Early detection of pregnancy is a prerequisite for registering a woman with an antenatal clinic. The main method for early diagnosis of pregnancy is the study of biological material for hCG.
Instructions
Step 1
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a special hormone released by the chorion (outer embryo membrane) after the ovum is attached to the wall of the uterus. Gonadotropin circulates in the mother's blood and is partially excreted in the urine unchanged. This is the basis for the definition of hCG in biological material. The longer the gestation period, the higher the concentration of the hormone. In non-pregnant women, the content of gonadotropin in the blood ranges from 0 to 5 mU / ml, in urine it is absent.
Step 2
There are methods for determining hCG in urine at home and in the blood - in the laboratory. It is possible to determine pregnancy at home using test strips, tablet and jet tests, soaked in a special reagent, when in contact with gonadotropin, causing the appearance of an additional second strip. The longer the gestation period, the brighter the strip will appear. The reliability of the results of these analyzes is 80-90%. Pregnancy is detected 12-14 days after conception. The study is preferable to be carried out in the morning, after taking hygienic procedures, following the steps indicated in the instructions attached to a particular test.
Step 3
The most accurate is the laboratory determination of the amount of hCG in the blood. The reliability of the results of this study ranges from 99-100%. Using special laboratory equipment, they quantify the level of gonadotropin in the blood, giving out specific numbers. This method allows you to detect pregnancy 10-14 days after conception. In order to obtain correct results, it is necessary to prepare for the study. On the eve of donating blood, you should follow a diet that excludes fatty, fried foods, alcoholic beverages. It is not recommended to eat or drink on the day of the procedure. It is permissible to drink a glass of water. Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach in the treatment room of the antenatal clinic or any other medical institution.
Step 4
You need to know that there are false positive and false negative results for determining the amount of hCG in a biological material both at home and in a laboratory. Considering that the level of gonadotropin begins to increase after the egg is attached to the wall of the uterus, that is, 6-10 days after conception, a hormone test should be carried out on a 2-3 day delay. Otherwise, during the test, it is possible to get a negative result with an existing pregnancy. Positive results on hCG in the absence of conception may be the result of a recent abortion, taking hormonal medications. If you suspect pregnancy, you should seek advice from a gynecologist, who will write out a referral to determine the level of hCG in the blood, and, if necessary, prescribe additional examinations to more accurately determine the duration of pregnancy.
