Each pregnancy is unique, but the common goal is one: a safe course until labor. The necessary tests in pregnancy help document the mother’s and the embryo’s progress and allow for timely diagnosis and prevention. Prenatal screening is carried out to fit this idea, providing targeted information regarding chromosomal and developmental abnormalities.
The first tests after pregnancy has been confirmed
As soon as the pregnancy is confirmed, the physician will recommend a first round of tests, which will set the pace for the future monitoring of the pregnancy. These include:
- Blood and biochemical tests, to gain a general understanding of the woman’s health.
- Determination of blood type and Rhesus status, to avoid a possible incompatibility between the mother and embryo.
- Check for infections, such as Toxoplasma, Rubella, Hepatitis B and C, HIV and Syphilis.
- Check of the thyroid, iron, ferritin and blood glucose levels, which interfere with the course of the pregnancy.
- First ultrasound scan, to confirm an endometrial pregnancy and estimate the age of the embryo.
These tests provide us with a complete picture of the mother’s health and allow for timely prevention or resolution of any possible issues.
Prenatal screening: The value of prevention
Prenatal screening constitutes the most useful tool for being informed and preventing issues during pregnancy. It includes non-invasive procedures, such as NIPT (an analysis of cell-free fetal DNA found in the mother’s blood which offers safe and reliable results), as well as invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis and chorionic-villus sampling (CVS), methods which are only applied when there are specific medical indications.
These tests give valuable information regarding the health and proper development of the embryo, allowing for doctors to guide the expectant mother with safety, responsibility and scientific precision.
For a detailed explanation of how the prenatal screening is carried out and when it is recommended read here.
Tests per trimester
First trimester
At the start of pregnancy, the normal development of the embryo is examined. An ultrasound scan as well as the first trimester prenatal screening are carried out, which combine the nuchal translucency measurement with blood tests (PAPP-A and free β-hCG) to estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. For more information regarding prenatal screening, please read this page.
Second trimester
A full anatomy ultrasound scan (B-level scan) follows, where a detailed examination of the embryo’s organs and development is provided. In complement, the mother’s blood and blood glucose levels are tested to ensure all is developing smoothly.
Third trimester
Nearing the time of labor, the placenta’s blood supply is checked via Doppler scanning and a cardiotocograph is used to assess the baby’s heartbeat. Final blood and biochemical tests are also completed to prepare for a safe delivery.
Awareness and timely diagnosis: the key to a healthy pregnancy
Timely identification of possible complications and systematic monitoring make the biggest difference during a pregnancy. Frequent examinations, from the initial blood tests to targeted ultrasound scans and prenatal screening, provide a clear picture of the woman’s and the embryo’s health and allow for immediate, documented decisions to be made when needed.
Each pregnancy is unique, hence the tests which are required should be adapted to the mother’s age, medical history and specific needs.