The first trimester is a critical period for both mother and baby. During this phase, many changes occur in the body of the expectant mother as the embryo develops.

Therefore, routine medical tests are essential to ensure that both the mother and baby are in good health. Here are some of the essential medical tests that you should expect to undergo during the first trimester of pregnancy.

1. Pregnancy Confirmation Test

A pregnancy confirmation test confirms the pregnancy by measuring the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. A positive pregnancy test result shows that a woman is pregnant.

This test is the first step to prenatal care as it helps the doctor determine the due date and plan for future prenatal tests.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests are an essential part of prenatal care. Some of the blood tests that you should expect during the first trimester include:.

Rhesus Factor Test

The rhesus factor test determines your blood type. It checks whether you have a protein called Rhesus (Rh) factor in your blood.

Rh factor is a hereditary protein that can cause complications during pregnancy if you are Rh-negative, and your baby is Rh-positive. In such cases, you may need medication to prevent your body from creating harmful antibodies.

Complete Blood Count Test

The complete blood count test checks for anemia, which is common during pregnancy. Anemia can cause fatigue and increase the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight.

This test also measures the levels of white and red blood cells and platelets in the blood.

HIV and STD Test

During pregnancy, it’s essential to check for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to protect both the mother and baby. If the mother is infected with HIV or an STD, the baby may contract the infection during pregnancy or delivery.

Early detection and treatment can prevent transmission to the baby.

Immunity Tests

The immunity tests check for immunity to infectious diseases such as rubella, chickenpox, and hepatitis B. If the mother is not immune, vaccination can be given after delivery to prevent future infections.

3. Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create an image of the baby in the uterus. During the first trimester, an ultrasound is done to:.

Determine the due date and confirm the number of fetuses in the uterus
Check for any abnormalities in the development of the embryo
Measure the size of the gestational sac and the embryo
Detect the fetal heartbeat

4. Pap Smear Test

A Pap smear test is a screening test for cervical cancer. During pregnancy, the cervix undergoes changes, making it more vulnerable to infection and cancer.

Therefore, the Pap smear test is essential during the first trimester to ensure that there are no abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer.

5. Glucose Screening Test

The glucose screening test checks for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

If left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to complications such as preterm labor, premature birth, and macrosomia (overgrowth of the baby). Therefore, early detection and treatment are essential.

6. Urine Tests

Urine tests during the first trimester check for urinary tract infections, proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), and other abnormalities.

These tests help detect and treat any underlying conditions that could affect the mother and baby’s health.

Conclusion

Regular medical tests during the first trimester are vital to ensure that both the mother and baby are healthy. Early detection and treatment of any underlying conditions can prevent complications and lead to a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Therefore, it’s essential to attend all your prenatal appointments and follow your doctor’s advice.