Beta hCG blood pregnancy test are shown in the table

Beta HCG "the pregnancy hormone" is produced by the cells of the implanting egg and can be produced in the absence of an embryo. Beta hCG can be detected in maternal plasma or urine by 8 to 9 days after ovulation. The chart to the right illustrates the normal rise and fall of hCG levels throughout pregnancy. hCG reaches a peak level at about 8 to 10 weeks and then declines for the remainder of the pregnancy

The "normal" ranges for the Beta hCG blood pregnancy test are shown in the table below.

Week from the Last Menstrual Period	Amount of HCG in mIU/ml
3	5 -50
4	3 - 426
5	19 - 7,340
6	1,080 - 56,500
7 - 8	7,650 - 229,000
9 - 12	25,700 - 288,000
13 - 16	13,300 - 254,000
17 - 24	4,060 - 165,400
25 - 40	3,640 - 117,000

Because of the wide variation in values, the test is not useful in establishing the gestational age of a pregnancy.

Beta hCG levels should double approximately every 2 days for the first four weeks of pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses the doubling time increases. By 6 to 7 weeks gestation beta hCG levels may take as long as 3 1/2 days to double.

You can use the Beta hCG Doubling Time Calculator to calculate the doubling time of two beta hCG samples by entering the date of the blood test and the corresponding beta hCG value for that day. If the hCG level is declining the the half life of will be calculated.

Early pregnancy symptoms

Early pregnancy symptoms

There are various pregnancy symptoms that can indicate you might be pregnant. They differ from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you may notice one or more of these symptoms. Don't worry; you're unlikely to get them all at once. Equally, you shouldn't worry if you don't experience any of them. It's perfectly possible to be pregnant without noticing any of the 'classic' signs of pregnancy listed below.

Classic Symptoms of Pregnancy

Missed period. This is the earliest and most reliable sign if you have a regular monthly cycle. Though it is possible to have a little light bleeding or spotting around the time you expected your period, even if you're pregnant.

If you don't have a regular cycle, you may notice some of the other pregnancy symptoms before you notice a missed period.

Feeling tired. You may feel unusually tired in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This is probably due to rising levels of the hormone progesterone.

Feeling sick. You may start feeling sick, and even vomit, between about the 2nd and 8th week of pregnancy. Although this is often called 'morning sickness' it can happen to you at any time of the day or night.

Changes in your breasts. You may notice your breasts getting larger, feeling tender, or tingling (the way some women's breasts do just before they get their period) in the early weeks of pregnancy. In addition, the veins on your breasts may show up more and your nipples may get darker.

Going to the loo more often. About 6-8 weeks after conception you may find that you have to get up in the night to go to the loo. Some pregnant women also find that they 'leak' a bit when they cough, laugh or sneeze.

Mood swings and stress. You may feel rapid changes in mood in the early stages of pregnancy, and even start to cry sometimes, without knowing why. This is probably because of the changes in hormone levels taking place in your body.

Changing tastes in food. You may find you go off certain things like tea, coffee or fatty food. Some women also feel cravings for types of food they don't usually like.

How to Date a Pregnant Woman

The dating world can be a tough one. It doesn’t get any easier just because you are pregnant. If anything it gets tougher. Some men will date a woman only if she is pregnant, while other men will not date a woman at all if she is pregnant, even if the child is theirs. If you are one of those understanding men who is interested in the person behind the pregnant belly, then here are a few tips that may help your relationship go a little smoother.

Realize it’s okay to date a pregnant woman

First, there is no rule against dating a pregnant woman. This is decision is left up to the mom-to-be. If she does, however, deem you worthy of a relationship while she is pregnant, you should feel honored. This means that she believes that you could be a good role model for her child. You must also keep in mind; most single pregnant women are not looking for a casual fling. They do not have the luxury of only thinking of themselves. They must now think about what is best for their baby as well. So, you may want to have a discussion regarding how active you are going to be in this child’s life. Depending on the situation with the father, you may want to have this conversation earlier or later in the pregnancy. Regardless of when, you should be open and honest about what you are emotionally capable of doing.

Understand the mood swings

Second, most pregnant women are not crazy, as most men thing. Also, most arguments that could occur due to hormonal fluctuations can be resolved rather quickly with an understanding and supportive partner. However, that is not to say that there will not be times when she is completely unreasonable over what seems to you like a “small issue.” This may be a good time to go for a walk, go watch a movie together, or take her for some baby “shopping therapy.” Spend some quality time together away from whatever stressor has set her emotions off. Often times, something as simple as a small stuffed animal for the baby will at least buy you out of the “doghouse.” Try to remember these are only fluctuations and she will be back to normal soon. In this case, patience and understanding are the best virtues you can exhibit.

