A must read for Early Diagnosis of Pregnancy

Early diagnosis of pregnancy carries multiple benefits for
both the  woman and the unborn baby. This early period of pregnancy coincides with the most vulnerable period for the developing embryo to environmental exposures through the mother.

The Red Zone  of Early Pregnancy

Early pregnancy carries a significant risk  of congenital
malformations( birth defects  of the baby acquired during pregnancy) or even death. This red zone can be divided into two sequential moments

1. The first 2 weeks. During the first 10 to 14 days of pregnancy, the cells of the embryo are dividing rapidly and any significant harmful exposure during this period can lead to cell death ending in miscarriage. Injured  cells during this period, either recover completely or die. It is called the all-or-nothing principle.
2. The period of organ formation or organogenesis.
   This is the period during which the organs of the body are being formed. Eg the heart is developing its four chambers as we know it. Any disturbance of this normal process will lead to malformations. This period occurs from the week 3 to 8 of pregnancy.

An Avoidable Danger

Did you notice that by the time a  pregnant  misses her  period, her pregnancy is already 2 weeks old? Moreover, following the menstrual period is not very accurate because  up to 10% of pregnant women will experience vaginal bleeding  during this period that might  make things really confusing.

That is why some women might not be pressed to take a pregnancy test until after the second missed period raises the flag very high.

A common example of  an  avoidable dangerous exposure  is the unintentional continuous use of alcohol or even a prescription drug that affects pregnancy during these early weeks .

Common Harmful Exposures

An exposure that causes an abnormality in the structure or function of the unborn baby is called a teratogen. About 4 to 6% of all birth defects are caused by harmful environmental exposures, and include

Uncontrolled disease of the mother, like diabetes

Infections such as the TORCH infections(Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus , Herpes simplex virus.

Prescription drugs such as some medications used for
epilepsy and hypertension

Nonprescription drugs  and other substances such as alcohol

Chemicals like mercury

Physical agent such as fever, radiation

Benefits of Early Diagnosis of Pregnancy

Anticipation for a desired pregnancy and anxiety over an undesired one  are the most frequent reasons why women seek to an early detection of pregnancy.  However, the more significant medical reasons for early detection of pregnancy include

1. The certainty of pregnancy will prompt women to alter their behavior and practices to protect their fetus. These may range from more careful control of medical illnesses such as diabetes to stopping prescription drugs that might be dangerous to cessation of illicit drug use or harmful exposures like to chemicals and radiation.
2. It will also stimulate women to seek prenatal care at the appropriate time which will offer a great benefit to you and the unborn baby.
3. It will also allow the most accurate estimation of the age of your pregnancy. The “earlier, the better!” Sometimes, knowing the age of the pregnancy might be a  “headache”, even tothe doctors!
4. It provides an opportunity for early detection of an abnormal early pregnancy.

 

The best advice, reserved for the end, is that protecting
your baby begins before the pregnancy.

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