Find out about pregnancy by basal temperature. These numbers are influenced by many factors, such as drastic changes in diet or lifestyle, and not only. How was pregnancy recognized in women in ancient times

Detect early pregnancy it is possible only after the implantation of the fetal egg into the uterine cavity, as a rule, this occurs 7-10 days after ovulation. Until this moment, while the fertilized egg is in the fallopian tubes or moving in the uterus in search of a place for implantation, as a rule, there are still no changes in the woman's body associated with pregnancy.

As soon as the fetal egg is introduced into the wall of the uterus, the pregnancy hormone, the so-called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), begins to be produced almost immediately. It is hCG that notifies the woman's body about the fact of the onset early pregnancy.

The fetal egg can be removed by the uterus before implantation, and the woman will not even know about this fact, since there is no delay in menstruation, and the fetal egg comes out along with menstrual flow. Most often, in this way, the woman's body gets rid of defective fetal eggs that cannot attach to the wall of the uterus.

So, the first symptoms of pregnancy may appear as early as 7-10 days after conception, that is, from the first days of implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

Methods for determining pregnancy in the early stages:

At the moment, there are both fairly reliable medical methods for determining pregnancy, and so-called folk methods based on indirect signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Most reliable detect early pregnancy it is possible only in the laboratory, by passing tests for the presence of hormones in the blood or by performing an ultrasound scan. Also, a fairly reliable method can be attributed to a rapid urine test to determine pregnancy.

Consider the most accurate medical methods for diagnosing pregnancy:

1. Pregnancy test

The most popular modern method of diagnosing. All pharmacy express tests are based on determining the level of the hCG hormone in a woman's urine.

The term for determining pregnancy: can be carried out from 1 day of the expected menstruation delay or 2 weeks after conception. There are more sensitive (with a sensitivity of 10 mIU / ml) tests that allow you to determine pregnancy from the 10th day after ovulation, that is, even before the delay in menstruation. But, for the most reliable results, it is recommended to conduct a test on the 7-8th day of the delay in menstruation.

Pros: the accuracy of determining pregnancy is 95%, performed at home, availability, simplicity and convenience of diagnosis, low cost.

Cons: both false positive and false negative results are possible, for example, if the analysis is carried out incorrectly, the use of low-quality or expired tests, testing too early, when taking hormonal drugs, tumor processes and other factors. They do not allow to determine the pathology of the course of pregnancy, as well as to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.

2. Determination of pregnancy by an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The doctor necessarily examines the genitals on the gynecological chair, and also probes the body of the uterus with his fingers for changes in its shape, size and consistency. The doctor also interviews the woman about her well-being and additionally evaluates presumptive or indirect signs of pregnancy.

The term for determining pregnancy: a highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologist can diagnose pregnancy as early as 4 weeks after conception or after 2 weeks of delayed menstruation. As a rule, doctors determine pregnancy starting from the 8th week from conception.

Pros: only a doctor can determine how the pregnancy is proceeding, identify possible problems or deviations in pregnancy and correct them in time, and, if necessary, prescribe additional research methods.

Cons: not the earliest and most reliable method. If a woman does not know about her pregnancy and came for a routine checkup for up to 5 weeks, then there is a possibility that the doctor may not notice the pregnancy. Often, additional tests may be required to confirm pregnancy.

3. Blood test for hCG.

Table of correspondence between the norm of the level of hCG to the gestational age

Since the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is absent in healthy non-pregnant women, it is the most convenient indicator of pregnancy.

The term for determining pregnancy: This analysis can be carried out from 1 day of the alleged menstruation delay or 2 weeks after conception.

Pros: the accuracy of determining pregnancy is 98-99%, shows the duration of pregnancy with an accuracy of up to a week.

Cons: high cost, impossible to do at home, you need to go to a medical institution, blood is taken from a vein, false negative values ​​\u200b\u200bare possible if the test is done too early or during an ectopic pregnancy.

4. Blood test for TBG.

The hormone TBG (trophoblastic beta-globulin) is the earliest marker of pregnancy. It is produced by the embryo to protect against the mother's immune system.

The term for determining pregnancy: TBG is detected in the blood as early as 10 days after conception, even before the delay in menstruation.

