Common Tests During Pregnancy
Testing in pregnancy should be done thoroughly to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Pregnancy checking involves a variety of lab tests and physical examinations. Expectant mothers can easily book the following pregnancy tests online:
Tests Done Early in Pregnancy
During the early stages of pregnancy, several important tests are conducted:
- Blood or Urine Test to Confirm Pregnancy
- Early Pregnancy Ultrasound: An early pregnancy ultrasound, usually performed between 6-8 weeks of gestation, allows healthcare professionals to visualize the developing embryo and confirm the presence of a viable pregnancy.
- Genetic Screening: In some cases, genetic screening tests may be offered during the first trimester to assess the risk of genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities.
Tests Done Later in Pregnancy
As the pregnancy proceeds, various tests are performed to keep track of the mother's health and the developing fetus. A smooth, healthy pregnant journey is ensured by these tests that are performed later in the pregnancy.
- Pregnancy Check-Up: To evaluate the health of the mother and the unborn child, routine pregnancy check-ups are important. These tests include taking blood pressure, keeping track of weight changes, listening for the baby's heartbeat, as well as gauging how far along the pregnancy is overall.
- Blood and Urine Tests During Pregnancy: They are conducted to monitor the blood count, iron levels, blood sugar levels, and any possibilities of infections.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasounds are regularly performed during the later stages of pregnancy to monitor the growth & development of the fetus and provide detailed images of the baby.
- Gestational Diabetes Screening: Around 24 to 28 weeks of gestation, a blood test to screen for gestational diabetes is conducted. It is known as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening: In the third trimester, a screening test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), known as culture, may be performed. GBS is a common bacterium that can be present in the birth canal and potentially cause infections in newborns.
Testing for Birth Defects: Ensuring the Health of Your Baby
During pregnancy, various tests are available to screen for or diagnose potential birth defects in the developing baby.
- Genetic Screening: During pregnancy, specific blood tests and ultrasound should be performed to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, like Down syndrome:
- Double marker test during the first trimester
- Triple marker test during the second trimester
- Quadruple marker test for final confirmation in the second trimester
- Cell-Free DNA Testing: Also known as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), cell-free DNA testing involves analyzing a sample of the mother's blood to detect the presence of certain chromosomal abnormalities. These can be Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.
- Targeted Ultrasound: A targeted ultrasound is a detailed examination performed during the second trimester to assess the anatomy of the baby and detect any structural abnormalities.
- Chorionic Villus Sampling: This test is typically performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. It can help detect various chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.