Pregnancy

What tests are done during first trimester of pregnancy?

What are the tests during pregnancy first trimester?

December 16, 2021

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What Are Prenatal Tests?

Prenatal testing is performed on pregnant women to check the health of both the mother and her unborn child. If certain factors are not treated, a baby may be at risk for premature delivery. Testing may reveal whether or not a child has a chromosomal or birth problem.

Detection of an issue can only be made by doing a screening test during pregnancy. Diagnostic tests including ultrasounds and blood tests may also be employed in certain pregnancies. An initial screening test may lead to a more in-depth diagnostic examination.

If your doctor recommends a test, you should discuss the prospective risks and benefits with him or her. Because of its accuracy, prenatal testing provides reassurance to many parents and assists them in preparing for the birth of their child. You have the option to take or not take an exam.

What Tests Are Done at the Prenatal First Visit?

At the obstetrician’s office, your first priority is to confirm your pregnancy and identify any health risks that you or your baby may face.

The doctor will do a thorough physical examination, which may include a weight check, blood pressure check, and a breast and pelvic exam. Doctors routinely do cervical screenings during pelvic examinations. Cervical cell alterations that might lead to cancer can be detected with this test. Your doctor will also check for sexually transmitted illnesses like chlamydia and gonorrhoea during the pelvic exam.

You may take a urine pregnancy test to confirm that you’re pregnant by looking for hCG, a hormone and pregnancy indication, in your pee. Protein, sugar, and indicators of illness are also analysed in your urine. When your pregnancy is confirmed, the date of your last menstrual cycle is used to determine your due date (period). An ultrasound may be able to answer this question.

Among other things, a blood test will look for:

how you’re related to the Rh factor. If you are Rh negative and your partner is Rh positive, it is possible that you may produce antibodies that are harmful to your developing baby if you are pregnant. The 28th week of pregnancy is a good time to get an injection to prevent this.
A condition in which the red blood cell count is too low
hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV
immunity to rubella (German measles) and chickenpox (varicella)
spinal muscular atrophy with cystic fibrosis Even if there is no family history of certain problems, health care practitioners now frequently offer to test for them.

What Other Tests Are Done in the First Trimester?

Your urine, weight and blood pressure will be tested at every (or almost every) appointment until you are ready to give birth. They may detect issues like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which are common throughout pregnancy (dangerously high blood pressure).

Depending on your age, health, family medical history, and other factors, you may be given additional testing throughout your first trimester. These might include, but are not limited to:

First trimester screening: A blood test and an ultrasound exam are part of this procedure. When a chromosomal issue (such Down syndrome) or a birth defect is suspected, this test may assist identify the baby (such as heart problems).
Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create pictures of the baby’s form and position in this non-invasive examination. It may be done as early as the first trimester to date the pregnancy or as part of the first trimester screening in weeks 11–14. In the first trimester, women with high-risk pregnancies may have a slew of ultrasounds.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): This test looks for chromosomal abnormalities in placental cells (such as Down syndrome). If a baby is born with a certain chromosomal issue, this test can determine for sure. It can be done between weeks 10 and 13.
Cell-free DNA testing: This blood test examines the mother’s blood for the presence of foetal DNA. It may be performed as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy to determine whether the baby is at risk of developing a chromosomal abnormality. Diagnostic tests aren’t necessary for this procedure. Additional testing is required if the findings are abnormal. In most cases, it’s provided to expectant women who are older or who have had children with chromosomal abnormalities.

What Other Tests Might Be Offered?

Pregnant women’s medical history and risk factors may prompt health care professionals to conduct additional testing throughout their pregnancies. Your baby’s risk for inherited diseases should be discussed with a genetic counsellor.