Plus: the accuracy of determining pregnancy is 99%, it is possible to detect a possible pregnancy before the delay of menstruation.

Cons: high cost, impossible to carry out at home, it is necessary to contact a medical institution, due to the complexity of the determination, not all laboratories carry out, blood is taken from a vein, false positive values ​​​​are possible in oncological diseases and benign tumors of the female reproductive system.

5. Ultrasound.

The term for determining pregnancy: a study can show the presence of a fetal egg in the uterine cavity from the 5th day of delay or 3 weeks after conception, subject to the high qualification of the doctor conducting the diagnosis and good resolution of the device.

Pros: allows you to determine not only the fact of pregnancy, but also the period with an accuracy of 1-2 weeks, possible pathologies of fetal development, identify ectopic pregnancy, and from 5-6 weeks to establish the fact of multiple pregnancy.

Cons: in the early stages, ultrasound is performed only for medical reasons, there is no evidence of the safety of the effect of ultrasonic waves on the embryo, there is a high risk of abortion.

Also no less important for determining pregnancy are indirect signs by which a woman, from the first days of pregnancy, can independently diagnose her “interesting position”.

Seeing two long-awaited strips on the test, you begin to carefully monitor any changes that occur in the body.

The basal temperature during early pregnancy responds to the smallest fluctuations in the hormonal system and allows you to calculate deviations from the norm and promptly seek help from a antenatal clinic.

What is basal body temperature

  • The basal or basic temperature (hereinafter referred to as BT) is the one that is practically not affected by the external environment;
  • You can get its values ​​\u200b\u200bin the morning hours, without getting out of bed, after a good night's sleep;
  • Measurements are taken using a thermometer placed in the mouth, vagina or rectum;
  • BBT values ​​are influenced by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, the level of which varies according to the days of the menstrual cycle.

Know! Obstetrician-gynecologists consider BT an indicator of the health of the female reproductive system. Comparison of schedules for several cycles can reveal hormonal disorders, the period of ovulation, as well as inflammatory processes.

Even at the stage of planning a child, BBT values ​​will help determine the favorable period for conception without the use of expensive tests and ultrasound diagnostics. The only caveat is the strict observance of all norms during the measurements.

Why can you trust your basal body temperature?

The menstrual period consists of two phases.

  1. During the transition from one phase to another, ovulation is observed. The whole essence of the method is to build a graph based on daily BT readings;
  2. The first half of the cycle is characterized by low numbers, and the second - high, due to the influence of progesterone.

Ovulation on the chart looks like a sharp drop.

The value of BT about a day before the onset of ovulation rapidly drops, and the next day it also rises sharply. Evidence of the imminent onset of menstruation are reduced values ​​of BT, but during fertilization in the second phase, they will be steadily increased.

You can use the basal temperature measurement method if:

  • trying to get pregnant lasts longer than a year;
  • it is necessary to identify violations in the work of sex hormones;
  • you need to predict a good time for conception;
  • it is necessary to determine the presence of pregnancy before the fact of a delay in menstrual bleeding.

How to determine pregnancy by basal temperature?

The entire menstrual period can be tracked on the basal temperature chart. During pregnancy, the picture is significantly different from that which can be seen during a normal cycle.

  1. The very first phase of the female period is follicular (hypothermic). At this time, the formation of the follicle occurs, inside which the egg matures. The first phase is characterized by increased production of estrogen due to the increased work of the ovaries;

Favorable values ​​of BT are from 36.1 to 36.8 degrees. Values ​​at the upper end of the range are usually accompanied by a lack of estrogen. In such cases, doctors recommend appropriate hormone therapy.

  1. The moment of ovulation. The follicle ruptures under the action of LH (luteinizing hormone) and the egg is released, and a hormonal surge occurs. At this stage, BT values ​​increase sharply to 37.0-37.7 degrees;
  2. The last phase is luteal (hyperthermic). Instead of a bursting follicle, a corpus luteum begins to form, which is a source of progesterone.
  • In the case of fertilization of the egg (during the implantation, the BT decreases) - it enters the uterus. At the same time, the corpus luteum continues to grow, releasing hormones that allow you to maintain pregnancy and prevent uterine contractions;

It is these hormones that make the BBT values ​​stay at the upper limits. The corpus luteum functions until the complete formation of the placenta.

