Antenatal check-ups or prenatal care are medical supervisions done from the start of pregnancy till the end of the delivery. Gynecologists recommend these checkups as soon as a woman learns about her pregnancy. From physical to mental well-being, everything matters during pregnancy, and these aspects need to be taken care of.
This is not a regular health analysis; it is more about understanding and detecting potential health issues in the early stages, because negligence can lead to preterm, stillbirth, and so many life-threatening pregnancy complications, which can even cost the mother’s as well as the child’s life. Every woman should start her ANC (antenatal care) before the gestational age of 12 weeks in her pregnancy, for positive pregnancy outcomes, said by WHO.
Even after starting these checkups, most women thought about the tests that were going to be done. So, the article will give a highlight of the crucial tests that are necessary. Apart from that, as per the health and condition of the baby and the mother, a gynaecologist recommends several other check-ups, so always stay in touch with your doctor for a better and healthier pregnancy.
Trimester-wise Antenatal Checkups During Pregnancy
Antenatal check-ups minimise the risk of adverse pregnancy complications by 79%, and this is not a small number that can be ignored. Cradle Children’s Hospital ensures that every woman gets the best treatment, which can only be done by testing, so here are the trimester-wise pregnancy tests.
Trimester 1: Laying Foundation
This is the first phase of pregnancy, where most of the women get to know about their pregnancy after weeks. But this is where you, as a mother builds a foundation of good health for your baby’s development and growth. From building organs to the system, so much happens in the first trimester, which is why doctors conduct tests to track the baby’s progress.
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Blood Test
This test analyzes the health of the mother, because the issues directly impact the baby. It analyses possibilities of Down syndrome, detecting infections like hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, and Rubella, checking for anemia (CBC), and determining the blood Rh factor. These tests help in knowing the basis of any potential pregnancy complications.
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First Ultrasound
After 6 weeks, a gynecologist can suggest to conduct ultrasound anytime. Through this, you will get to know the baby’s heartbeat. It also helps to ensure that the pregnancy is in the uterus only, and not leading to ectopic pregnancy. It also reveals whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy.
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Genetic Screening
This combines the analysis of the blood test and the ultrasound. You can also say that this test decides about the pregnancy or the fetus. Congenital disorders can be detected in the early stage of pregnancy, and they can prevent the fetus from developing genetic disorders and the mother from complications.
Although early detection does not always prevent pregnancy complications, it reduces the chances by 50%-60%.
Trimester 2: The Glow
This time of the pregnancy journey gives a glow to the woman, as morning sickness and unsual feeling started to reduce. Movement, features, sensory development, organ maturation, and rapid growth are what happen in this phase, and tests are done to know more about fetal’s progress.
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Anatomy scan Ultrasound
After 22 weeks of pregnancy, an anatomy scan is conducted to analyse the baby’s organ development. The purpose is to detect congenital malformations, assess growth, check placental position, and confirm gestational age if needed. The tests are more focused on detecting potential issues that might be impacting the child and the mother.
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Maternal Serum Screening
The second trimester is a time to detect neural tube defects (NTDs), screening for chromosomal abnormalities, and this is done through protein and hormones in the mother’s blood. If a woman is detected with high maternal serum, they are further evaluated for chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis.
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Routine Utrin Test
This test is to check for infections like UTIs, preeclampsia, glucose, monitoring kidney function, and help to know about silent issues like asymptomatic bacteriuria, which are crucial for fetal and maternal health.
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Amniocentesis
The second trimester is a safer time to conduct this test because enough amniotic fluid is available. Through this, an accurate diagnosis can be made, which can benefit from timely intervention.
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Glucose Screening for Gestational Diabetes
This is just a normal process, where a glucose solution is given to the mother, and after an hour, her blood is drawn to know how the blood processes sugar. If the result is positive, then further tests are conducted.
Trimester 3: Time to prepare for arrival
This trimester is all about preparing yourself and taking a little extra. Along with that, make sure to go for the test that your gynecologist recommends to ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
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Group B Strep Test
This is done between 36-37 weeks using a gentle vaginal and rectal swab to check for bacteria streptococcus agalactiae. It is harmless for the mother, but can cause serious illness to the baby.
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Iron Deficiency Anaemia
In the first and then in the third trimester, this test is conducted between 24 and 28 weeks. Level of iron, ferritin, and haemoglobin are analysed in the blood.
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Non-Stress Test (NST)
Is a safe and non-invasive procedure where the heart rate and movement of the baby are analysed to ensure the well-being and know whether the baby is getting adequate oxygen or not. Usually conducted after 28 weeks, when the baby’s movement decreases, the mother is suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, or carrying twins, or the pregnancy goes past the due date.
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Biophysical Profile (BPP)
This combines NST and ultrasound to check the well-being of the baby, including breathing, heart rate, fetal movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume.
Remember, these are some basic test are commonly done by the doctors. Apart from that, it might depend on person to person, because everyone experience different type of pregnancy.
FAQs
Are these tests necessary?
Most of the antenatal checkups during pregnancy are important, because it helps to monitor the health of the mother and the child. Apart from that, it is best to talk to your doctor and know about the purpose of the tests.
Is it possible that these tests might hurt my baby?
All the tests and checkups are done under supervision, and some of them are even non-invasive, so you don’t have to worry about the health of the child.
How accurate are the antenatal checkups?
More than 99% of the results show accurate results, but due to genetic issues, errors in sampling, and other reasons, the chances of false results are also possible. But don’t worry, in such cases, doctors conducte the similar and other tests again.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is one of the most overwhelming journeys a mother experiences, and they are always in a loop of concern about the baby’s health. The easiest way to overcome that fear is through antenatal checkups. That is why a gynaecologist recommends every pregnant woman to go for regular check-ups and never miss her doctor appointment.
If you are looking for a trustworthy pregnancy test hospital in Jaipur, visit Cradle Children’s Hospital, because giving the best care is not an option; it is a necessity for you and your baby.
