What characterises the 1st trimester of pregnancy?

The first trimester covers the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. In the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy, the fertilised egg implants in the uterus, and the embryo begins to grow. During this period, the person begins to experience the first symptoms of pregnancy ad can be detected by a simple urine test. From the 8th week of pregnancy, the embryo develops into the foetus.

What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?

One of the first symptoms is the absence of menstruation. This causes typical pregnancy symptoms. As the pregnancy progresses, the typical pregnancy symptoms often start to appear with noticeable changes in breasts, circulation problems, nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, fatigue and abdominal distention.

What changes in the body with pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the hormone levels change drastically. Shortly after the uterine implantation of the fertilised egg, the body begins to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This has a pregnancy-sustaining effect by stimulating the production of progesterone. Furthermore, the HCG level reaches its peak towards the end of the first trimester. In early pregnancy, an increase in oestrogens causes the breasts to enlarge and prepares them for breastfeeding in the coming months.

How is pregnancy detected?

Pregnancy can be detected in several ways. The quickest and easiest method is to test for beta-HCG presence in the urine or blood, as this hormone is usually only produced during pregnancy. The detection of the embryo in its gestational sac during ultrasound scanning from the 5th week is the confirmation of pregnancy.

What samples are available from donors in the 1st trimester of pregnancy?

These are the serum samples isolated from the consented pregnant donors, ideal for in-vitro biomedical research. The samples are screened for pregnancy hormones like beta-HCG and are stored at <-18 °C at our suppliers biobank. Central BioHub provides patient information such as the donors, the week of pregnancy, medical history, and multiple pregnancy reports.