  • Favorable values ​​of BT are above 37 degrees;
  • If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum collapses and hormone levels drop. BBT values ​​also decrease and menstrual bleeding occurs.

Temperature is below ovulation

Usually, the value of basal temperature during early pregnancy is 37.1-37.3 degrees.

It happens a little lower, within 36.9 degrees.

You can find this out by recording your basal body temperatures over several cycles.

The only constant sign of the possible fact of pregnancy is the absence of a lower basal temperature after the release of the egg from the ovary.

Features of "pregnant" and "non-pregnant" charts

To understand which basal temperature is characteristic of the body during pregnancy, and which one - with various pathologies, you need to pay attention to the main characteristics of the graphs.

"Pregnant" schedule:

  1. low BBT in the follicular phase of the cycle;
  2. ovulation is clearly identified (a sharp jump in BBT up);
  3. increased BT in the luteal phase of the cycle;
  4. somewhere on the 21st day, the values ​​​​of BT decrease noticeably (implantation of the egg occurs) and then the temperature rises again;
  5. there is a third phase of the cycle - gestational - with a BBT value equal to or greater than ovulatory.

Normal "non-pregnant" schedule:

  • in the first phase, BT values ​​​​are below 37 degrees;
  • immediately after the ovulation phase, BBT begins to rise and continues to be at the level of 37 degrees almost until the end of the second phase;
  • a few days before the onset of menstrual bleeding, the value of BT drops sharply.

The anovulatory schedule is characterized by chaotic bursts of BBT throughout the cycle. Such periods occur in women up to three times a year.

How to measure the temperature to determine pregnancy

The most accurate readings will be with the rectal insertion of a thermometer. In this case, the thermometer can be either electronic or mercury, depending on personal preferences. The following are the basic rules for how to measure basal body temperature to determine pregnancy:

  1. Measurement of basal temperature when planning pregnancy should be done daily in the morning at a certain time after sleep, lasting more than six hours. Do not leave bed soon after waking up or sit up abruptly;

In addition, frequent walking during the night rest distorts the research data.

  1. In the daytime and evening hours, there are quite strong fluctuations in BBT due to stress, increased activity or banal fatigue. It is not necessary to double-check the morning measurements in the afternoon and evening, as this is not informative;
  2. With a mercury thermometer, the temperature is measured within 6-10 minutes, with an electronic thermometer - from 2 to 3 minutes or until a sound signal;
  3. For clarity, it is best to start taking measurements and build a graph from the day of the onset of menstruation. This will allow you to see the temperature difference during the transition from one phase of the cycle to another and evaluate the hormonal background;
  4. For the convenience of taking measurements, you can use a regular paper sheet, a printed template, or applications that automatically build graphs based on the entered data.

For your information. The following factors influence the BT indicators:

  • alcohol;
  • sex a few hours before the measurement procedure;
  • stress;
  • infectious diseases;
  • too warm bed, for example, from a heating pad;
  • hypothermia of the lower extremities.

If any of the above factors took place, it is worth making a note about it.

What indicators allow us to conclude that the pregnancy did not take place?

High basal temperature, which persist for a long time, with a possible pregnancy, until the delay is confirmed, unfortunately, is not always a sign of a successful conception.

In some cases, such a change may be associated with inflammatory processes in the appendages, and sometimes indicate complications during the gestational period.

Important! It is worth paying attention that there is no need to start panicking when abnormalities are found, since each organism is unique. In case of any doubt, it is better to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.

BT at risk of miscarriage

The threat of miscarriage is associated with insufficient production of the hormone progesterone, which supports pregnancy. This happens when there are problems with the hormonal background and an incorrectly functioning corpus luteum, which normally appears instead of the follicle.

Know! With this pathology, the values ​​\u200b\u200bdo not exceed 37 degrees.

Thus, if the basal temperature during pregnancy is 36.8 or one tenth of a degree higher, you should pay attention to this and try to understand the reasons for such changes.

BT in missed pregnancy

If the development of the embryo stops, the gland formed at the site of the follicle begins to break down, and the level of progesterone, therefore, falls. This leads to a decrease in BT values ​​\u200b\u200bto 36.4 - 36.9 degrees.

