digestive system, and do not always indicate pregnancy.

3. Breast tenderness. This symptom is associated with fluid retention under the influence of the ""pregnancy hormone"" - progesterone.

Important to know: can be a symptom of mammary gland disease.

4. Dull pains in the lower abdomen and bloody discharge. This may be a manifestation of embryo implantation.

Important to know: may be a sign of inflammation of the pelvic organs or fluid retention under the influence of progesterone.

5. Constipation. And in this case, the action of progesterone takes place, the consequence of which can be a decrease in intestinal motility.

How to confirm the fact of pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be accurately diagnosed in three ways:

1. Pregnancy test. There are different types of tests, the main ones being: test strips – cheaper in cost, but less accurate; inkjet - more expensive, but more effective.

Important to know: if the test is doubtful (unclear second strip), it should be repeated in 2-3 days.

2. Blood test for beta-hCG (human chorionic hormone). This is a more accurate test. It, like urine pregnancy tests, determines the presence of a pregnancy-specific hormone, but only in the blood and with higher accuracy. Can determine pregnancy even before the delay.

It is important to know: although this test is more accurate, but unlike ultrasound, it does not give an idea of ​​where the pregnancy is located (in the uterus or outside the uterus), nor does it give an understanding of whether the pregnancy is developing (with single study).

3. Ultrasound is an extremely important research method during the entire pregnancy, as it helps not only to determine the fact of fertilization, but also to predict possible complications.