Common Tests During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it also comes with many questions, especially about your baby’s health. From the moment you found out that you are expecting, your doctor, often a trusted gynecologist in Kamothe, may recommend a series of tests to make sure everything is progressing as it should. These tests are designed to give you and your healthcare provider important information about your baby’s growth and development. Let’s take a closer look at some of these common tests and the best maternity hospital in Panvel.

What You Need to Know

During pregnancy, several tests help check your baby’s health and development. These tests are done at different stages and serve different purposes. Genetic screening can help spot the chances of certain conditions before birth. Ultrasounds are also common throughout pregnancy. They help you keep track of your baby’s growth, check your due date, and look for any physical concerns. Other important tests may include amniocentesis, CVS, fetal monitoring, glucose testing, and Group B strep culture.

Genetic Screening

Genetic Screening during pregnancy helps check if your baby might be at risk for certain inherited conditions. It can offer peace of mind or help you prepare if something is found. Your doctor or midwife may suggest genetic testing if you and your partner have a family history of genetic disorders.

Some genetic disorders that can be diagnosed before birth include cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, hemophilia A, polycystic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and thalassemia.

Preventing and Treating Birth Defects: What You Need to Know

While not all birth defects can be prevented, there are things that you can do during pregnancy to reduce the chances of them happening. Prenatal care plays a big role in catching potential issues early, so regular checkups with your healthcare provider are important. If a birth defect is diagnosed, there are treatments that might help. Some issues can be managed with medical interventions after birth, while others may need surgery or therapies right away.

First Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests

First trimester screening is an essential part of early pregnancy care. It combines a fetal ultrasound and maternal blood tests to help assess the risk of some birth defects. This screening is often done between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. The screening includes several key tests.

1. Ultrasound for Fetal Nuchal Translucency: This ultrasound checks the area at the back of the fetal neck for extra fluid or thickening, known as nuchal translucency. Increased fluid in this area can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

2. Ultrasound for Fetal Nasal Bone Determination: The presence or absence of nasal bone can provide valuable information. In some babies with conditions like Down Syndrome, the nasal bone may not be visible on the ultrasound.

3. Maternal Serum Tests: These blood tests measure two substances in your blood:

• Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A): This protein is produced by the placenta and helps assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Low levels may be linked to an increased risk.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): This hormone produced by the placenta also plays a role in screening for chromosomal abnormalities. Abnormal levels can indicate a higher risk of certain conditions.

Second Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests

The second trimester brings another round of important screening tests to check your baby’s health. These tests are usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, with 16 to 18 weeks being the ideal window. They are often referred to as multiple marker tests and involve a simple blood draw. It includes the following tests:

1. AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) screening: AFP is a protein made by your baby’s liver. It crosses the placenta into your bloodstream. Abnormal AFP levels might suggest issues like neural tube defects (such as spina bifida), abdominal wall defects, or a miscalculated due date.

2. Estriol: The placenta produces this hormone. Low levels may be associated with certain genetic conditions.

3. Inhibin: Also produced by the placenta, this hormone can help assess the risk of chromosomal problems.

4. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): This pregnancy hormone is already being monitored in the first trimester, but it’s checked again here to give a clearer picture.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe and commonly used test during pregnancy that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby and the surrounding organs. It helps your doctor check your baby’s development and make sure everything is going as expected. An ultrasound can also give you a lovely glimpse of your little one.

When are ultrasounds performed during pregnancy?

First Trimester

In the early weeks, ultrasound is done to confirm how far along you are. It is the most accurate way to determine your due date. It can also show how many babies you are having, where the placenta is, and help detect issues like an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Occasionally, you may spot early signs of abnormalities.

Midtrimester (also called the 18- to 20-week scan)

This is often the most detailed scan. It helps confirm the due date, check for growth, look closely at the baby’s organs, and measure the amount of amniotic fluid. It can also help guide other tests, like amniocentesis, if needed.

Third Trimester

Later in pregnancy, ultrasound helps monitor your baby’s growth and position, checks the fluid level again, and evaluates the placenta. It may be used to carry a biophysical profile to check overall well-being.

How is an ultrasound scan performed?

There are two ways to do an ultrasound. In an abdominal ultrasound, a special gel is placed on your belly, and a small device called a transducer is moved over it to create images. In transvaginal ultrasound, a smaller transducer is gently inserted into the vagina. This gives clearer images and is often used in early pregnancy.

Which ultrasound imaging techniques are available?

The most common type of ultrasound is 2D ultrasound. It is great for basic checks like measuring growth, checking the heartbeat, and seeing where the baby is inside the womb. If needed, a 3D ultrasound can give clearer pictures showing width, height, and depth. The newest version is 4D ultrasound, which shows your baby moving in real time, almost like watching a video. These can make bonding even more special.

What are the risks and benefits of ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound is considered very safe. There is no radiation, and side effects are rare. Some women may feel mild pressure during the scan. For those who are allergic to latex, the covering used in transvaginal ultrasounds could cause a reaction. Ultrasounds give both doctors and parents valuable insight into your baby’s health. They help track development and offer reassurance. Some parents also choose to get keepsake images. It helps monitor the baby’s growth, check for any possible problems, and even confirm the due date.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test where a small sample of the amniotic fluid is taken to check your baby’s health. This fluid holds important information about your baby’s chromosomes and can help detect conditions like Down Syndrome or spina bifida. It is usually offered when there is a risk of certain conditions based on age, test results or family history. Your doctor will talk you through the risks and benefits to help you decide if it is right for you.

