Common Tests During Pregnancy
1st Trimester (1-3 months)
Which Test? | Why? | ||
---|---|---|---|
Urine Tests | |||
Urine Pregnancy Test | To confirm that you are pregnant. | ||
Sugar & Albumin (Protein) | To confirm that you are pregnant. | ||
Bacteria | To check on urinary infection. | ||
Blood Tests | |||
Blood Grouping & Rh typing | Basic information needed for all pregnant, women – in case blood transfusion is needed at any point and to be prepared for the possibility of Rh incompatibility | ||
Hb% | Low Hb indicates anaemia – needs further tests. Iron, Vitamin supplements. | ||
VDRL | To test for syphilis infection. If present prompt treatment necessary. | ||
Hepatatis B | Could be transmitted to the child, the new born will need HBIG injection, in addition to regular Hep. B vaccine. | ||
HIV | If positive, options discussed & strategies to prevent transmission to the child implemented. | ||
ICT | Is done in case of Rh-ve mothers with Rh+ve husband Indirect Coombs Tes ttest indicates iso immunisation. | ||
Ultrasound Scan | For dating the pregnancy, number of pregnancies, location, and presence of foetal heart beats, Nuchal Translucency (study for chromosomal defects.) |
2nd Trimester
Which Test? | Why? | ||
---|---|---|---|
Blood Tests | |||
MSAFP(Maternal Serum Alpha Feto Proteins) | Neural tube defects / genetics defects | ||
TST (Triple Screening Test) | Screening for Downs syndrome. | ||
GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) | Gestational diabetes. | ||
Ultrasound Scan | Biometery: Measurements of various parameters. In the – growth profile Structures: Presence & normal development of the various structures (Heart, Brain, Skeletal, Urinary system etc.)Amount of Amniotic fluid, location of placenta |
3rd Trimester
Which Test? | Why? | ||
---|---|---|---|
Blood Tests | |||
Hb, Blood sugars | May be repeated to review status of anaemia, diabetes | ||
Ultrasound | Well being and activity studies of the foetus. To calculate the estimated weight of the foetus. To check for foetal position Amount of Amniotic Fluid | ||
CTG (Cardiotocography) | Tracing of heartbeat pattern to reflect on the activity and well being. Some decisions about timing of delivery may be taken based on the reports | ||
Special Tests | Tissue taken from placenta between 10 – 12 weeks | ||
Chorion Villous Sampling | Access through abdomen or through vagina under ultrasound guidance. cells can be studied for genetic / bio chemical problems. | ||
Amniocentesis | Sample of amniotic fluid drawn & sent for analyses Between 14 -18 weeks of pregnancy | ||
Post Procedure | For elderly women or those at risk for birth defects, genetic problems.Done under ultrasound guidance under local anesthesia Minor discomforts / no special medications needed. | ||
Foetal Cord Blood Sampling | Blood sample drawn from foetal umbilical cord can be subjected to various studies as Indicated. | ||
Doppler study | Special tests to study the blood flow in various Blood vessels concerning the mother – unit Gives information regarding adequacy of nourishment & oxygenation. | ||
Foetal Blood pH | Determines the urgency for delivery & indicates how sick the is, so that the neonatal team can prepare & receive accordingly. |