Approximately one in three women experience implantation bleeding. This phenomenon occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall. During implantation, small uterine vessels can be damaged, which is why bleeding of varying intensity appears. For some women it may be just a couple of drops of blood, for others there may be heavy bleeding. Implantation bleeding lasts for a couple of days. Sometimes women mistakenly perceive such bleeding as menstruation.

Change in general well-being

In the early stages of pregnancy, the level increases significantly. This hormone has a significant effect on the nervous system. A woman may feel weak and want to lie down. During the day, she may feel that it will manifest itself as a feeling of weakness. There may even be .

Another early symptom of pregnancy can be considered mood swings. And hormones are to blame for this. The woman herself may notice unusual irritability, that people, smells, sounds make her angry. There may be excessive sentimentality and tearfulness.

Changes in the digestive tract

Already in the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman may be disturbed and even. Such troubles usually happen in the morning. Taste preferences change, and a woman may want something salty or sour. At the same time, familiar food and its smell can cause disgust and vomiting in a pregnant woman. Another interesting symptom of pregnancy is increased salivation, which is why a woman sometimes even has to bring a napkin to her mouth to wipe away copious saliva.

Progesterone has a relaxing effect on muscles. Due to this, intestinal motility decreases, and. Therefore, constipation can also be considered a symptom of pregnancy.

Breast changes

Excessive sensitivity of the mammary glands can be considered an early symptom of pregnancy.. The bra irritates the breasts, and touching them can cause discomfort. Swelling and enlargement of the mammary glands, as a rule, develops already in late stages of pregnancy.

Women may also notice darkening of the nipple areola. During pregnancy, Montgomery's tubercles also become more pronounced. These are glands that are located on the areola. Moreover, the Montgomery tubercles in some women swell literally in the first weeks of pregnancy, and therefore this sign can be considered an early symptom. The tubercles reach their maximum development in late pregnancy.

High basal temperature

For a woman, you need to measure your basal temperature (resting temperature) rectally. This indicator changes throughout the menstrual cycle under the influence of progesterone.

Before ovulation, basal temperature fluctuates between 35.5-36.5 degrees. During ovulation, the temperature rises above 37 degrees. And with the onset of menstruation, the basal temperature drops to 36.0-36.5 degrees.

During pregnancy, progesterone levels remain high. Therefore, the temperature does not decrease, but remains within 37.0-37.4 degrees. AND if there is no menstruation, but the basal temperature is still high, then the woman is most likely pregnant.

Reliable pregnancy symptoms

Reliable symptoms include all those symptoms that come from the fetus and that can be confirmed by diagnostic methods. Perhaps the simplest diagnostic method is a pregnancy test. After embryo implantation has occurred, human chorionic hormone (hCG) begins to be produced in the female body. The surface of the test strips contains a substance that reacts upon contact with hCG. Thus, when a pregnant woman urinates on the test, an additional line soon appears on the diagnostic device. Pregnancy tests should be used after a missed period; earlier, the result will be unreliable.

Pregnancy is perhaps exactly the condition that every woman awaits with trepidation. It’s simply amazing when you know and feel how a little person, or, but already loved and desired, is growing inside.

For many, this is such a long-awaited moment that, almost immediately after conception, they begin to listen to the behavior of their body in order to recognize the symptoms of pregnancy in time.

But it is unlikely that such a condition can be recognized literally in the first days.

It should take at least a week for early signs to appear.

But even in this case, this will not be a 100% guarantee of a positive result. Only a gynecologist can give a more accurate answer after a delay in menstruation, and not earlier than 4-5 weeks, as a result of a full examination.

There are several signs by which pregnancy can be determined.

They are divided into:

1. doubtful, i.e. not giving any guarantee, but taking place,
2. probable, which the doctor takes into account,
3. reliable, confirmed by diagnostics.

Symptoms of pregnancy are characterized by a combination of certain physiological changes occurring in a woman’s body.

Often, for many, even in the early stages, you can see the first signs that conception has occurred.

