Laboratory Tests During Pregnancy | I'm healthy

Health information reviewed and edited by dr. William

Who says laboratory tests are only done by patients who want to detect internal diseases? Pregnant women, especially those entering the first trimester, must also do this test, Mums.

By doing a urine examination, you can find out whether there is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Then, by doing regular blood checks, you can prevent various blood-related diseases, such as anemia by knowing the hemoglobin (Hb) level and disorders of the blood clotting system that are known through platelets.

During the first pregnancy checkup, usually the doctor will explain the various tests that you need to do for the safety of you and your little one in the womb!

Also read: Why Does My Skin Get Darker During Pregnancy?

Laboratory Tests That Need To Be Done In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Here are the types of laboratory tests that need to be done in the first trimester of pregnancy, Mums:

Complete blood test.

This test is done to find out whether the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is normal or less, which indicates you have anemia. In addition, you will also know whether the white blood cell and platelet counts are normal or there is an increase which indicates if you have an infection. For that, do a complete blood test in the early days of your pregnancy to prevent bad risks to the health of the mother and fetus.

Hematology. Used to determine the presence of abnormalities in the blood, especially if there are disorders of the liver and kidneys.

Blood type, antibody, and Rhesus. This test is only done once to determine the blood type and rhesus antibodies in the fetus. If the blood type of the fetus is different from that of the mother, it will have an impact on the formation of antibodies that tend to damage the red blood cells of the fetus.

Fasting glucose. This test aims to detect gestational diabetes which can cause miscarriage, as well as damage to the brain and heart of the fetus.

HIV test. HIV infection is a dangerous type of disease, because it can infect babies when you are pregnant, giving birth, or breastfeeding. However, if you have detected this disease, medical treatment will usually be carried out quickly to reduce the risk of the baby suffering from AIDS caused by the HIV virus.

VDRL. This type of test is very specific to detect the presence of the Treponema pallidum bacteria, the main cause of syphilis. If you are positive for this disease, then treatment must be done as soon as possible, because it will affect the development of the fetus.

HBsAG. Serves to detect whether pregnant women have the Hepatitis B virus or not. This effort is to prevent the transmission of the virus to the fetus.

Anti-Toxoplasma lg G, anti-Rubella lg G, and anti-CMV lg G. Serves to detect whether pregnant women suffer from Toxoplasma, Rubella, and infections Cytomegalovirus or not. These viruses if left unchecked will cause complications and inhibit fetal development.

Urine. Its main function is to detect urinary tract infections in pregnant women. In addition, it can be used to determine protein and glucose levels in urine. High protein content can increase the risk of preeclampsia or symptoms of hypertension in pregnant women.

Blood pressure test. This test is not a laboratory test, but it is important enough to be done, especially during important times of pregnancy, such as the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy. In the middle of pregnancy, your blood pressure tends to decrease, and will increase again at the end of the gestational age.

Mums can do this blood pressure test personally at home, especially when experiencing dizziness after getting up from a sitting position and sleeping. However, usually every time you have an antenatal visit, this blood pressure test will also be carried out to measure and prevent this happening pre-eclampsia.

Also read: Take Prevention Before Pre-eclampsia Attacks You!.

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Source:

Tommy's. What tests will I have during pregnancy?. 2018.
NICE. Antenatal care: NICE clinical guideline 62. National Institute for health and care excellence. 2017.

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