As an expectant mother, it is essential to take care of your health and that of your unborn child. This involves regular visits to the doctor for medical checkups to ensure that everything is fine.
Your doctor will schedule various tests during your pregnancy to monitor the development of your baby and ensure that you and your child remain healthy. Here are crucial tests you need to take as an expectant mother.
1. Blood Tests
Blood tests are an important part of your prenatal care. They are done to determine your blood type, Rh factor, and to test for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and syphilis.
If you have Rh-negative blood, you may need to get Rh immunoglobulin injections to prevent any complications that may arise from Rh incompatibility with your baby.
2. Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your baby. It is done to ensure that your baby is growing correctly and to identify any potential problems such as birth defects or growth issues.
It is also used to determine the sex of your baby.
3. Glucose Tolerance Test
The glucose tolerance test is done between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. It is conducted to determine if you have gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of complications during childbirth, and it is essential to manage your blood sugar levels to reduce these risks.
4. Group B Streptococcus Test
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is found in the reproductive tract and can be transmitted to your baby during delivery. The GBS test is usually done between 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
It involves taking a swab from your vagina and rectum to determine if you have the GBS bacteria. If you test positive for GBS, you will receive antibiotics during labor to prevent the transmission of the bacteria to your baby.
5. Non-Stress Test
A non-stress test measures the fetal heart rate in response to the baby’s movements. It is usually done in the third trimester to monitor the well-being of the baby.
During the test, you will be attached to a fetal monitor, which records the baby’s heart rate. You may also be asked to push a button to record the baby’s movements.
Related Article
Required checkups during gestation
6. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a diagnostic test done between 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy to detect genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
During the test, a small sample of the placenta is removed and analyzed to detect any chromosomal abnormalities that may be present. It is usually done if there is a risk of a genetic disorder based on family history, age of the mother, or abnormal results from other tests.
7. Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is another diagnostic test done to detect genetic abnormalities in the fetus. It is usually performed between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
During the test, a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed through a needle inserted into the abdomen. The fluid is then analyzed to detect any chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders.
8. Group B Strep Culture Test
The group B strep culture test is another test to screen for Group B strep. However, this test is performed earlier in pregnancy than the traditional Group B strep test.
This test helps ensure that pregnant women have enough time to take any necessary precautions. This test will usually be performed during your first prenatal visit or between 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
9. Cell-Free DNA Testing
Cell-free DNA testing is a non-invasive test that is typically performed during the first trimester. It is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus by analyzing the mother’s blood sample for fetal DNA.
This test has a higher rate of accuracy than traditional first-trimester screening tests. This test is typically only offered to women who have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
10. Maternal Serum Screening
Maternal serum screening is a blood test performed between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. This test measures the levels of particular hormones and proteins in the mother’s blood to detect a risk of birth defects in the fetus.
This test is a good indicator of when further testing may be required.
Conclusion
Regular prenatal checkups and tests are crucial in ensuring your safety and the safety of your unborn child. These tests can help identify any potential risks and ensure the necessary precautions are taken.
Be sure to schedule regular prenatal appointments and be open with your medical care provider about any concerns you may have.
