What causes normal pregnancy?

Normal pregnancy is caused by the successful fertilization of an egg by sperm, followed by implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining. Once implantation occurs, cells that will become the placenta begin producing Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), the pregnancy hormone that maintains the corpus luteum and supports early fetal development. This hormone triggers the cascade of changes in your body that sustain pregnancy through the first trimester until the placenta fully develops.

What is the best test for normal pregnancy?

The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important test for confirming normal pregnancy because it measures the exact amount of hCG hormone in your blood. Unlike home urine tests that simply show positive or negative, this quantitative blood test provides specific numerical values that can be tracked over time. In a healthy pregnancy, hCG levels approximately double every 48 to 72 hours during the early weeks, so repeating this test allows healthcare providers to confirm that your pregnancy is progressing normally and the embryo is developing as expected.

When should I get tested for normal pregnancy?

You should get tested if you have missed your period, are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness or nausea, or have had unprotected intercourse and want to confirm pregnancy as early as possible. Blood testing can detect pregnancy as early as 6-8 days after ovulation, which is several days before a home urine test would show positive. Early confirmation is especially important if you need to start prenatal vitamins, make lifestyle changes, or have a history of pregnancy complications that require early monitoring.

What are the symptoms of normal pregnancy?

Normal pregnancy symptoms include a missed period, breast tenderness and swelling, nausea or morning sickness, increased urination, fatigue, and mild cramping or spotting during implantation. You might also notice food aversions or cravings, mood swings, and heightened sense of smell. These symptoms typically begin around the time of your missed period and are caused by rapidly rising hormone levels, particularly hCG and progesterone, though some women experience few or no early symptoms.

Who is at risk for normal pregnancy?

Any woman of reproductive age who has unprotected intercourse during her fertile window is at risk for pregnancy. Fertility is highest in your 20s and early 30s but can occur from the onset of menstruation through menopause. Even if you have irregular periods, use withdrawal method, or are breastfeeding, pregnancy is still possible. Women who have recently stopped using hormonal contraception may experience a return to fertility within weeks.

What happens if normal pregnancy is left unconfirmed?

If pregnancy goes unconfirmed, you may miss the critical early weeks when proper prenatal care is most important. Early confirmation allows you to start essential prenatal vitamins with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects, avoid medications or substances that could harm fetal development, and address any medical conditions that need management during pregnancy. Delayed confirmation can also mean missing the window to address ectopic pregnancy or early complications that could become dangerous if left untreated.

Can normal pregnancy be confirmed with a blood test?

Yes, normal pregnancy can be confirmed with a blood test that measures hCG hormone levels. Blood tests are more sensitive and accurate than home urine tests, detecting pregnancy as early as 6-8 days after conception, which is often before you even miss your period. The quantitative blood test provides exact hCG levels, allowing your healthcare provider to track whether the hormone is rising appropriately over time, which confirms that the pregnancy is developing normally and rules out complications like ectopic pregnancy or early miscarriage.

How is normal pregnancy managed?

Normal pregnancy is managed through regular prenatal care visits with a healthcare provider, typically starting around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. Management includes monitoring fetal development through ultrasounds, tracking maternal health with blood pressure checks and routine blood tests, and providing guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. You will take prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, iron, and other essential nutrients, and your provider will screen for gestational diabetes, anemia, and infections throughout pregnancy to ensure the best outcomes for both you and your baby.

How can I prevent unintended pregnancy?

You can prevent unintended pregnancy by using reliable contraception methods such as hormonal birth control pills, IUDs, implants, condoms, or diaphragms. Combining methods like using condoms with hormonal contraception provides the highest effectiveness. If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, tracking your menstrual cycle and avoiding unprotected intercourse during your fertile window can help, though this method is less reliable than other forms of contraception. Emergency contraception is available if unprotected intercourse occurs.

What can I do at home during early pregnancy?

During early pregnancy, you can support healthy development by taking prenatal vitamins with at least 400-800 mcg of folic acid daily, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein, and staying well-hydrated. Get adequate rest to combat early pregnancy fatigue, and engage in gentle exercise like walking or prenatal yoga if approved by your provider. Avoid alcohol, smoking, raw or undercooked foods, and limit caffeine to less than 200mg daily. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and connecting with supportive friends or family can help you navigate the emotional changes of early pregnancy.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Normal Pregnancy Blood Test

What is Normal Pregnancy?

Normal pregnancy is a natural condition where a fertilized egg successfully implants in the uterus and develops into a fetus. It is confirmed by the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by placental cells immediately after implantation. The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important test for confirming and monitoring early pregnancy progression.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com