Questionable signs

1. Sudden mood swings. Nervousness. Irritability. Even before the delay of menstruation, hormonal changes begin to occur in the female body, becoming the cause of this condition. The girl perfectly understands and is aware of her actions, but is unable to control them. Sometimes there are outbursts of rage that are in many ways superior to those during PMS.
2. Nausea. The phenomenon is referred to as early toxicosis, the degree of its manifestation is quite different. Nausea can be pronounced, i.e. with vomiting, disgust, fainting, or may pass as if feeling unwell with slight dizziness. Basically, this symptom is observed at the same period of time, most often in the morning.
3. Breast augmentation. It usually appears in late pregnancy, but there are exceptional cases when swelling of the mammary glands becomes noticeable literally after 1-2 weeks. Often such symptoms can occur if a woman has given birth previously.
4. Increased craving for salty foods. It’s worth noting right away that not everyone can become the owner of this trait. This addiction is explained by the fact that during changes in a woman’s body, the usual perception of food is disrupted. So, it begins to be fresh and under-salted, leading to an additional need for a pronounced taste. Therefore, it is pickled cucumbers or tomatoes that seem to be the most suitable saviors at such a moment.
5. Special perception of smells. During pregnancy, as mentioned earlier, hormonal changes occur, during which some smells can attract, while others, previously so beloved and alluring, cause complete disgust. This also applies to food preferences.
6. Microflora of the internal genital organs. Some women with the onset of pregnancy, almost in the first days, experience abundant flaky white discharge from the vagina.
7. Drowsiness and fatigue. It is in the early stages that problems with sleep often begin: lack of sleep or, on the contrary, increased drowsiness. A feeling of fatigue and apathy sets in very quickly.
8. Increased appetite. The body begins to expend quite a large amount of energy and, in order to restore strength, it sends a signal to the brain about the necessary saturation.
9. Frequent urination.
10. Swelling. An optional occurrence. But in some cases, unusual, previously uncharacteristic swelling of the arms and legs is observed.
11. And finally, delay of menstruation. The most obvious sign of the above. But, it is valid only if the menstrual cycle is constant and no delays occur.

Intuitive pregnancy

These symptoms are optional or, as they are also called, specific, because in the first days pregnancy is quite difficult to determine.

In the early stages, the fertilized egg slowly but moves through the fallopian tubes. The embryo is the size of a pea, which will attach to the walls of the uterus only after a week.

Therefore, pregnancy itself can only be felt on an intuitive level.

And not all young girls are able to do this at such an early stage.

Another way to help your intuition is by measuring your basal temperature. As a result of conception, it rises and remains at 37°. Even after the second week of conception, nagging pain in the lower back and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen sometimes occur.

As a result of a delay in menstruation, the sensitivity and some soreness of the breast may increase, in some cases with the release of colostrum when pressed. But all these symptoms are not accurate, because... The female body is quite complex and individual, often subject to the actions of hormones.

"False" pregnancy

Due to certain circumstances, it happens: a woman wants a child with such desire that sometimes she comes up with these symptoms and believes in them fully.

The reason for this condition is mainly psychological. This is due to long and unsuccessful attempts, or an increased desire to bring the magical phenomenon closer.

Therefore, often the first, supposedly appearing symptoms are passed off as real.

Dangerous symptoms

Immediately after the delay, you should carefully listen to your body. Any changes that raise doubts or suspicions of an unfavorable outcome must be checked.

So, in the first period there may be obvious symptoms of pregnancy, only ectopic, which is very dangerous for the woman’s health. They are characterized by acute and severe pain in the abdomen, uterus and fallopian tubes.

In this case, you urgently need to consult a doctor for a full diagnosis.

It happens that after a delay, with a regular menstrual cycle, obvious signs of the onset of menstruation appear, and the most serious consequences can occur even in the first weeks, creating a threat of termination of pregnancy.

An ambulance must be called immediately so that it is possible to provide timely medical assistance to save the fetus.

In order not to confuse them with regular periods: such bleeding does not have to be profuse, but can be accompanied by either severe or unusual nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

Reliable signs

If you look at all these signs together, you can confidently conclude: the symptoms of pregnancy in the early stages are very similar to a cold.

