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Suspected pregnancy is confirmed with a blood or urine test. These tests help to clear up doubts and, if positive, to start prenatal care as soon as possible.
A pregnancy test detects the presence of the human chronic gonadotropin hormone in the body (HCG) produced by the placenta, whose levels increase after implantation of the egg.
so what Explain the publication Diagnosis of Pregnancy, emphasizing that the results of the tests, in urine or in blood, they are accurate as long as they are performed when menstruation is expected or shortly after its delay.
In women with sexual activity, some signs warn about the possible pregnancy. In pharmacies and supermarkets, you get the test homemade that throws conclusions with urination. More specialized is the blood test. We will show you how both work.
Types of pregnancy test
Without having to go to a laboratory, you can take a urine sample and find out if you are pregnant. Is about an easily accessible device in shops, designed with an absorbent strip sensitive to the HCG hormone. It is advisable to wait until the first day of delay of the period, in order to minimize the margin of error. Before, you are likely to get a false negative.
The United States National Library of Medicine refers in an article that blood tests are qualitative and quantitative. The former measure whether or not there is HCG hormone in the blood and the latter also calculate its concentration in the body.
For blood pregnancy test, the suggestion is take the sample at least one week or 10 days after the end of ovulation. If you are looking to get pregnant, counting the days and carrying out an exam clears up your doubts to start prenatal control soon.
This is how a pregnancy test works
Depending on the brand of the test, the process varies. It is important to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some ask to urinate in a container, with a kind of plastic pipette to suck up a few drops and empty them into the chemical band. Others request to urinate directly on the stick.
In any case, after a few minutes a coloration is sought for the result. Two parallel red lines mean positive. only one is negative. It is convenient to take advantage of the first urination of the day. Likewise, there is tests that instead of stripes announce with a word or a sign the positive.
If you prefer to go to the laboratory, the bioanalyst draws the blood sample with a syringe, transfers it to a tube and proceeds to the analysis. For this test, you do not need to fast. Either test is to detect chronic human gonadotropin.
What are the signs to do a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy symptoms are not strictly the same. Amenorrhea, or absence of the period, is the one that usually repeats itself. However, when this stage begins, a slight bleeding corresponding to the implantation of the egg is not a cause for concern, indicates the magazine Assisted Reproduction ORG. Once pregnancy progresses, it is important to consult a doctor.
Although it does not necessarily mean that you are expecting a baby, constipation, cramps, mood swings and darkening around the nipples are considered signs of pregnancy, along with the following.
1. Vomiting or nausea
Within a month of becoming pregnant, you may experience nausea and vomiting. There is no specific time to feel them. This feeling of disgust It is attributed to hormonal changes, stress and low blood sugar levels.
2. Fatigue
The increase in progesterone and the speed with which the metabolism works produces tiredness or fatigue, which leads to drowsiness throughout the day. In fact, this fatigue is usually very pronounced and, for this reason, pregnant women tend to fall asleep in any position and place.
3. Swollen abdomen
Similar to PMS, the abdomen is likely to swell in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Note, then, the swollen belly can be a symptom of pregnancy.
4. Cravings or aversion to certain foods
Sensitivity increases while on tape. As well as you tend to like some foods and smells, and dislike others. Again, the root lies in hormonal transformation.
5. Breast pain and regrowth
Some discomfort affects the breasts at the beginning of pregnancy: you perceive more pain and they grow a little, because prepare for the upcoming lactation. Don’t worry, the body adapts.
6. Constant urination
Peeing in a day more times than usual is also a clue. It happens because the kidneys process extra fluid because there is more blood in your body.
7. Nasal congestion
As strange as it may seem, feeling a stuffy nose or with excess mucus is a common sign in pregnant women. this condition occurs when the mucous membranes become swollen and dry due to increased hormones and increased blood production.
Pregnancy test: is it reliable?
As long as follow the steps correctly and do it on the right days, the results of a test homemade pregnancy tests tend to be reliable up to 99%. Of course, the reliability of the blood test is preferred by most women. With the latter, they usually confirm what the pharmacy device tells them.
Wait a few days of missed period, giving a chance for the hormonal concentration to be higher. Once with the positive result, she requests gynecological attention to corroborate with a physical examination and an echosonogram that the pregnancy is progressing as it should.
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