Signs of pregnancy before the test

What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?

The first symptoms associated with the presence of pregnancy are very non-specific and may be caused by other factors, such as an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The first and therefore so-called presumptive pregnancy symptoms include:

• Morning sickness and vomiting
• Pain and tenderness of the breasts
• Frequent urination and urge to urinate
• Chronic fatigue and fainting spells
• Hypersensitivity to certain tastes and odors

The appearance of these symptoms is related to the increasing concentration of hormones such as chorionic gonadotropin and the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. In addition, many of these symptoms occur before the date of expected menstruation, which for many women is the time when they decide to take a pregnancy test. However, not all symptoms are associated with pregnancy, and their occurrence is individual for each woman.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test detects the beta subunit of a characteristic protein produced in large quantities in the early stages of pregnancy - chorionic gonadotropin. They rely primarily on finding an increased amount of it in the woman's urine. Such a test is available in almost every pharmacy and can be performed by the woman at home. If the result is inconclusive, it is advisable to see a specialist and have the beta-hCG serum level determined. It is best to perform the pregnancy test on the day of the expected menstruation. With modern tests available in pharmacies, pregnancy can be detected as early as 7 days after conception, earlier than the time of expected menstruation. However, to reduce the risk of an inconclusive result, experts recommend taking the test only on the day of the expected period.

Can a pregnancy test provide a reliable diagnosis of pregnancy?

A pregnancy test is only considered a probable sign of pregnancy. This means that a positive result can also occur under conditions other than pregnancy. These include tumors, mainly ovarian tumors, which produce beta-hCG and can therefore give a false-positive pregnancy test result. Sure signs of pregnancy:

• Detection of the fetus in ultrasound
• Feeling for fetal movements
• Baby's heart rate visible