Diagnosis of Pregnancy

Home

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

The diagnosis of pregnancy is mainly determined by testing for the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG can be detected in the womanâ€™s blood and urine even before the first missed period. It is this hormone that is measured by home pregnancy tests. A high HCG level may indicate a multiple pregnancy (e.g. the presence of twins or triplets), although the most reliable test is an abdominal or transvaginal scan.

Abdominal or transvaginal scans may be used to confirm pregnancy, how many embryos are present, and whether the embryo is located in the uterus (and not in the fallopian tube in the case of ectopic pregnancy).

Folic acid is highly recommended during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy (and before conception where possible). Iron supplements may be recommended by the midwife or GP if pregnancy-related anaemia has been diagnosed.

Paget's disease Painkillers Pancreatitis Panic disorder Parkinson's disease Patient Advice and Liaison Services Patient and Public Involvement Forums Patient choice Pelvic inflammatory disease Pemphigus vulgaris Peptic ulcer Perforated eardrum Pericarditis Periods Periods, absent Periods, heavy Periods, irregular Periods, painful Peritonitis Persistent vegetative state PET scan Phenylketonuria Phobias Phosphate test Physiotherapy Pilonidal sinus Plasma products Plastic surgery Pleurisy Pneumococcal infections Pneumonia Poisoning Poliomyelitis Polycystic ovarian syndrome Polymyalgia rheumatica Polyps, nose Post-mortem Post-natal depression Post-traumatic stress disorder Potassium test Pre-eclampsia Preconception Pregnancy Premenstrual syndrome Preoperative tests Pressure ulcers Priapism Prickly heat Primary biliary cirrhosis Progestogen-only pill Prolapse of the uterus Prostate disease Psoriasis Psychiatry Psychosis Psychotherapy Puberty