Common test during pregnancy

1st Trimester (1–3 months)
What Why
Urine tests  
1) Urine pregnancy Test
2) sugar & Albumin(protein)


3) bacteria
 To confirm pregnancy indicatory of pregnancy induced diabetes/ hypertension

To check urinary infections
Blood Test
1) blood grouping & Rh Typing


2) Hb %


3) VDRL


4) Hepatatis B



5) HIV


6) ICT 		basic information needed for all pregnancy, incase blood transfusion is needed at any point

Low Hb indicates anaemia – needs further tests, iron, vitamins supplements

to test for Syphilis infections, if present prompt treatment necessary

could be transmitted to child, new born will need HBIG injection, in addition to regularHep. B vaccine

if positive, optiondiscuss & statergies to prevent transmission to child implemented

is done in case of RH-ve mothers with
Rh+ve husband indirect Coombs Test test indicates iso immunization
Ultra sound for dating pregnancy, number of pregnancies,location, presence of foetal heart beats, nuchal translucency.
   
2nd Trimseter (4–6 months)
Blood Test
1) MSAFP(maternal serum
alpha Feto protein)

2) TST(Triple Screening Test)

3) GTT(Glucose Toleence Test)
Neural tubedefects/ genetics defects


Screening for Downs syndromes


Gestational Diabetes
Ultra sound Biometery: Measurements of various parameters in the foetus-growth profile
Structures: presence & normal development of various structures ( heart, brain skeletal urinary system etc)
Amount of Amniotic Fluid, location of placenta
   
3rd Trimester (7–9 months)
Blood Test
Hb
Blood sugar
may be repeated status of anaemia,
diabetes
Ultra sound well being & activity studies of foetus
To calculate the estimated weight of the foetus
To check poetal position, amount of amniotic fluid
CTG(cardiotocography) tracing of foetus heartbeat pattern to reflect on the activity & well being
Some decisions about timing of delivery may be taken based on the reports.
Special Tests Invasive tests
Chorion Villous Sampling Tissue taken from placenta between 10-12 weeks
Acess through abdomen or through vagina under ultrasound guidance. Fetal cells can be studied for genetic/bio chemical problems
Amniocentsis Sample of Amniotic Fluid drawn & sent for
analyses between 14-18 weeks of pregnancy Elderly women /those at risk for birth defects, genetics problems.
Done under ultrasound guidance under local anesthesia
Post procedure Minor discomforts/ No special medication needed
Foetal cord Blood sample drawn from foetal umbilical cord can be subjected to various studies as indicated
Doppler study special test to study the blood flow in various blood vessels concerning the mother-foetus unit Gives information regarding adequacy of nourishment & oxygenation
Foetal Blood pH Determines the urgency for delivery & indicates how sick the foetus is , so that the neonatal team can prepare & receive accordingly