Respect her health and the baby’s

Next, her health and the baby’s health need to be her #1 priority. If you are going to be a long-term part of their lives, their health should be a priority to you as well. This may mean having to avoid certain activities, because of the environment. Conversely, there may be activities that she will want you to do with her, such as exercising or walking. Depending on the stage of the relationship, she may also ask that you go to doctor’s appointments or Lamaze classes with her. Remember, only do what you are comfortable with; if however, you intend on this becoming a long-term relationship after the baby is born, it is important to be as supportive as you can. This is even more important if there is no father in sight.

Deal with some emotional issues

Like most single mothers, she may have also developed some trust and abandonment issues that you may have to overcome together. This can be a particular hard road, requiring a lot of reassurance on your part. Although most couples don’t start out with a “ready-made” family, this could become the most important and satisfying relationship you could ever have.

Pregnancy Signs

Pregnancy Signs
Here is a list of the many possible signs associated with pregnancy. They are grouped into three categories based on their diagnostic value: positive signs of pregnancy; probable signs of pregnancy; and possible signs of pregnancy. Remember, you can have all of these signs and not be pregnant or, conversely, you can have only a few of them and actually be pregnant. These are only used as indications that should be followed up by your medical practitioner. If you think you may be pregnant, it is recommended that you do a home pregnancy test right away. The earlier you can confirm your pregnancy, the earlier you can start to take better care of yourself.

Possible signs of pregnancy

* No period or amenorrhea; other potential causes of this include fatigue, stress, hormonal problems, illness, extreme weight gain or loss, going off the pill and breastfeeding
* Just "feeling" pregnant
* Nausea and vomiting; this usually occurs two to eight weeks after conception and can also be caused by such things as food poisoning, stress or infections
* Enlargement and soreness of the breasts; this is also seen during pre-menstruation and with birth control pill use
* Increased urination; this can also be a sign of urinary tract infection, stress, or diabetes
* Fatigue
* Ptyalism (Excessive salivation)
* Stretch marks
* Spider veins: For more information on spider and varicose veins, visit our website!
* Quickening (fetal movement); some people often confuse this with gas or bowel contractions.
* Chadwick's Sign (bluish tinge to the vagina and cervix); this is also seen occasionally with impending menstruation
* Colostrum from breasts

Probable signs of pregnancy

* Enlarged abdomen; this can also be a sign of uterine fibroids or a tumor
* Positive pregnancy test
* Change in uterine shape
* Softening of the cervix (Goodell's Sign)
* Enlarging uterus
* Braxton Hicks contractions
* Palpation of the baby
* Ballottement
* Palpation of the uterine artery

Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding can cause you some confusion when you are unsure whether or not you are pregnant. It is not always easy to tell what is break through bleeding, or spotting between periods, and what is actually implantation spotting. The difference between period and implantation bleeding is that implantation bleeding occurs as a result of the embryo burrowing into your endometrium. However, because implantation spotting usually occurs right around the time you would be expecting your period, it is easy to mistake it for your period or as breakthrough bleeding.

Implantation bleeding signs generally include blood that is lighter than menstrual bleeding and is either pink or brown in color. How long implantation bleeding lasts will vary from woman to woman. It is important to note, though, that spotting in early pregnancy is not the same as implantation bleeding.

Positive signs of pregnancy

* Fetal heart tones (this doesn't occur until 10-20 weeks of pregnancy)
* Sonography detection
* X-ray detection

New!
What where your pregnancy symptoms? Did you have morning sickness? Or was it your swollen breasts that gave your pregnancy away? Every woman is different, so share your story of how your knew you were pregnant at Pregnancy Stories.

Signs of Labour

Signs of Labour

Many women worry about false labour and showing up at the hospital too early, only to be sent back home. Others are concerned that they will wait too long, and end up having an unplanned delivery in the car or at home. Do you know what signs and symptoms to look out for? What are the differences between false labour and real labour? When is the right time to call your health care provider or proceed to the hospital? These are questions that almost every pregnant woman is concerned about.
The days leading up to labour

In the days before the contractions of labour begin, the uterus is “awakened” and prepared for labour. The cervix starts to soften and ripen. The body may go through a number of changes, such as the following:

• lightening and engagement, when the baby begins to descend down into the pelvis

• pressure on the pelvis and rectum, cramps and groin pain, and sometimes a persistent backache

• mre fatigue, or alternatively, sudden spurts of energy

• thickening of the vaginal discharge

• diarrhea

• release of a small amount of blood-streaked mucus from the vagina, referred to as the “bloody show”

False or preparatory labour

If you have only the following symptoms, you probably are not yet in real labour:

• irregular contractions that do not get worse or more frequent over time; sometimes they ease with time

• contractions that are of low intensity or short in duration

• pain that is confined to the lower abdomen and groin, rather than the lower back

These contractions may help prepare your uterus and cervix for labour. Monitor the contractions to see if they start to increase in frequency and intensity, and watch out for signs of real labour. If you are not sure whether you are in real labour, call your health care provider or the hospital, and they will provide you with extra guidance.
Real labour

Real labour is characterized by forceful and painful contractions. Here are a few signs and symptoms of real labour:

• ontractions that get progressively stronger, more regular, and more frequent over time

• pain in the abdomen and back, which may also spread to the legs

• release of the blood-streaked mucus from the vagina, referred to as the “bloody show,” if it has not already occurred

• rupture of the fetal membranes, causing a gush or trickle of amniotic fluid from the vagina

When to consult your health care provider

If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, call your health care provider right away or proceed to your hospital:

• regular contractions that are increasing in intensity and frequency

• pain that is worse than you anticipated

• rupture of the fetal membranes: If you feel a gush or trickle of clear fluid from your vagina, it means that your fetal membranes have ruptured. You should obtain medical help if this happens, whether or not you have started feeling labour pains yet. If your fetal membranes rupture before the onset of labour pains – a condition known as premature rupture of the fetal membranes – the baby could be at risk, and you may need to have labour induced.

