Early pregnancy detection is immensely important for both the mother and child. Medical benefits include social and emotional well-being, as well as providing information about medications, foods, procedures, and other potentially harmful circumstances that should be avoided when pregnant. Medical tests can detect conditions that may put the health of the mother or baby at risk for things such as premature birth and can also help obstetricians (specialist doctors who take care of women when they are pregnant or postpartum) and healthcare providers determine any birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities.

Types of pregnancy tests

The two main types of pregnancy tests are urine tests and blood tests. Urine tests can be performed at home with a store-bought pregnancy test or at your doctor or general practitioner (GP). Blood tests are typically done by a doctor.

There are many at-home pregnancy tests on the market and more advanced tests (which are often more expensive) can even determine how far along you are. These tests can sometimes detect a pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception! But, again, not all tests can do this.

Pregnancy detection through blood tests test for the presence of the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is made in a woman’s placenta after a fertilised egg implants in the uterus and is thus only evident in pregnancy. This test is typically done one week after a missed menstrual period.

Additionally, an ultrasound or sonogram can be performed to confirm a pregnancy. The earliest an ultrasound scan can detect a pregnancy is 17 days after a fertilised egg was released, approximately three days after a missed period.

While at-home pregnancy tests are reasonably accurate, confirmation from your healthcare provider or obstetrician via an ultrasound is the only way to be certain. Ultrasounds are also crucial in determining whether or not the pregnancy is viable, meaning it can progress safely and is not ectopic, which is when the egg attaches itself somewhere other than the uterus.

It’s important to keep in mind that some prenatal tests are only screening tests and are only able to indicate the possibility of a problem. However, other prenatal tests can accurately determine whether the foetus or overall pregnancy has a specific problem. That’s why early testing and consistent care ensures a healthy pregnancy.

So you’re pregnant, now what?

The changes a woman’s body will undergo during this 9-month physical and emotional journey require regular medical care from the very first stages to ensure mother and baby are healthy throughout. Believe it or not, changes start happening immediately following conception.

Physiologically, the fertilised egg is released from the ovary and attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, triggering a series of silent but significant events. The lining of the uterus becomes thicker, while the cervix is sealed and the human HCG hormone is released into the bloodstream. Similarly, the baby also begins developing quickly: genetics and gender are set from the moment of conception. And within the first month, there are the beginnings of a face! These “micro-momentous” milestones need medical care; the earlier, the better.

From the minute a pregnancy is confirmed, it’s time to schedule the first prenatal appointment. This visit is so important because it will evaluate the overall health of the mother and fetus. It is also designed to identify any risk factors that could negatively affect a pregnancy. From that, a detailed prenatal care plan is created.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, not all pregnancy complications can be avoided but, due to the amount of changes that take place in the early stages of gestation, early detection can set your pregnancy off to a healthy start. If nothing else, prenatal tests offer women peace of mind in preparation for their exciting new adventure.

The lenmed Group is a world-class chain of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Southern Africa.

Disclaimer: Any information contained here is merely a guideline. Always visit your healthcare practitioner for any health-related advice or diagnosis.