Therefore, in the first days of conception, it is quite difficult to determine most accurately whether a woman is in an interesting position. But how can you find out about conception even before your period is missed, in the early stages?

• A blood test for hCG can help with this.

It shows results already in the first 10 days, because... this hormone begins to be produced only after the embryo has fixed on the wall of the uterus.

• After some time after the delay, test strips may be a more reliable method.

Today they are so improved: some of them can show results with a small level

How to find out that you are pregnant in the earliest stages? You are not yet “craving for salty foods”, nothing has changed in your body at first glance. Many women feel that life is arising somewhere inside. This thought haunts both those who really want to have children and those who are not yet ready for this. Question: “How do you know if you are pregnant?” - people have always been interested in. The ancient Jews, for example, carefully studied the footprints of women's bare feet. The Egyptians prepared special drinks. Each nation did it in its own way. With the development of medicine and science, this has become much easier.

Pregnancy test

The simplest and most popular way is a pregnancy test. It is cheap and sold in any pharmacy. All you have to do is dip the strip into your urine and wait a little. This method is quite reliable. However, this is not the only method.

How to find out if you are pregnant

There are some signs by which an attentive woman can determine whether pregnancy has occurred or not. So, most women experience the following sensations.

Increased breast sensitivity

Within a couple of weeks after conception, you will notice that your breasts are swollen. This is due to the enlargement of the mammary glands. The chest may hurt and react to even a light touch. In addition, the nipples darken and become sensitive.

Small discharge

6-10 days after fertilization, the embryo is implanted on the walls of the uterus. This may be accompanied by slight discharge. However, this is not a necessary occurrence.

Aversion to food, smells

How to find out that a girl is pregnant? If the usual smells have become unbearable, and looking at ordinary food makes you want to run to the toilet, then you should think about a possible pregnancy. The thing is that in the early stages the body just gets used to the new state. He can't change in one day. In this regard, pregnant women often suffer from toxicosis.

Back pain

If you are wondering how to find out if a girl is pregnant, then take a closer look at her. In this condition, women often complain of lower back pain. This is due to a slight enlargement of the uterus. These discomforts will occur frequently throughout your pregnancy.

Weakness, restless sleep

Pregnant women often experience sleep disturbances. They may find it difficult to fall asleep or, conversely, constantly want to sleep. A pregnant woman can simply pass out in the middle of the day anywhere.

Delayed menstruation

The simplest answer to the question: “How do you know if you are pregnant?” - this is the absence of menstruation. Two to three days are considered normal. But if after a week nothing has changed, you can safely consult a doctor. This sign may indicate not only pregnancy, but also some diseases. Therefore, the sooner you go to the gynecologist, the better.

Bloating

This sign is difficult to notice. A slightly enlarged belly, as a rule, does not bother anyone. Starting from the earliest stages of pregnancy, the intestines become “lazy”. Constipation and excess gas may occur. All this leads to an increase in its volume. You should not take laxatives, it can harm the baby. It is best to tell your doctor about the problem. You will be prescribed effective but safe medications.

How to determine pregnancy in the early stages is a rather important question. He is also interested in those women whose plans do not yet include having children and those who dream of having a child. We will look at the most common and accessible methods to determine your status in the earliest possible time after conception.

Pregnancy test

This method of diagnosing pregnancy is extremely convenient and affordable. The main thing is to follow the simplest instructions.

So, to get a reliable result you need:

• do the test no earlier than the indicated period (usually the first day of missed menstruation);
• strictly follow the instructions for implementation;
• buy a test with the highest sensitivity;
• carry out diagnostics in the morning;
• before the diagnosis, do not urinate for 5-6 hours (which is why early morning is the ideal time to do this);
• if the result is questionable (the second line is blurry and barely noticeable), the test should be repeated.

In pharmacies you can see 3 types of tests: regular strips, tablet and electronic. The latter, as you might guess, will be more expensive. Buy the one that seems more convenient. The main thing is high sensitivity.

