How to find out about pregnancy at home?

Pregnancy can come unexpectedly, so it is worth knowing how to detect it at an early stage. The first changes in a woman's body often appear even before the cycle is delayed, although they do not always indicate pregnancy. If you are planning colposcopy of the cervix, and you suspect pregnancy, it is better to check your suspicions and then check with your doctor about the possibility of performing the procedure.

First signs of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes. The easiest way to find out about pregnancy at home is a missed period, but it can also have other causes, such as stress, weight changes, intense physical activity, or hormonal imbalances.

Early signs of pregnancy can also include:

• increased sensitivity or swelling of the mammary glands;
• unusual fatigue, drowsiness, decreased performance;
• nausea, change in taste preferences or reaction to smells;
• more frequent urination;
• slight pulling sensations in the lower abdomen;
• mood swings for no apparent reason.

However, these symptoms alone do not confirm pregnancy.

Is it possible to determine pregnancy without a test?

It is impossible to determine pregnancy completely accurately just by feeling well. Monitoring your menstrual cycle can be a clue. If sexual intercourse was performed during the fertile period and menstruation has not occurred, the chances of pregnancy are quite high.

The most reliable way to determine pregnancy at home is with a drugstore test. It measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, a hormone that increases after the embryo implants.

When is the best time to take the test and how reliable is it?

If you do the test too early, it may show a negative result even during pregnancy, because the concentration of hCG is not yet sufficient. Therefore, it is best to do it after the onset of the delay. To get a reliable result, you need to follow these rules:

• Use a test with a normal expiration date.
• Follow the instructions.
• Do not drink a lot of fluids before testing.
• If the result is doubtful, repeat the test in a few days.

If the test is positive, you need to donate blood for hCG and consult a doctor. He will also prescribe prenatal screening, the price of which depends on the type of research, and tell you when to conduct it.

When should you see a doctor?

After confirming pregnancy, the doctor usually clarifies the date of the last menstruation, assesses the general condition and, if necessary, prescribes additional tests.

It is especially important not to delay seeking medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:

• severe or increasing pain in the lower abdomen;
• significant bleeding;
• dizziness, weakness, or fainting;
• a sharp deterioration in well-being.

So there are ways to find out about pregnancy at home by characteristic changes in well-being and delayed menstruation. However, the best way to confirm it is with a test and blood for hCG. After that, you should still contact a doctor who will tell you the next steps.