Pregnancy changes in the body include hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and growth of the uterus. As the body adapts to these changes, it is essential to monitor the woman’s health to ensure a safe pregnancy.
From confirming pregnancy to ensuring the health of the foetus there are many tests and screenings a woman must undergo.
This article explores in detail different types of tests for pregnancy.
What is a Pregnancy Test?
When pregnant, a woman’s body makes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the placenta. A pregnancy test detects the presence of this hormone. The test should be performed during the first two weeks after a missed period. There are two primary pregnancy tests: blood tests and urine tests.
A urine test is done at home using a home pregnancy kit to detect the presence of hCG in urine. These tests are available in any medical store and do not require a doctor’s prescription. They can give the results in minutes.
Healthcare providers perform pregnancy blood tests using a blood sample. These tests are expensive and take longer, but they can more accurately detect the exact amount of hCG in the blood.
After the pregnancy is confirmed, a new series of tests, commonly referred to as the pregnancy profile test list, begins. These tests are known as prenatal screening tests and are conducted during the pregnancy.
Prenatal Tests
These are further divided into two types:
- Diagnostic tests are performed to detect a specific problem with the baby or the mother. The results of these tests confirm a particular genetic condition.
- Screening tests evaluate potential risks to the child or the mother. They detect a specific problem but do not diagnose it. After analysing the risks, specific diagnostic tests are performed. Prenatal screening tests are further divided based on the trimesters.
First Trimester Screening Test
These tests begin by the tenth week of the pregnancy. Three kinds of tests are performed in this phase that include:
- Ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT)
This test is used to determine the size and position of the baby, confirm the pregnancy period, and find any potential abnormalities in the structure of the baby’s growing bones and organs.
It also examines the fluid collection at the back of the baby’s neck. The presence of more fluid is associated with Down Syndrome.
- Two maternal serum (blood) tests
These tests involve the measurement of two substances made by the placenta that are found in pregnant women. These are:
- Pregnancy-associated plasma protein screening (PAPP-A).
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
All three tests of this trimester determine the potential risk of having Down Syndrome (trisomy 21) and trisomy 18 in the baby.
- Other Tests
Apart from these, additional pregnancy checkups are performed to detect the presence of anaemia, blood type, blood count, and Rh factor, which determines the Rh compatibility with the growing baby. One can be either Rh-positive or Rh-negative.
Second Trimester Screening Test
This phase is marked by blood tests known as multiple markers or quad markers. It also includes testing of amniotic fluid and gestational diabetes.
- Quad marker screening
The presence of multiple markers indicates increased chances of Down Syndrome, trisomy 18, neural tube defects, and abdominal wall defects in the baby. The four multiple markers are Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein from the baby’s liver, hCG, estriol, and inhibin, hormones made by the mother’s placenta.
- Amniocentesis
It is performed to confirm the presence of Down Syndrome and spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal cord stops growing. It is usually done if a family history of a genetic condition exists.
- Glucose screening
It tests for gestational diabetes, a condition that can develop during pregnancy and is temporary and resolves after delivery. It increases the risk for cesarean delivery, as babies born from mothers diagnosed with this are generally larger.
Third Trimester Screening Test
This phase involves Group B Step Screening (GBS) between weeks 36 and 37. GBS is a type of bacteria found in the mouth, throat, lower intestinal tract, or vagina. The presence of GBS in the vagina can be detrimental to the baby at the time of vaginal delivery because of its weak immune system.
A clear understanding of different pregnancy tests is important for the health of pregnant women and their children. Careful assessment of various symptoms, in consultation with a healthcare provider, is required for timely interventions and accurate diagnosis.
For someone beginning their pregnancy journey, it gets difficult to keep track of different kinds of pregnancy tests. UFINE PATHLABS offers all pregnancy tets. After consulting with healthcare providers, book a test with UFINE PATHLABS.