Hey everyone.Recently there have been a few questions on minti regarding what tests need to be done and when. So im going to put down some of the tests ive had so far and what else is to come.I really hope this can some mums out..
During your 1st 
and 2nd visit most tests that need to be done will be done during these to times. Also at your first few visits your midwife/gp will ask you for some background history, this includes your family history and your partners, previous pregnancies ect. The reason this is asked is because they need to know what to look out for and let you know if your pregnancy may become complicated.
During your 1st visit your midwife/ gp should conduct a physical examination.This includes, blood pressure, checking your weight and feeling your abdomen.
The first blood test that will be done is to check your blood group.Your midwife/gp needs to know if your blood has the Rhesus D factor. Only 15% of women have a positive reading for this is there blood.If you do you will be given Anti D shots at 27wks and 34wks and another after the baby is born.
You will then undergo a FBE which is a full blood examination. This is to check the amount of red and white blood cells are present.
Rubella- If the blood test shows that youa re immune there is nothing to worry about.However if youa re not immune there is a very high chance the baby will have major problems and your go will discuss this with you.
Hiv and Aids, Hep B and Hep C, Sypillis..Your bloods will show if you carry any of this in your body and will discuss what will happen from there and give you all the information you will need.
Down Syndrome - When you reach 11-13 weeks you will be offered to undergo 2tests. First you will have the blood test which is called a Triple blood screening, second will be an ultrasound which is called Nuchal Translucency Screening. During the U/S the sonographer will measure the the fold at the back of the babies neck. The thicker it is the more chance of having a downs baby. With the test results combined 90% of expectant parents find out how at risk there child is of having downs.
18-21 WEEK U/S- Most people thnk this ultrasound is to find out the gender of their baby.While if you do want to know what your baby is and the baby cooperates you will find out but this u/s is actually a scan for abnormalties. During the scan the sonographer will measure everything on the baby, this includes, stomache, head,brain, heart, check for 4chambers in the heart, legs,arms,fingers, toes ect.. If they sonographer is concerned with anything he wil let you know then and there and you be asked to come back for further scans.Dont always be afraid if your asked to come back. I myself am one who wil be going back at 30 weeks (3weeks away) to see if the baby is putting on weight.
BLOODS BETWEEN 24-28WEEKS- Yes another blood test, this one is to check your sugar levels for Gestational Diabetes. During this test you will drink a liquid that has glucose in it. After one hour (you cant have a pee) your blood is taken to veiw the sugar levels.If your sugar level is above the certain level you most likely have Gestational Diabtes.Further testing will be done if you have it.. Having Gestational Diabetes, may cause you too have a larger baby due to the amount of sugar reaching them.This type of Diabetes only occurs during Pregnancy and majority of the time dissapears after your child is born.
YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE WILL BE TAKEN AT EVERY VISIT-
FROM 26 WEEKS YOU MAY BE ASKED TO KEEP A RECORD OF YOUR BABIES MOVEMENTS, THIS IS KNOWN AS A KICK CHART.
FROM 16 WEEKS YOUR MIDWIFE/GP WILL BE TRYING TO LISTEN TO THE BABIES HEARTBEAT.The heart beat can not always be found easily during the early stages, the baby might just be in a hard to find position because they are still so tiny.
FUNDAL HEIGHT- This is when your stomach is ebing measured.They normally start this around 16weeks form memory.You will lay down and they normallt use a tape measure. The midwife/gp are measuring your uterus and if everything is going well the size should corrospond to how many weeks you are. EG: 19weeks pregnant, your uterus should measure 19cms. Sometimes they may be a little off but thats fine.
BABIES POSITION WILL BE CHECKED FROM 26WKS ONWARDS.
UTI'S- This standss for URINARY TRACT INFECTION, if you ever feel a burning or stinging sensation while urinating or have any unusual discharge you will do a urine test for any uti's/These include a yeast infection or a bacterial infection.If an infection is shown you will be given a course of antibiotics and regular testing will be done to make sure the infections pass.
GROUP B STREP (GBS)- This is a swab test. This test usually occurs around the 36week mark. I had a swab test a few weeks back and discovered that i have Strep B.
Strep B is a natural bacteria in the vagina and anus that occurs in about 15% of women. In 1% of cases the bacteria may pass to your baby during birth and may cause an infection and make the baby very Sick. If you test posotive for strep B like i have, to prevent harm to the baby during birth, You will be put on an iv drip during labour which will be putting antibiotics through your body to try and stop the bacteria reaching you baby.
I hope this information can help soemone out there who is unsure of what tests they should be having or what they still need to have.If anyone has anything too add please feel free to do so..
Dannii xxo Enjoy your pregnancy ladies!!
Refrence - 3centres collaboration.
(April 9th) (
