What Tests Are Done During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a balancing act between various biological and physical changes. An uneventful pregnancy leads to a healthy and safe birth. Blood tests are an integral part of routine pregnancy care. It is true to say that tests during pregnancy can detect problems that may pose a health risk to you or your growing fetus.

Blood Tests During Pregnancy

Several blood tests are part of early and late-stage pregnancy care. These tests screen for risks or abnormalities that may affect the fetus. If any blood test results detect an issue, your doctor will order a diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis and implement a treatment plan accordingly.

Tests in Early Pregnancy

There are several tests in early pregnancy, such as the complete blood count (CBC), blood group, and Rh (Rhesus) factor. Pregnant women also undergo tests to detect various diseases and infections in the early stages of pregnancy. Hepatitis B and C, HIV, tuberculosis, rubella, and other STDs are some of these diseases and infections.

Moreover, there are routine blood tests in late pregnancy (third trimester), including a glucose screening test for gestational diabetes and a group B streptococcus screening test.

DNA Testing During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the fetal and maternal circulations are intertwined, allowing fetal DNA to be found in the mother’s bloodstream. This circulating DNA forms the basis of DNA testing during pregnancy. DNA testing is optional and not a part of the routine prenatal blood test panel.

DNA tests during pregnancy are carried out to assess the risk of birth defects or to establish paternity. This type of testing is non-invasive and safe, as it uses the fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood rather than taking it from the fetus.

Prenatal Cell-free DNA Screening (cfDNA)

A cfDNA screening may be done to assess the risk for chromosomal defects such as Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and others.

High maternal age (35 years and older) during pregnancy, a history of a previous child with a chromosomal birth defect, abnormal ultrasound, and prenatal blood test results are some of the indications for cfDNA testing.
On the other hand, prenatal cfDNA testing may also be used to detect the baby’s sex and for Rh factor assessment.

Genetic Testing During Pregnancy

Genetic tests assess the risk of genetic or birth abnormalities in the fetus. DNA or genetic testing is optional and not part of the routine blood tests during pregnancy. These screening tests are relatively safe and pose no risk to the growing fetus. Genetic tests during pregnancy include single-gene carrier screening blood tests, abnormal chromosomal screening, and blood tests for screening physical abnormalities.

A single-gene carrier screening blood test assesses the risk of inheriting spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease. Abnormal chromosomal screening detects abnormal chromosome pairs and screens for conditions such as Down syndrome.

The cfDNA test analyzes fetal DNA, whereas serum screening analyzes levels of various proteins in maternal blood. A quad screen detects levels of four substances in the blood (AFP, inhibin-A, HCG, and estriol). Blood tests that screen for physical abnormalities in the growing fetus include alpha-fetoprotein screening and quadruple screening. High levels of alpha-fetoprotein in maternal serum may indicate physical abnormalities in the fetus. A quad-screen test may detect neural tube or chromosomal issues.

Genetic testing ensures safer outcomes in IVF treatments as well. The British Cyprus IVF Hospital offers cutting-edge genetic testing for a healthy IVF journey.

Glucose Testing During Pregnancy

An important test for pregnancy-induced diabetes (gestational diabetes) is a glucose test. The indications for this test include a positive family history of diabetes and high glucose levels in routine prenatal tests. Glucose tests during pregnancy are done between 24 and 28 weeks.

Eye Tests During Pregnancy

Eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions should be postponed until after giving birth. Some women may suffer from blurry vision during pregnancy due to temporary swelling of the cornea, which will subside after birth.

Routine eye exams during pregnancy are important and include checking the back of the eye. This is a simple and non-invasive way to assess vision problems from pregnancy-related hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions.

Tests for Ectopic Pregnancy

Blood levels of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, are measured to screen for ectopic pregnancies. The hormone levels are low and rise slowly in cases of ectopic pregnancy. The hCG levels are repeated in 48 hours to confirm the findings.

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