What tests should be done to check if you are pregnant

Checking for pregnancy usually requires testing for human chorionic gonadotropin, ultrasound, and progesterone. These tests can help confirm pregnancy, assess embryonic development, and rule out abnormal pregnancies such as ectopic pregnancy.

1. Human chorionic gonadotropin testing:

This is the most direct method to confirm pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone secreted by placental trophoblasts after embryo implantation. After menstrual delay, human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the blood can be measured by drawing blood, or the hormone in the urine can be detected using early pregnancy test strips. Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests and can detect pregnancy earlier, usually around 10 days after fertilization. Urinalysis is recommended to be performed 7 days after the menstrual cycle is delayed, as it has a higher accuracy rate.

2. Ultrasound examination:

Ultrasound examination is mainly used to confirm intrauterine pregnancy, exclude ectopic pregnancy, and observe the development of embryos. Usually, at 5-6 weeks of amenorrhea, the gestational sac can be observed through transvaginal ultrasound; At 6-7 weeks of amenorrhea, fetal sprouts and primitive heartbeats can be seen. Abdominal ultrasound requires holding urine, and the examination time is relatively late. If the ultrasound examination does not detect a gestational sac in the uterus and the level of human chorionic gonadotropin continues to rise, it is necessary to be alert to the possibility of ectopic pregnancy.

3. Progesterone detection:

Progesterone is an essential hormone for maintaining pregnancy, secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary. By measuring progesterone levels through blood sampling, luteal function and embryonic development can be evaluated. Low levels of progesterone may indicate a risk of luteal insufficiency, embryonic dysplasia, or ectopic pregnancy. But a single progesterone value cannot be used as a diagnostic basis, and it needs to be comprehensively judged based on human chorionic gonadotropin levels and ultrasound results.

4. gynecological examination:

Gynecological examination includes double or triple diagnosis. The doctor preliminarily judges the pregnancy status by touching the size, texture, and adnexal area of the uterus for lumps and tenderness. After pregnancy, the uterus will enlarge and soften, and the cervix will appear purple blue. However, gynecological examinations cannot replace human chorionic gonadotropin testing and ultrasound. They are mainly used to assist in diagnosis, especially for women with abnormal symptoms such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, and can help screen for ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammation.

5. Basal body temperature measurement:

Basal body temperature measurement is an auxiliary method that determines ovulation and early pregnancy by continuously measuring morning body temperature. After ovulation, the body temperature will increase by 0.3-0.5 degrees Celsius and continue until the next menstrual period. If the high temperature phase lasts for more than 18 days, there is a higher possibility of pregnancy. However, basal body temperature is susceptible to interference from factors such as sleep, emotions, and illness, and its accuracy is not as good as human chorionic gonadotropin testing and ultrasound. It is only used as a reference for self-monitoring.

It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for human chorionic gonadotropin testing and ultrasound examination when experiencing early pregnancy symptoms such as delayed menstruation, nausea and vomiting, and breast tenderness. No fasting is required before the examination, but holding urine is necessary for abdominal ultrasound. After being diagnosed with pregnancy, it is recommended to follow the doctor's advice to supplement folic acid, avoid exposure to harmful substances, maintain a regular schedule and balanced diet, and undergo regular prenatal check ups to ensure the health of both mother and baby.