There are times when, when the embryo freezes, the temperature continues to be kept at a fairly high level. True, it happens when a lower temperature is not at all an indicator of fading. You should always listen to yourself and your inner state.

BT in ectopic pregnancy

Important! In this case, the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum does not stop, as in the normal course of pregnancy. It is impossible to draw conclusions on the basis of BT values ​​in this case.

In the second and third trimesters, it does not play a significant role. It is important to remember that accuracy in measurements is necessary, as any deviations affect the interpretation of the results.

Ask questions about the topic of the article!

In addition, it makes sense to measure BBT when planning the sex of a child, to increase the chance of getting pregnant, or for general development - to understand the processes taking place in the body and communicate with a specialist in the same language.

It makes no sense to measure the basal temperature once. To be able to draw conclusions and monitor changes in the female body, long-term observation over several months is necessary. For clarity, they draw up a graph with which they are shown to the leading gynecologist. The doctor will be able to note all the points that interest you and explain everything in detail.

Only a qualified specialist can make the correct conclusions, according to the schemes provided by you. There are many nuances that go through the calculations and determine the various deviations.

To obtain reliable data, you should use a number of rules:

  1. Take measurements in the morning without getting out of bed. Time fluctuations should not exceed 30 minutes.
  2. Enter the thermometer rectally for 5-10 minutes.
  3. It is preferable to use a mercury thermometer. It is forbidden to move in this case. .
  4. Repeat the procedure daily for at least 3 cycles.
  5. All changes and concomitant factors (colds, diarrhea, medications) should be recorded on a schedule.

We measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy

If a woman has kept a chart of changes in basal temperature for several months, it will not be difficult for her to determine an early pregnancy from it.

In a normal cycle, the graph displays 2 phases: stability and a sharp increase followed by a decline.

  • Phase 1 - the first 2 weeks of the cycle. In this period, the basal temperature is relatively balanced (36.3 - 36.8 degrees) and does not have sharp drops;
  • Phase 2. Basal temperature jumps to 37.1 - 37.3 degrees for 3 - 4 days before ovulation and keeps at maximum levels. Then, about a week before menstruation, it goes down - from 37.0 degrees to a minimum mark of 36.3 - 36.5 degrees.

If the basal temperature did not drop before menstruation, but sticks to the mark of 37.0 degrees or higher, the probability of pregnancy is high. Information is not guaranteed and a test or visit to a doctor is required. Monitoring basal temperature is more suitable for determining safe and favorable days than for determining early pregnancy. There are many factors affecting temperature changes - disorders, mobility, changes in climatic conditions, changes in hormonal levels, an increase in body temperature in general.

BT in the early stages

An increase in basal temperature is characteristic of the entire period of pregnancy. Most women stop keeping records when they find out about their situation. In the early stages, the basal temperature corresponds to the indicators of the first days of ovulation - 37.0 - 37.3 degrees. This is due to the production of the hormone progesterone, which is activated simultaneously with ovulation. If conception does not occur, with the release of the egg, its level also decreases, lowering the basal temperature. In the case of pregnancy, the production of the hormone continues, thereby maintaining a high temperature.

How to chart your basal temperature and why

Drawing up a schedule is necessary for a visual display of the activity of the internal genital organs of a woman. On it, you can make calculations and consult with your doctor on pregnancy and diseases. It is much easier to show ordered data than to explain it yourself, especially if you yourself are not sure what is happening.

Using the graph, you can determine the following points:

  • The time of maturation of the egg, which makes it possible to calculate the days of safe sex and vice versa - a favorable period for conception;
  • Maturation of the egg and subsequent release from the ovary. Elevated basal temperature in the middle of the menstrual cycle means ovulation;
  • Find out the features of your endocrine system;
  • Calculate the date of the onset of menstruation;
  • Assess the production of hormones by the ovaries;
  • The absence of an increase in temperature at the expected time of ovulation may indicate pregnancy. For couples seeking to conceive as soon as possible, this information is very useful;
  • Diseases of the genital organs and inflammatory processes also lead to an increase in basal temperature. It becomes possible to identify them in the early stages and take timely measures for treatment, without waiting for pain.