Who is an ideal candidate for amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is usually offered to women between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy who may be at higher risk for genetic conditions. This includes women aged 35 or older, those with abnormal blood test results or anyone with a family history of genetic disorders. It helps check for conditions like Down Syndrome or spina bifida and may be recommended if earlier tests show something wrong.

How is an amniocentesis performed?

You will lie down and your tummy will be gently cleaned with antiseptic. Your doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, using ultrasound for guidance, a thin needle is gently inserted through your belly to take a sample of amniotic fluid. The procedure takes only a few minutes and might cause mild cramping. You will be advised to rest for the next 24 hours. This fluid is sent to a lab for testing and results usually take 10 days to 2 weeks.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)?

Chorionic Villus Sampling or CVS, is a prenatal test done early in pregnancy to check for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. It involves taking a small sample of tissue from the placenta, which has the same genetic makeup as the baby. This tissue is tested for conditions like Down Syndrome or other inherited disorders. However, CVS cannot detect open neural tube defects like spina bifida, so a follow-up blood test is usually needed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy.

How is CVS performed?

CVS is usually done between the 10th and 13th week of pregnancy. It may be offered if you are at higher risk for genetic problems or if there is a family history of a condition that can be tested through placental tissue.

There are two ways to do this test. In one method, your doctor gently passes a thin tube through your vagina and cervix to reach the placenta. In another method called transabdominal CVS, a needle is passed through your belly and into the uterus. In both cases, ultrasound is used to guide the process, and a small amount of tissue is collected. You might feel some cramping but test results are usually quick. The sample is sent to a laboratory and results are typically ready in 10 days to 2 weeks.

What if CVS is not possible?

Sometimes CVS is not an option, especially if you are expecting twins or more, as getting a sample from each placenta can be tricky. The position of the placenta or other medical reasons, like an active vaginal infection, can also make it unsafe or difficult. In some cases, the tissue collected may not be enough to get clear results. If that happens, your doctor might recommend a follow-up test, like an amniocentesis, to get more information.

Fetal Monitoring

Fetal Monitoring is a way for your doctor to keep an eye on your baby’s heartbeat and well-being during late pregnancy and labor. The fetal heart rate usually ranges between 120 and 160 beats per minute, and it can change depending on how your baby is doing inside the womb. If the heart rate or rhythm is off, it could be a sign that the baby isn't getting enough oxygen or that there’s another issue.

How is fetal monitoring performed?

There are a few ways to check the baby’s heartbeat. The simplest method is using a special stethoscope called a fetoscope. Sometimes your doctor might use a small hand-held Doppler device; this is common during regular prenatal checkups.

When you are in labor, continuous electronic fetal monitoring is often used. This usually involves putting some gel on your belly to help the device work better. Then, a sensor called an ultrasound transducer is strapped to your abdomen to track the heartbeat and send it to a monitor. Another device is placed at the top of your uterus with a belt to check your contractions.

When is internal fetal monitoring needed?

In some cases, a more accurate reading is needed, and that’s when internal monitoring comes in. This can only be done when your water has broken and your cervix is partly open. A small electrode is placed through the cervix and gently attached to your baby’s scalp to measure the heartbeat directly.

Glucose Testing

Glucose testing helps your doctor check how well your body is handling sugar. It is a common part of routine care during pregnancy, usually done between 24 and 28 weeks.

What is involved in a glucose challenge test?

The first test you will take will be the glucose challenge test. You will be asked to drink a sugary drink and then after an hour, your blood will be drawn for testing. If the levels are higher than normal, your doctor may recommend follow-up tests.

How is a glucose tolerance test performed?

It is a detailed follow-up test if challenge test results are higher than normal. On the day of the test, you will be asked to drink water and avoid food. First, your blood will be drawn to measure your fasting sugar level. After that you will be asked to drink a sugary liquid and for the next few hours your blood will be drawn multiple times to check how your body processes sugar.

Group B Strep Culture

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common type of bacteria found in the lower genital area of many women. It usually does not cause issues before pregnancy. But during pregnancy it can lead to infections like chorioamnionitis, urinary tract infections, or postpartum complications.

The main concern is that the GBS can pass to the baby during labor, causing serious infections like pneumonia or meningitis. That’s why a simple test is done between 35 and 37 weeks to check for GBS.

If the test is positive, antibiotics are given during labor to help protect the baby. This greatly reduces the risks of infection and keeps both mom and baby safe.

Find a Doctor

At Matoshree Hospital, we are committed to making your motherhood journey safe, comfortable, and memorable. We offer comprehensive services including antenatal care, painless labor, high-risk pregnancy management, and postpartum support. As the best maternity hospital in Pavel, we combine advanced medical care with a compassionate, family-centered approach. Book your appointment today and begin your journey with confidence at Matoshree Hospital Kamothe.