What Are the Diagnostic Criteria for Early Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a very important event for women, as it signifies that after ten months of gestation, they will become mothers. After becoming pregnant, many women are actually unaware, especially during the early stages of pregnancy. Although menstrual changes can be used as an indicator, they are not always accurate. For early pregnancy, the most scientific diagnostic method is to observe changes in hormones. One can also go to the hospital for a blood test. What are the diagnostic criteria for early pregnancy? 1. The initial symptom of pregnancy is amenorrhea. Generally, around 6 weeks of pregnancy, women may experience nausea, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fatigue, which are early pregnancy reactions. These symptoms usually disappear around 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, due to individual differences, some people may not have any symptoms during the early stages of pregnancy, which is also normal. Women of reproductive age usually have regular menstrual cycles, and amenorrhea is the earliest and most important symptom of pregnancy. Women who are breastfeeding may still become pregnant again even if they have not resumed menstruation. A pregnancy test can be performed 7 days after a missed menstrual cycle or 10-14 days after sexual intercourse using a pregnancy test strip. If two red lines appear on the test strip, it indicates a positive result, i.e., pregnancy. Additionally, a blood HCG test can be performed at the hospital 7 days after sexual intercourse to confirm pregnancy. 2. Early pregnancy reactions appear around 6 weeks of amenorrhea and usually disappear by around 12 weeks of pregnancy. 3. Frequent urination may occur during early pregnancy. Diagnostic methods for early pregnancy include: 1. Ultrasound: The gestational sac can be seen as early as 5 weeks of pregnancy. If a fetal heartbeat and movement are observed, it can be diagnosed as an early viable pregnancy. 2. Pregnancy test: Detection of urine using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. 3. Cervical mucus examination: Ellipse-shaped cells arranged in rows can be seen on a cervical mucus smear. 4. Progesterone test: Withdrawal bleeding test. 5. Basal body temperature measurement: Women with biphasic body temperature may have a sustained high temperature phase for 18 days after amenorrhea. If we experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. We should go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination accompanied by a family member and consult a doctor about the specific situation. Do not make assumptions and always follow the results of the examination. After receiving the results, family members should have sufficient patience to provide nutritional support and care for the pregnant mother and protect her health at all times.