You can create a chart in two ways:

  • Computer Applications

Specialized programs online or downloaded from the network provide the opportunity to keep electronic records. This is comfortable for women who are well versed in computer technology, who do not need outside help to fill out.

  • On your own on paper

It is preferable to keep records manually - faster and there is no need to print out in advance to provide the doctor. In addition, not all women have sufficient computer knowledge.

To draw up a schedule, you need a notebook in a box and a pen. A standard coordinate system is drawn with X and Y axes.

The x-axis marks the interval from the first to the last day of the menstrual cycle. Their number is individual. In different women, due to age, heredity and illness, menstruation can go with a difference of 18 to 40 days. The standard is a cycle of 27 - 29 days for a healthy body.

Temperature indicators are marked along the Y axis. The minimum temperature will be a degree below your usual temperature. In most cases - 35.6 degrees. The maximum indicator should be taken with a margin - 37.5 degrees. It is necessary to take into account the fact that there are people with high or low body temperature. This affects both the usual methods of measurement - under the arm or through the mouth, and rectal. Therefore, you can not use the temperature prescribed in the handbook. If up to this point you have not been interested in your standard body temperature, measure it for several days in a calm state in a way convenient for you (mouth or armpit). Having found out the initial parameters, draw up a schedule.

Chart example #1 (click to enlarge)

Chart example #2 (click to enlarge)

Having a blank, you should wait for the start of a new monthly cycle and start filling: after measuring the temperature in the morning, put the appropriate mark on the graph, and so on every day. By comparing the data of several cycles, a pattern will be found in which the temperature increase will occur in a certain period that is inherent to you personally. In the following tables, this moment is indicated by a vertical line and is called the ovulation line.

To determine the schedule of days of safe sex and days favorable for conception, you must use the following scheme.

The spermatozoon is viable for 3-4 days, and the egg cell is viable for 1-2 days. Having determined the moment of the onset of ovulation, it is necessary to count back from it the days of the existence of an active spermatozoon. Then add the days of its viability to the moment of release of the egg. The resulting period of time is characterized by the highest probability of becoming pregnant. The rest of the days are presumably safe for having sex without additional contraception. Naturally, no one can guarantee a 100% guarantee.

To determine the presence of pregnancy, home pregnancy tests are used, which are easy to purchase at any pharmacy. But often a woman wants to know if she is pregnant even before the test is able to show two stripes.

Definition of pregnancy by your condition

Before the onset of the next menstruation, indirect signs of pregnancy may appear (soreness and breast enlargement, mood changes and taste preferences, etc.). It is impossible to rely on them with absolute certainty, since the same symptoms can be before menstruation.

And the delay itself will speak of the probable onset of pregnancy only on the condition that the woman is completely healthy and before that her body worked without the slightest failure, and the cycle was always stable.

But still, let's analyze the symptoms that the interviewed girls noted in their position a few days before the expected menstruation. So, with the onset of pregnancy, many observed the following changes:

  • worries about weakness in the body;
  • pulls the lower abdomen, colitis in the ovary;
  • swelling and soreness of the breast;
  • urination becomes more frequent (in the presence of this symptom, the development of cystitis should be excluded).

Some of the respondents did not have breast pain at all, although they were pregnant. Mostly women complained of weakness, drowsiness, and rapid fatigue. This is directly related to hormonal changes. But even with chronic lack of sleep, frequent stress, lack of rest, such well-being can also be observed outside of pregnancy. Therefore, this condition cannot be taken as a sure sign of pregnancy.

It is also necessary to say about body temperature. Many pregnant women thought they had a cold because their temperature was 37 degrees Celsius. In general, this is a normal body temperature during pregnancy. Therefore, if a constant elevated temperature (37.0-37.4 degrees) is observed within 2 weeks after the alleged conception, then such a phenomenon is often considered as the first symptom of a successful conception. Doctors explain this condition by the fact that during pregnancy, the level of progesterone in the body of a woman rises, which causes an increase in body temperature.

Ways to determine pregnancy without a test

Home pregnancy tests are very convenient, but not always available. Consider folk methods for determining pregnancy a few days before the expected menstruation or during the period of delay.

