Calling all pregnant mommies-to-be!
Firstly, a massive congratulations on your bundle of joy coming soon.
Secondly, please have a pen and a large sheet of paper ready because we will be discussing the vital role certain blood tests play during your pregnancy to help keep both you and your baby safe during the next 37 – 40 weeks.
Why Blood Tests Matter During Pregnancy
Let us begin at the very beginning: your initial pregnancy blood test is to assess the levels of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your blood and determine if it has doubled within the week (where you would undergo another pregnancy blood test). These two tests are incredibly important as they assess the viability of your pregnancy, given that many urine pregnancy tests can yield false negatives or provide positive results before a miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, or missed miscarriage occurs. At 4 weeks pregnant, your hCG levels can range from about 10 to 708 mIU/mL, while at 5 weeks, it should range between 200 and 7,000 µ/L, and at 6 weeks, it should be between 200 and 32,000 µ/L.
Other blood tests conducted during your pregnancy provide valuable insights into various aspects of your maternal and foetal health, enabling your healthcare professional to identify and address any potential concerns promptly. Meaning, blood tests serve a dual purpose during pregnancy. They not only confirm your pregnancy but also assist in diagnosing and managing any condition that could impact the progression of your pregnancy and the health of both you and your baby.
Additionally, these tests serve as proactive measures to prevent complications and ensure a safer delivery too!
Common Blood Tests To Expect During Your Pregnancy
Blood Type And Rh Factor
One of the initial tests conducted is to determine your blood type (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor (positive or negative, indicating A-, A+, B-, B+, AB-, AB+, O-, and O+). You simply would not believe how crucial identifying your blood type and your partner’s blood type is! Potential compatibility issues between the mother and the baby, particularly in cases where the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive (if the mom’s blood type is Rh-negative and the baby’s is Rh-positive, her body might see the baby’s blood as something foreign and make antibodies to fight it), could arise, as well as miscarriages if the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, or vice versa, after their first pregnancy.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test measures various components of your blood, including your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Anaemia, a condition characterised by low levels of red blood cells, is prevalent among pregnant women and can lead to complications if left untreated. A CBC (especially one done at a great, or even the best private gp in London) helps detect anaemia and other blood-related abnormalities to allow for early intervention when needed.
Blood Glucose Testing
Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, can pose significant risks to both you and your unborn baby if not managed properly. Blood glucose testing helps diagnose gestational diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy.
Maternal Serum Screening Tests
A maternal serum screening test assesses the levels of certain proteins and hormones in your blood to evaluate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome and Edward syndrome, in your foetus.
These tests are typically done in the first trimester combined with an ultrasound scan (performed between weeks 11 and 14) to measure the amount of fluid in the skin at the back of your baby’s neck. In the second trimester, a maternal serum screening test is combined with another ultrasound scan (performed between weeks 15 and 20) to help provide a more definite answer.
Iron Levels
Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to anaemia and increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, and it is VERY common!
Regular monitoring of iron levels helps in preventing and managing iron deficiency anaemia through dietary modifications or supplementation.
STD Screening
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have adverse effects on your pregnancy outcomes if left untreated. Therefore, screening for STIs such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and chlamydia is highly recommended during your pregnancy to prevent transmission to your baby and ensure appropriate treatment for you. STIs can also lead to preterm birth and death.
Rubella Immunity
Rubella, more commonly known as German measles, can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. Testing for rubella immunity helps in identifying women who are susceptible to the virus and may require vaccination postpartum to prevent future infections. This blood test is particularly important if you have not been vaccinated against rubella as a child.
All Things Considered
There is no denying, blood tests are integral components of prenatal care, serving as valuable tools for monitoring and optimising maternal and foetal health during pregnancy.
By detecting and addressing potential issues early on, these tests contribute to safer pregnancies, healthier babies, and positive birth outcomes.
