Must-Take Pregnancy Tests for A Mom-To-Be

Medlife
Medlife
Sep 7, 2018 · 2 min read

It is indeed a happy news that a new life is soon going to be a part of your family. Undoubtedly, it is the time for happiness and celebrations. But the fact that timely tests have to be carried out, mustn’t be ignored until delivery. Up until 2013, our country saw, 28 neonatal deaths for every 1000 babies born. And this wasn’t the state of just the rural India — 15 deaths for 1000 live births were from the urban India.

But fret not! We have compiled a list of pregnancy tests which are important for your baby’s well-being as well as yours.

1. Prenatal Screening: First Trimester

It involves blood tests so as to check maternal blood sugar levels, blood pressure, mother’s weight and to screen sexually transmitted diseases. Also, in case, any oddities are noticed, timely steps can be taken.

· Ultrasound test for nuchal translucency (NT) of fetus: To look for thickening due to fluid retention, a small area at the back of the neck of the fetus is checked.

· Maternal Blood serum tests for: Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) test is done to check levels of plasma protein, as unusual levels can indicate chromosomal abnormalities.

· Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) test: To check the unusual levels hormone secreted by the placenta, this test is carried out.

2. Prenatal Screening: Second Trimester

Mother’s blood sample is taken between weeks 16 and 18, to check the levels of various proteins and hormones. The markers comprise:

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) test: Also known as Maternal Serum AFP, this test is carried out to measure the levels of the protein produced by the liver of the fetus.

hCG, Estriol, and Inhibin: The hormones that placenta produces are screened for genetic and physical defects in the fetus.

3. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS):

Those women prone to the risk of genetic abnormalities are recommended to carry out CVS. It is conducted between weeks 10 and 13. It is usually performed in combination with amniocentesis (Explained in the next point).

4. Amniocentesis:

This test is recommended to women with a greater risk of fetal genetic defects or physical abnormalities like bifurcation of the fetal spinal cord. It is normally carried out between weeks 15 to 20.

5. Glucose Tolerance Test:

This test is done to check maternal glucose levels between weeks 24 and 28. Mother is asked to consume a glucose solution and blood is drawn to test for glucose tolerance.

Other tests include Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Culture, and Abdominal & Transvaginal Ultrasound.

Medlife

Medlife - All things health

Medlife

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Medlife

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Medlife

Medlife

Medlife - All things health

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