Many expecting mothers may be surprised by the number of routine prenatal tests they need to do during pregnancy. Most of these tests are conducted to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. These tests help identify potential risks and conditions that may require further attention.
In this article, we will explore some of the common tests you can expect throughout your pregnancy. Let’s jump right in.
First trimester tests
As you might know, pregnancy has three trimesters and each trimester lasts around 13 weeks (3 months). In each trimester there are some tests that need to be done to ensure that the pregnancy is moving along fine and without complications. Some of the tests you can expect in the first trimester include genetic screening, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
Genetic screening
This type of test is often recommended and encouraged by doctors because it can diagnose genetic conditions and chromosomal abnormalities before birth. This test is especially necessary if you or your partner have a family history of genetic disorders.
Some of the genetic disorders that this test can identify include Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease, hemophilia A, and some others as well.
For instance, Carrier screening can detect cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, while Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) can identify Down syndrome and other conditions.
Ultrasound tests
The early ultrasound tests which are typically performed around 6 to 8 weeks, confirm pregnancy viability and estimate gestational age.
After that, you may need to get an ultrasound for fetal nuchal translucency (NT). NT screening uses ultrasound to assess the area at the back of the fetal neck for signs of increased fluid or thickened tissue. To find who does this type of screening, search for NT scan near me options.
We mentioned NIPT as a test that can detect Down syndrome, but there is also an ultrasound done to determine the fetal nasal bone.
This ultrasound is performed between 11 and 13 weeks and its objective is to examine and measure the nasal bone of the fetus.
The absence of nasal bone in some babies might indicate that there are certain chromosome abnormalities. To be more precise the absence of nasal bone is used as a marker for Down syndrome.
Blood tests
In the first trimester of your pregnancy, your doctor will have you do various blood tests. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is done to see your overall health and detect conditions such as anemia.
Blood Type and Rh Factor blood tests determine blood type and check for Rh incompatibility, which can affect the pregnancy. As well as, infection screening for diseases like HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and rubella.
Additionally, you may be required to get maternal serum (blood) tests done. These blood tests measure plasma protein A and human chorionic gonadotropin.
Plasma protein A is a protein produced by the placenta during early pregnancy, and abnormal levels may indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the placenta also in early pregnancy. Just as in the case of plasma protein A, abnormal levels of this hormone may indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
Second-trimester tests
During the second trimester, you will need to get a mid-trimester ultrasound. This ultrasound is usually performed between 18-22 weeks to check fetal growth, and anatomy, and detect any potential abnormalities.
Maternal Serum Screening
In addition to regular mid-trimester ultrasound, a maternal serum screening is also performed in this trimester. It’s normally conducted between 15 to 22 weeks, and this blood test measures four substances: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), estriol, hCG, and inhibin A. Abnormal levels of any of these substances may indicate risks for certain birth defects.
Glucose Screening Test
This test is typically conducted between 24 to 28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes. This involves drinking a sugary solution and a blood test after one hour.
Amniocentesis
This test might be recommended if you have a high chance of having a baby with a birth defect or a genetic condition. Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test where amniotic fluid is sampled to check for genetic conditions such as spina bifida.
Amniocentesis is not a painful, but rather uncomfortable procedure as a long, thin needle is put through your abdomen into the amniotic sac.
Third-trimester tests
In addition to a regular ultrasound, during the third trimester of your pregnancy, you will have to do a Group B Streptococcus Screening, No-stress test or biophysical profile, and some blood tests.
Group B Streptococcus Screening (GBS)
This screening is conducted between 35 and 37 weeks to determine if the mother carries bacteria that could affect the baby during delivery.
Usually, the GBS doesn’t cause problems for the baby, but it can lead to serious life-threatening infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.
That’s why this screening is so important. The test itself is simple, it involves collecting a sample from the vagina and rectum using a cotton swab.
Non-Stress Test (NST) or Biophysical Profile (BPP)
These two tests assess fetal heart rate and movements to ensure the baby is healthy in the later stages of pregnancy.
NST involves placing a fetal monitor on the mother’s abdomen to measure the baby’s heart rate in response to movement. It is called “non-stress” because it does not put any stress on the baby during the test. In high-risk pregnancies, this test is sometimes conducted weekly.
A biophysical profile combines the results of an NST with an ultrasound examination of the baby to provide a more detailed assessment.
Conclusion
Each of these tests was designed to ensure that you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Most of these tests are routine tests performed regularly to enable your healthcare provider to offer the best care possible and address any issues early. Other tests, such as amniocentesis, for example, are performed optionally when there are higher chances of your baby having some genetic conditions.
All in all, it’s crucial that you follow your doctor’s guidance and perform all the necessary and recommended tests.
Apart from that, if you want to know about How Diet and Nutrition Play a Vital Role in Women’s Health then please visit our Health Category.