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Among the most important early signs of pregnancy is a positive pregnancy test. These tests are simple and readily available.
There are many different
types of Early Signs of Pregnancy The most common pregnancy test
performed is a test looking for human chorionic gonadotropin in the
urine. This pregnancy test is also known as the beta-HCG and can
identify elevations in the beta-HCG as soon as 14 days after
ovulation. A positive pregnancy test is among the most reliable
early signs of pregnancy.
HCG works to prevent the loss of the corpus luteum, which is
important for secreting progesterone and estrogen involved in the
early growth and development of the fetus, placenta, and endometrium.
This makes the detection of HCG an excellent early sign of
pregnancy.
The urine HCG pregnancy test can be positive as soon as 26 to 30
days after the start of the previous menstrual period. The urine HCG
pregnancy test can be positive as soon as 8-10 days after
conception.
Missing a menstrual period is one of the most common early signs of
pregnancy. It is a more reliable sign in women who have normal
regular menstrual periods. The accuracy of this early sign of
pregnancy increases if a woman is at least 10 days late. This early
sign of pregnancy is less accurate in women who have irregular
periods, are perimenopausal, are breast feeding, and in young women
who have not yet started having menstrual periods.
Missing a menstrual period can happen in women who are not pregnant.
Chronic illness and emotional disorders are other causes of a missed
period.
The most definitive early signs of pregnancy include identification
of fetal heart action, fetal movement, and an ultrasound recognition
of pregnancy.
Other early signs of pregnancy include skin changes, nausea and
vomiting, constipation, fatigue, lassitude, hemorrhoids, heartburn,
pica, increased requirement for sleep, and headaches. If severe or
abnormal headaches occur, if it is associated with visual changes,
or if a headache does not resolve the healthcare provider should
always be contacted.
Urinary frequency is commonly seen in pregnancy, however if burning
or pain with urination develops a healthcare provider should be
contacted. Increased vaginal discharge known as leukorrhea is
common.
Breast changes are among the early signs of pregnancy. The changes
in the breast in pregnant women are often more evident in women who
have never been pregnant. These changes include tingling and
tenderness, increased in size, the development of increased
pigmentation of the areola, and the development of striations. Other
early signs of pregnancy include the development of breast
nodularity, nipple discharge, and prominent visible veins beneath
the skin of the breast.
As always, if there is a question or concern about the early signs
of pregnancy, your physician should be contacted.
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