Antenatal screenings are an essential part of prenatal treatment and help to ensure your welfare and the well-being of your unborn child. Several tests, including blood, urine, and ultrasound images, are used to assess the health of both you and your unborn child. While some tests are recommended for everyone, some are only given to women more susceptible to contracting a particular disease.
Specific pregnancy tests are screening tests that aim to estimate the probability that you or your child has a specific condition. You may decide to undertake a diagnostic test that can conclusively identify whether your unborn child has that condition if a screening test shows a high-risk result.
At your first pregnancy session, doctors for pregnancy will explain which antenatal tests are advised for you and when you should have them.
Which Prenatal Tests may one get During Pregnancy?
At different stages of pregnancy, various pregnancy tests, including blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound scans, and specialized testing, are offered.
The prenatal tests that are frequently given during pregnancy are listed below.
- Blood Pressure: You will have this test each time as part of your routine tests during pregnancy when you visit your doctor. A little sleeve will be tightened around your arm. The sleeve has a monitor that keeps track of your blood pressure. The test causes no discomfort. This test can assist in identifying preeclampsia and other disorders. Preeclampsia is the medical term for high blood pressure during pregnancy. Your liver and kidneys’ health can be affected. If you ignore it, it could negatively affect your pregnancy.
- Urine Test: You will get this test every time you see your pregnancy expert doctor. You will be requested to produce a urine sample at your doctor’s office. A lab will examine your urine to determine whether you have a kidney or bladder infection. The lab will also check for extra protein in your urine. Preeclampsia may be indicated by excessive protein intake.
- Blood Tests: A tiny needle must be inserted into a vein in your arm to take a blood sample for the test. In most cases, it’s painless. The test will look for several ailments, including anemia, hepatitis B, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections. The lab will also examine your blood type and Rh factor, which assesses how compatible your blood is with your unborn child.
- Group B Streptococcus Infection Screening: A tiny area of your rectum and vagina will be swabbed during this test. It might be uncomfortable. The test looks for specific bacteria (GBS) that cause pneumonia and other severe infections in babies. The test is performed when the baby is between 35 and 37 weeks pregnant. If you test positive for the bacterium, your doctor will give you antibiotics while in labor.
- Glucose Challenge Screening: Your pregnancy expert doctor will give you a sweet beverage to sip. The doctor will test your blood an hour later to assess your blood sugar levels, and it doesn’t hurt. The results of this test reveal your blood sugar levels. Your doctor can learn if you have gestational diabetes from this. The ideal time to do it is between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
- Ultrasound Test: During this test, a wand will be pushed outside your belly to see your baby. The technician will apply a gel to your stomach to help the wand slide more easily. Most women take this test once between the 18th and 20th week of pregnancy. If your pregnancy is labeled high-risk, you might go through numerous ultrasounds (due to your age, the number of infants you are carrying, or a medical problem). The test causes no discomfort.
Why Are Pregnancy-Related Tests Required?
Pregnancy tests are essential for keeping track of your health and your unborn child during pregnancy. A test before birth can:
- Early detection of health conditions allows for prompt treatment.
- To decide what to do next, find out whether your child has any hereditary abnormalities.
- Make sure your youngster is growing and developing typically.
Getting tested at the suggested period by doctors for pregnancy is crucial to ensure you know how to make any essential judgments. Consult your doctor or midwife if you need clarification on the timing of a specific test or why it is recommended.
Do I Need to Get Tested, and What are my Options?
Prenatal testing is an option that is available to you. You can choose to have routine tests during pregnancy that your doctor or midwife recommends.
It’s a good idea to think about the possible findings of the prenatal test and how you could feel after receiving the results.
Many women find it helpful to discuss their options with their doctor or midwife and ask any questions they may have. To make the best choices, you can seek advice from your spouse, members of your family, and friends.
Why Get Tested at Ankura?
For pregnant women, prenatal screening tests serve as a crucial source of information. These tests are performed to assess the health of women and babies regularly and the existence of any pathological conditions.
If you have any worries, are unsure if you should be examined, or are anxious, speak with us at Ankura. Our pregnancy expert doctor is among the top authorities in their field. Pregnant ladies who select Ankura for their maternity care can rest easy knowing they will receive the highest care.