The use of iodine

Iodine was often used by our grandmothers to detect pregnancy. There are several ways to use this tool:

  1. You need to collect urine in a clean bowl and add a drop of iodine.
  2. Pregnancy did not occur if the drop of iodine dissolved.
  3. If iodine lingers on the surface in the form of a floating spot, there is a high probability of pregnancy.

For this method to be the most accurate, several important rules must be observed. The test is carried out only on the first morning urine. Before collecting the material, hygiene procedures are mandatory, but without the use of soap. Iodine is added using a pipette, which should be brought as close as possible to the surface of the urine.

You can use the second diagnostic method at home:

  1. A small strip of paper is taken and soaked in the first morning urine. The strip must be completely saturated.
  2. A drop of iodine is applied to the paper.
  3. The paper has changed color to a blue or purple hue - there is a high probability of pregnancy.

These methods are considered folk, as science refutes their reliability. Iodine changes color to blue/violet with high starch content in paper. Whether iodine will dissolve or not depends on the acidity (pH) of the urine. In an alkaline environment, iodine will dissolve.

Baking soda

Experts on the Internet recommend using baking soda, which is in almost every home, to determine whether a woman is in an interesting position or not. This method is based on the following statement - if the egg is fertilized, the acid-base indicator (pH) of the urine changes to alkaline. That is why soda does not give a reaction.

So, it is advised to carry out the following procedure:

  1. Morning urine is poured into the container and a spoonful of baking soda is added, and now watch the reaction of the soda.
  2. If intense hissing begins, and bubbles form, as during the preparation of a fizz, pregnancy is not confirmed.
  3. In the case when there is no reaction, and the soda powder just settled to the bottom, then there is a pregnancy.

It is worth considering the fact that the “pregnant” phenomenon can manifest itself with the predominance of plant foods and milk in the diet, as well as with kidney diseases. With regular consumption of meat, or vice versa, with starvation and dehydration, the urine becomes acidic (i.e. "not pregnant"). So this method is also doubtful, because the pH of urine depends on our menu and health status.

Measurement of basal temperature

According to experts, this method allows you to establish the presence of pregnancy with the greatest accuracy and can be used at home. It is necessary to take measurements a few days before menstruation should occur.

After ovulation, there is a slight increase in basal body temperature (BT), which is kept around 37 degrees. If this temperature lasts all two to three weeks after ovulation, then it is most likely that pregnancy has occurred.

To get the most accurate information, you need to follow a few simple rules:

  • you need to take measurements of basal temperature in the morning, immediately after sleep, at about the same time, and always before you get out of bed (keep the thermometer under your pillow);
  • for measurements, the simplest mercury thermometer is used, which is inserted into the vagina and held for at least 3 minutes;
  • you can not make sharp and jerky movements, otherwise the result will be distorted;
  • during testing, it is important to exclude the possible influence of pathological factors such as influenza or SARS;
  • it is necessary to carry out such measurements over several cycles and maintain a special schedule.

Indeed, during pregnancy, the basal temperature is about 37 degrees from the moment of conception and the entire first trimester. In this case, there is no menstruation. But in obstetric practice, there were a lot of examples of how pregnancy also occurred with menstrual irregularities (but with the presence of ovulation and open sex life). And in such patients, the basal temperature was unstable or did not reach 37 degrees at all. So, if a girl has a delay in menstruation and BBT is kept at about 37 degrees, then there is a possibility that there is a pregnancy. But if BT does not reach 37 degrees, then pregnancy cannot be ruled out.

By selection

In the early stages of pregnancy, a change in vaginal discharge may occur - they may become more abundant due to an increase in the level of progesterone in the blood or turn brown or pink as a result of the fact that the egg, when attached to the wall of the uterus, damages the small blood vessels of the endometrium, then something in the discharge and there is an admixture of blood (this is called "implantation bleeding"). Usually, it bleeds poorly during implantation (a couple of drops are observed or it smears slightly) and this phenomenon lasts a couple of hours (a maximum of several days), besides, there is no pain.

In case of heavy bleeding, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible (he, if necessary, will prescribe a hemostatic and send him to donate blood for hCG, which will make it possible to find out whether the woman is actually pregnant or not). If there is a pregnancy, then this is a threat of miscarriage, and if there is no pregnancy, then it’s just menstruation or bleeding has opened (if such heavy menstruation is not characteristic of you).