• significant bleeding from your vagina: This is a medical emergency. If you have bleeding, not just spotting, at any time during your pregnancy or when labour begins, you should proceed to a hospital right away.

It is best to err on the side of caution. So if you think you might be in labour, call your health care provider.

About Early Pregnancy

There are many issues that are pregnant women. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions related to the APA receive pregnancy issues.

Women can be pregnant and still have time?

Pregnant women can have some light irregular bleeding during pregnancy, but should not be "normal" period. Some women may confuse this period because they often can not be achieved in the time it expects to close the regular term. Bleeding or irregular patches that can occur during pregnancy is often a dark brown or pink light. It should not be sufficient to meet the drain of tampons or pads within a few days. If you have enough to fill the drain of tampons and pads, this would be a good indicator that you are not pregnant.

What if I had a positive pregnancy test and then begin to bleed?

About 25-30% of pregnant women experience some types of stains or bleeding in early pregnancy. This may be the result of many different factors, including the implantation of bleeding, infection, irritation of the cervix, pregnancy outside the uterus, or a threat to abortion. Many women who have bleeding from the light of the pregnancy and will be the health of children. About half of women who bleed a little light will continue to have heavier bleeding that eventually lead to abortion. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether or not vaginal bleeding will be provided to abortion. If you have bleeding that light still get heavier, accompanied by painful cramps, back pain or stabbing pain, they want to consult a doctor immediately.
If you have very few lanterns to go after that, you want to make sure share with your health care to be fully aware of everything you meet your pregnancy.

What if I have symptoms of pregnancy, but after a considerable period?

If you have some strange symptoms that made it think you might be pregnant in May, but then the bleeding, would you like to see the provision of health care to see what happens. This could be due to hormonal imbalance, infection or error. But the only way to know for sure is through the pursuit of medical care.

What if I notice I am pregnant and tension?

Pregnant women may be a bit twitchy light early in the pregnancy. They are often light menstrual cramps cramps in the lower abdomen or side or the other. The tension is often a result of any changes that occur in the womb. The uterus is known as the laying of the egg begins to grow and develop.

Some light cramps and could also have a small bag called the ovary during ovulation luteum body bag. Forms a small bag in a place where the ovarian egg of persistent organic pollutants prior to the trip to the womb. This then produces progesterone bag until the placenta trained enough to start their own production of progesterone. This small bag can cause discomfort for women in early pregnancy.

After that date, the exact concept to determine with precision?

Many women have questions about the possible date of the perception, unfortunately, this is not always easy. The assumption is that if women have enough regular menstrual cycles, ovulation will then be for some time this month. Ovulation is in the design could be caused by eggs when available. The problem is that most women do not lay eggs on a specific date each month, and many women the last day of ovulation from month to month. If you also take into account the fact that sperm can live in the body 3-5 days after sex took place, and that they could make it very difficult to design. Most doctors use on the first day of the last period (LMP) and ultrasound measurements to measure the pregnancy of the child and determine when and gave birth to the baby was conceived. But these are the tools used to estimate the date it is very difficult to say anything exact date of the concept really is. Most people do not realize that ultrasound can be reduced to 5-7 days in early pregnancy and up to two weeks if the first Ultrasounds are in fact lower than the second three months of pregnancy or later. Goals are not accurate for determining the design tool, it is also a tribute to history (only 5% of women to fulfill their obligations in a timely manner).

If you're looking for the estimated date of conception for reasons of paternity, and two partners signed within 10 days of each other, and we strongly encourage that paternity testing be done, this test can be done during pregnancy and after childbirth. This is the only way to know specifically who is the father.

If you have a negative pregnancy test after my missing, which means that I'm not pregnant?

A negative result may mean that you are not pregnant, are you test too early, or are you wrong test. Pregnancy tests are different in sensitivity (how long can detect the hormone HCG), and you do not have your body in May because of insufficient time to produce enough of the hormone HCG that appear on the test. Also, if you leave a test for a very long time (after the instructions on the box to tell you), the test is invalid. It is better to follow the instructions and wait until you have missed period before taking the test. Some women are clearly the day to test out some time in May, while the others were not positive until 3-4 weeks after the missed period. We encourage women to the test after Miss, and if the result was negative, must wait a week and test again if the period is not normal