Many women conduct home pregnancy diagnostics even before the start of the delay, which already contradicts the test instructions. Therefore, false negative results are often obtained, since hCG (“pregnancy hormone”) begins to be produced only 7-10 days immediately after fertilization of the egg, that is, just before the start of the delay. However, there is a way to get reliable results even earlier. So, how to determine pregnancy in the early stages without a test, is it possible?

Blood test for hCG

This method makes it possible to find out about your position even before the delay begins, approximately 6-10 days after sexual intercourse (conception). In addition, quantitative indicators of hCG make it possible to judge whether pregnancy is developing or not. So, in the first two weeks the hCG will be 25 - 300 mU/ml, and in the third it will be 1500 - 5000 mU/ml. If the result is greater than these values, the doctor may suspect hydatidiform mole or the development of 2 or more embryos. Lower values ​​occur with frozen and ectopic pregnancies. A blood test for hCG is the most accurate diagnostic method to date. Here's how to tell if you're pregnant early, before your period is missed.

In very rare cases, an increase in hCG in a woman is not due to pregnancy, but is a symptom of cancer. In addition, hCG may normally be elevated for some time after childbirth, induced abortion, or miscarriage.

Ultrasonography

You can see the fertilized egg in the uterus with hCG values ​​above 1000 mU/ml; it is advisable to use a vaginal sensor. For reliability, it is better to do an ultrasound after the start of the delay, at least a week later (the size of the embryo will be 2-4 mm in this case). If hCG is significantly higher than 0, there are other signs of pregnancy, but the doctor does not see the fertilized egg in the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy may be suspected. Such a patient requires careful medical observation and ultrasound monitoring.

It is worth noting that ultrasound at such early stages is not carried out “as planned”. Only if the doctor has reason to suspect some pathology, or if the woman is planning to have an abortion. No pathologies of fetal development can be determined at such early stages. In medical terms, an ultrasound examination at 12 weeks is much more informative.

Gynecological examination

If you are looking for a way to determine pregnancy in the earliest stages, then this option is not the best. But it's better than remaining in the dark. Let’s say right away that you can’t count on detecting pregnancy before the start of the delay in this way. Even after a delay (3-4 obstetric weeks), diagnosis is difficult, since the size of the uterus still differs little from normal.

The doctor pays attention to Hegar's symptom (determined no earlier than 2 weeks after the start of the delay, the uterus is enlarged, its lower edge is softened) and Chadwick's symptom (the walls of the vagina, the cervix acquire a bluish tint).

Subjective sensations

This is something that should also be brought to the doctor's attention.

1. Increased body and basal temperature. This is due to an increase in the concentration of the hormone progesterone. However, expectant mothers do not always experience this symptom. Modern doctors advise not to take basal temperature into account in order to avoid misinterpretations of measurement results and the low reliability of this method.

2. Mammary glands. They undergo changes in expectant mothers. Many women are confident in how to determine pregnancy in the early stages - you just need to press on the nipple, and if liquid comes out from there, then the answer is positive. However, colostrum is not always released at such an early stage. In addition, the appearance of colostrum may have nothing to do with pregnancy.

In addition to nipple discharge, the expectant mother may notice pain in the mammary glands (without localization to a specific point), as well as their slight enlargement.

3. Nausea. Typically, toxicosis manifests itself after the delay begins, but some particularly sensitive women begin to feel unwell even earlier. The main thing is not to confuse toxicosis with poisoning.

4. Copious discharge. Transparent, odorless, non-itching. This phenomenon is familiar to many women. Such discharge is observed during ovulation. And during pregnancy it continues for another 2-4 weeks.

5. It’s no secret how to determine pregnancy in the first week after the start of the delay. And if the delay has not begun, there is bloody discharge from the genital tract, but at the same time there are some signs of pregnancy, then this may indicate either a failure of pregnancy or a threat of miscarriage. You should take a blood test for hCG and do an ultrasound.

To determine the presence of pregnancy, home pregnancy tests are used, which are easily purchased at any pharmacy. But often a woman wants to know if she is pregnant even before the test can show two lines.

Determining pregnancy by your condition

Before the next menstruation, indirect signs of pregnancy may appear (pain and enlargement of the breasts, changes in mood and taste preferences, etc.). You cannot rely on them with 100% certainty, since the same symptoms may occur before menstruation.

