Besides sudden unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and craving for mangoes, in several movies, we have seen doctors checking a woman's pulse to determine pregnancy. But is there a reliable relation? Can a pregnancy truly be determined by checking the pulse rate?
For a long time, pulse diagnosis has remained an effective diagnostic technique in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. However, it is not typically used as a primary method for confirming pregnancy. We spoke to Dr Gurpreet Kaur Virk, Senior Consultant-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, to find out whether checking pulse to detect pregnancy can be a trusted practice.
Also Read: Pre-Pregnancy Health Tests: Expert Lists Tests You Should Undergo Before Planning Pregnancy
Pregnancy And Pulse Rate
Pulse rate, also known as the heart rate, is the number of times the heart beats per minute (bpm). A normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges between 60 and 100 bpm. Athletes and highly conditioned individuals may have resting heart rates below 60 bpm because their hearts are more efficient at pumping blood.
During pregnancy, a woman's heart has to work harder to pump more blood to support both the mother and the developing foetus. This increased workload on the heart can lead to a higher resting pulse rate during pregnancy, known as maternal tachycardia.
Therefore, a normal resting heart rate in pregnant women usually falls between 70-90 bpm, which can vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and individual factors.
Pulse Rate Is Not A Reliable Method To Detect Pregnancy
“Checking pulse is not a reliable or accurate method for detecting pregnancy,” says Dr Virk, adding, “While hormonal changes during pregnancy can have various effects on a woman's body, they do not manifest in a way that can be consistently or accurately detected through pulse measurement.”
According to the doctor, pulse rate and rhythm can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including physical activity, stress, caffeine intake, and medical conditions, among others, which is why it cannot be a determining factor for pregnancy.
Reliable Ways To Know If You Are Pregnant
Taking to Instagram, Dr Anjali Kumar (Maitriwoman for Instagrammers), Director-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, mentions that there is no other scientific way to check for pregnancy other than:
- Checking the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) levels in the urine
- Checking the HCG levels in the blood
- Ultrasound
According to Dr Virk, as the pregnancy progresses, hCG levels continue to rise, and this hormone plays a crucial role in determining the pregnancy.
“If someone suspects they might be pregnant, they should use appropriate pregnancy detection methods and if in doubt, look for an expert's guidance,” she concludes.
Also Read: Protecting Two Lives: The Crucial Role Of Flu Vaccine In Pregnancy
Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Here are some early symptoms of pregnancy to be aware of:
- Missed period
- Breast changes, including swelling, tenderness, and darkening of the areolas
- Feeling unusually tired
- Increased need to urinate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in taste preferences
- Mood swings
Note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and can also be caused by factors other than pregnancy. Ensure that you take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider if you suspect you're pregnant.