"Grandma's" methods

To date, a large number of different ancient methods are being retold that used to help our ancestors determine whether a woman is pregnant or not.

By urine

In early pregnancy, if there is suspicion, urine should be taken, heated and poured into a glass vessel. If a woman is in an interesting position, flakes and a cloudy sediment should appear in the urine. Of course, during the test, an unpleasant and pungent odor will appear, but this method is one of the most popular among our grandmothers.

By pulse

Among the popular methods is the measurement of the pulse in the abdomen:

  • you need to lie on your back and completely relax;
  • just below the navel (5-6 cm) feel the pulse;
  • if a pulsation is felt, then there is a pregnancy;
  • provided that there is no pulse in this area, the woman is not pregnant.

The taste of metal

According to folk signs, the expectant mother has a persistent metallic taste in her mouth. This phenomenon is typical for the first weeks after fertilization, thanks to which it is possible to determine the fact of conception.

All these methods are very entertaining, but they will in no way help to confirm the pregnancy or disprove it.

Determining pregnancy with a test

In order for a rapid test to determine pregnancy to give the most accurate result, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

  • inspect the packaging for damage;
  • use only the test, the expiration date of which has not expired;
  • prepare a clean and sterile container;
  • it is best to examine the first morning urine;
  • hands must be washed and dried before the examination;
  • the test strip is lowered into the urine to the specified level;
  • then the test is laid out on a flat, dry surface (preferably on the bag in which the test lay);
  • in a few minutes the result will be visible.

It is necessary to evaluate the result after 3-5 minutes. On some tests, it is indicated that after 5 minutes it is impossible to reliably evaluate the result. And on others, on the contrary, it is said that the result should be viewed after 10 minutes, but no later than 30 minutes after the test. So read the instructions before you test.

In any case, if the second strip is barely visible, then repeat the test in 2-3 days. If the second strip does not become brighter, then there is no pregnancy, and this is just a reagent. During pregnancy, the second strip becomes brighter each time until it equals the intensity in the control.

Learn more about how to use a pregnancy test -.

How to know that you are pregnant? (video)

The above methods are almost all unreliable, so they will not help to independently determine at home whether conception has occurred or not. And to get more accurate information, you will have to additionally pass tests.

The most reliable way to determine pregnancy before a delay is to donate blood for hCG. More on this in the following video:

Modern private laboratories can determine pregnancy a few days before the expected menstruation. You just need to donate venous blood and pay for the analysis.

This is the easiest way to diagnose changes in the female body on a hormonal background. Measuring basal temperature to determine pregnancy is a long-term practice of identifying a favorable period when planning conception.

The principle of the method is to analyze the rectal indicators of BT in different periods of the menstrual cycle (MC). According to the compiled schedule of basal temperature, you can accurately determine the day of ovulation, determine the degree of fertility and the state of the reproductive system of a woman.

  1. Follicular phase - characterized by increased production of progesterone. It begins after the release of the egg, lasts until the onset of menstruation.
  2. Luteal phase - is counted from the last day of menstruation to the arrival of ovulation.

It is important to do this

Elevated progesterone levels are accompanied by an increase in temperature. Rectal (or vaginal) indicators rise to an average of 37.3-37.7°.

A short-term decrease in BBT is noted on the eve of menstruation. During menstruation, moderately elevated temperature values ​​are observed.

What is the essence of the method of measuring BBT to determine successful conception?

The first weeks of pregnancy are characterized by a stable increase in rectal temperature. The condition is due to increased production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, formed at the time of conception in the ovary.

The release of a large amount of the hormone is necessary to maintain the viability of the embryo. A characteristic feature of progesterone is the stimulation of metabolic processes with a simultaneous increase in basal temperature.

An increase in blood flow to the genital organs and the activation of nutritional functions create favorable "warm" conditions for the normal development of the embryo.

Increasing the appearance of progesterone has a double effect. In parallel, the hormone affects the uterus, preventing the rejection of the endometrium (inner layer) and relaxing the muscles of the organ.

Due to this effect, serious changes occur in the form of the absence of menstruation. This helps normal gestation.

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy

We need indicators obtained rectally, that is, through the rectum. Due to individual nuances, it is allowed to measure BBT vaginally or in the mouth.