And the delay itself will indicate the likely occurrence of pregnancy only if the woman is completely healthy and before that her body worked without the slightest disruption, and the cycle was always stable.

But still, let’s look at the symptoms that the interviewed girls in their position noted a few days before their expected menstruation. So, when pregnancy occurred, many experienced the following changes:

• worries about weakness in the body;
• pulling in the lower abdomen, colitis in the ovary area;
• breast swelling and tenderness;
• urination becomes more frequent (if this symptom is present, the development of cystitis must be excluded).

Some of the respondents did not have breast pain at all, although they were pregnant. Mostly women complained of weakness, drowsiness, and rapid fatigue. This is directly related to changes in hormonal levels. But even with chronic lack of sleep, frequent stress, and lack of rest, such well-being can also be observed outside of pregnancy. Therefore, this condition should not be taken as a sure sign of pregnancy.

It is also necessary to say about body temperature. Many pregnant women thought they had a cold because their temperature was 37 degrees Celsius. In general, this is normal body temperature during pregnancy. Therefore, if within 2 weeks after the expected conception there is a constant elevated temperature (37.0-37.4 degrees), then this phenomenon is often considered as the first symptom of successful conception. Doctors explain this condition by saying that during pregnancy, the level of progesterone in a woman’s body increases, which causes an increase in body temperature.

Methods for determining pregnancy without a test

Home pregnancy tests are very convenient, but are not always at hand. Let's consider traditional methods of determining pregnancy a few days before the expected period or during the period of delay.

Application of iodine

Iodine was often used by our grandmothers to detect pregnancy. There are several ways to use this tool:

1. You need to collect the urine in a clean container and add a drop of iodine.
2. Pregnancy did not occur if a drop of iodine dissolved.
3. If iodine lingers on the surface in the form of a floating speck, there is a high probability of pregnancy.

For this method to be most accurate, several important rules must be followed. The test is performed only on the first morning urine. Before collecting material, hygiene procedures are mandatory, but without using soap. Iodine is added using a pipette, which should be brought as close as possible to the surface of the urine.

You can use the second diagnostic method at home:

1. Take a small strip of paper and soak it in the first morning urine. The strip should be completely saturated.
2. A drop of iodine is applied to the paper.
3. The paper has changed color to a blue or purple tint - there is a high probability of pregnancy.

These methods are considered folk, since science refutes their authenticity. Iodine changes color to blue/purple when there is a high starch content in paper. Whether iodine will dissolve or not depends on the acidity (pH) of the urine. In an alkaline environment, iodine will dissolve.

Baking soda

Experts on the Internet recommend using baking soda, which is found in almost every home, to determine whether a woman is in an interesting position or not. This method is based on the following statement: if fertilization of the egg has occurred, the acid-base indicator (pH) of the urine changes to alkaline. This is why soda does not react.

So, it is recommended to carry out the following procedure:

1. Morning urine is poured into the container and a spoonful of baking soda is added, and now watch the reaction of the soda.
2. If intense hissing begins and bubbles form, as during the preparation of pop, pregnancy is not confirmed.
3. In the case when there is no reaction and the soda powder just settles to the bottom, it means there is pregnancy.

It is worth considering the fact that the “pregnant” phenomenon can manifest itself with a predominance of plant foods and dairy in the diet, as well as with kidney diseases. With regular consumption of meat, or, on the contrary, with fasting and dehydration, the urine becomes acidic (i.e., “not pregnant”). So this method is also questionable, because the pH of urine depends on our menu and state of health.

Basal temperature measurement

As experts say, this method allows you to determine the presence of pregnancy with the greatest accuracy and can be used at home. Measurements must be taken several days before menstruation is due.

After ovulation, there is a slight increase in basal temperature (BT), which remains around 37 degrees. If this temperature persists for two to three weeks after ovulation, then it is most likely that pregnancy has occurred.

To get the most accurate information, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• You need to measure your basal temperature in the morning, immediately after sleep, at approximately the same time, and always before you get out of bed (keep the thermometer under your pillow);
• for measurements, the simplest mercury thermometer is used, which is inserted into the vagina and held for at least 3 minutes;
• You cannot make sudden and impetuous movements, otherwise the result will be distorted;
• during testing, it is important to exclude the possible influence of pathological factors such as influenza or ARVI;
• Such measurements need to be carried out over several cycles and a special schedule must be maintained.

Indeed, during pregnancy, the basal temperature remains about 37 degrees from the moment of conception and throughout the first trimester. In this case, there is no menstruation. But in obstetric practice there were many examples of how pregnancy occurred even with menstrual irregularities (but with the presence of ovulation and open sexual activity). And in such patients, the basal temperature was unstable or did not reach 37 degrees at all. So, if a girl has a delay in her period and her BBT remains around 37 degrees, then there is a possibility that she is pregnant. But if BT does not reach 37 degrees, then pregnancy cannot be ruled out.

By discharge

In the early stages of pregnancy, changes in vaginal discharge may occur - they may become more abundant due to an increase in the level of progesterone in the blood, or turn brown or pink as a result of the fact that the egg, when attached to the wall of the uterus, damages the small blood vessels of the endometrium, then blood appears in the discharge (this is called “implantation bleeding”). Usually the bleeding during implantation is scanty (a couple of drops are observed or it smears slightly) and this phenomenon lasts a couple of hours (maximum several days), and there is no pain.

If there is heavy bleeding, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible (if necessary, he will prescribe a hemostatic agent and send you for a blood test for hCG, which will make it possible to find out whether the woman is actually pregnant or not). If there is a pregnancy, then there is a threat of miscarriage, and if there is no pregnancy, then it’s just your period or bleeding (if such heavy menstruation is not typical for you).

"Grandmother's" methods

Today, a large number of different ancient methods are being retold that previously helped our ancestors determine whether a woman was pregnant or not.

By urine

In early pregnancy, if there is any suspicion, you need to take urine, heat it and pour it into a glass container. If a woman is in an interesting position, flakes and cloudy sediment should appear in the urine. Of course, during the test an unpleasant and pungent odor will appear, but this method is one of the most popular among our grandmothers.

By pulse

Traditional methods include measuring the pulse in the abdomen:

• you need to lie on your back and completely relax;
• just below the navel (5-6 cm) feel the pulse;
• if pulsation is felt, then there is pregnancy;
• provided that there is no pulse in the area, the woman is not pregnant.

Taste of metal

According to popular wisdom, the expectant mother develops a persistent metallic taste in her mouth. This phenomenon is typical for the first weeks after fertilization, thanks to which the fact of conception can be determined.

All these methods are very interesting, but they will in no way help confirm or refute pregnancy.

Determining pregnancy using a test

In order for the rapid test to determine pregnancy to give the most accurate result, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• inspect the packaging for damage;
• use only the test whose expiration date has not expired;
• prepare a clean and sterile container;
• It is best to examine the first morning urine;
• Before conducting the study, be sure to wash your hands and wipe them dry;
• the test strip is lowered into the urine to the specified level;
• then the test is laid out on a flat, dry surface (preferably on the bag in which the test was placed);
• within a few minutes the result will be visible.

The result must be assessed after 3-5 minutes. Some tests indicate that after 5 minutes the result cannot be reliably assessed. And on others, on the contrary, it is said that the result should be viewed in 10 minutes, but no later than 30 minutes after the test. So read the instructions before taking the test.

In any case, if the second strip is faintly visible, repeat the test after 2-3 days. If the second strip does not become brighter, then there is no pregnancy, and this is just a reagent. During pregnancy, the second stripe becomes brighter each time until it is equal in intensity to the control one.

Learn more about how to use a pregnancy test.

How do you know if you are pregnant? (video)

The above methods are almost all unreliable, so they will not help you determine on your own at home whether conception has occurred or not. And to obtain more accurate information, you will have to take additional tests.

The most reliable way to determine pregnancy before a delay is to donate blood for hCG. This is explained in more detail in the following video:

Modern private laboratories can determine pregnancy several days before the expected menstruation. You just need to donate venous blood and pay for the test.