Rules for determining basal temperature.

  1. In the evening, put a thermometer on the bedside table next to the bed, as all actions are performed without getting out of bed. Violation of the recommendation will lead to data corruption.
  2. Night sleep should last at least 6 hours.
  3. Each temperature measurement is carried out in the morning, it is advisable to set the alarm clock to the daily operating mode so that the signal sounds at a certain hour.
  4. The thermometer is inserted 2–3 cm into the anus, held for 5 minutes. The action is performed in a state of complete rest.
  5. After waking up, no movements are allowed (get up, spin, turn), even the thermometer must be shaken in advance.
  6. Temperature measurement is carried out at 5–7 o'clock in the morning, regardless of the further duration of rest. This is due to the production of hormones of the adrenal glands and hypothalamus, the daily biorhythms of which correspond to this period of time.
  7. Actions performed later or in the afternoon are not taken into account in the analysis.
  8. To measure your basal temperature correctly, prepare a digital or mercury thermometer in advance. During the preparation of the entire schedule, the thermometer cannot be changed.
  9. Similarly, choose the method of measurement - rectal, vaginal or oral. The first option is preferable.
  10. Temperature indicators are immediately noted in the graph. Each menstrual cycle is drawn up on a separate card.
  11. It will take at least 3-4 months to compile a basal temperature calendar when planning a pregnancy.
  12. Each measurement must be accompanied by comments. This is an abundance of bleeding during menstruation, pain in the chest or abdomen, overwork, physical overload, stress, poor sleep, a cold, drinking alcohol the day before, etc.

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How to determine pregnancy by basal temperature

What is a BT schedule? These are the lowest rectal rates recorded at home while providing maximum body rest.

Only if all the measurement rules are observed, can we talk about a reliable determination of pregnancy using a temperature graph.

How is a BT map made?

  1. On a notebook sheet, each cell of which will be taken as 0.1 ° C, draw two axes.
  2. X - horizontal lines to indicate the day of the cycle and the date of the month.
  3. Y is the vertical axis, on which you will set marks from 36 to 38 ° C.
  4. The intersection of X and Y is your basal temperature.
  5. At the bottom of the sheet, leave space to indicate the abundance of bleeding during menstruation and additional comments.

Example:

Phases of the basal temperature chart

The first sign of natural conception is that rectal temperature indicators stay above 37.3 °, without falling before menstruation.

Calendar example:

This is an auxiliary diagnostic.

After the IVF procedure, it is a common occurrence when the embryo transfer is accompanied by an increase in basal and total body temperature in the subsequent phase of the cycle.

After replanting a viable egg, a woman is prescribed hormonal drugs to increase the release of progesterone. For example, capsules "Utrozhestan" or "Dufaston".

An increase in temperature during IVF for the most part is a confirmation of the correct therapy during the luteal phase. The accuracy of the conclusions is not recognized as sufficient when compared with natural conception.

However, the temperature graph is an important tool for supporting diagnostics even with artificial insemination. With it, you can identify both successful conception and the manifestation of pathology.

Measurement of basal temperature to determine missed pregnancy

Anembryony (death of the embryo) returns rectal indicators to the level of the first phase, that is, for the period before conception, accompanied by a decrease in temperature.

Sometimes, with the death of the fetus, BT can increase, which is usually caused by inflammation of the endometrium due to the decomposition of the embryo. Any change in basal temperature in the early stages of pregnancy can be assessed as a pathology.

Perhaps there are problems here

The data obtained are often erroneous. The reason for this is non-compliance with the rules for measuring temperature, an outbreak of a chronic disease, severe stress, overload, sex, which is not recommended during the experiment.

In addition to fluctuations in rectal temperature, there are other signs that clearly indicate a halt in fetal development.

  1. All manifestations of toxicosis, if any, disappear sharply.
  2. The chest is soft, tension and high sensitivity disappear inside.
  3. There is a change in the dark pigmentation of the nipples to the usual color.
  4. There are pulling pains in the abdomen, resembling contractions.
  5. Sometimes there is a discharge of a bloody or brown hue, which is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Frozen pregnancy is a very dangerous phenomenon for the life and health of a woman. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm any suspicions by timely contacting a doctor who will prescribe a diagnostic examination.

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