Expecting mothers may have many concerns regarding pregnancy. Addressing them often involves undergoing tests that can give both doctor and patient a better idea of the health of the mother and child.
If you enrol at sophisticated gynaecology clinics in Nairobi, the doctor will ask you to undergo several tests during the nine months. Here is the comprehensive information about the various tests your doctor may inform you about, or you could ask your doctor about.
Remember that not all pregnant women require to go through all the tests. The obstetrician and gynaecologist may prescribe tests per the woman’s and the fetus’s health.
Initial Consultations
The first few meetings with your doctor may consist of multiple checks, ranging from confirming the pregnancy with an “hCG” urine test to physical examinations, such as a breast and pelvic examination.
Here are some of the most common tests during pregnancy.
- Weight assessment
- Blood pressure check
- Cervical test (Pap Smear)
- STD Tests
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Test for protein and sugar levels
- Tests for infection
- Ultrasound examination: An ultrasound is a device that uses sound waves to create an image of the foetus. In the first trimester, checking the shape and position of the fetus is a standard procedure. Ultrasound scans will be conducted multiple times during the pregnancy.
- Rh factor test (Blood): A blood test is conducted to ascertain the mother and father’s Rh factor. If the mother is Rh negative, if the father is positive, antibodies may be developed in the mother’s body that is dangerous to the fetus.
- Anaemia (Blood): A blood test could be conducted to check for a low blood cell count.
First Trimester
After initial check-ups, further tests can be conducted during the first trimester. Some procedures, like an ultrasound, might be repeated to check for the embryo’s development. More procedures are as follows:
Blood & Urine tests: These tests check for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, dangerously high blood pressure.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound is undertaken to check the fetus’s development, its shape and position.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This test is conducted to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic problems early in pregnancy.
Cell-free DNA testing: Also known as cfDNA, this test is performed to check whether the unborn child is likely to have down syndrome or other disorders.
Second Trimester
Additional tests that could be conducted in the second trimester:
Multiple Marker Tests: This blood test screens for neural tube and chromosomal defects.
Ultrasound: A level 2 pregnancy ultrasound will examine the anatomy of the fetus, shows its progress and help detect anomalies if there are any.
Glucose screening: This test help the gynaec keep track of a pregnant woman’s blood sugar levels and whether extra care or precautions are required.
Amniocentesis: This test obtains a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus and contains valuable information, such as chromosomal disorders or developmental issues.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS): The test includes cordocentesis, fetal blood sampling or umbilical vein sampling. The test is done to check disorders in the fetus.
Third Trimester
Observing the woman’s health and the fetus’s growth, the doctor may prescribe the below-mentioned tests in the last trimester.
Ultrasound: This is a must to check the placenta, biophysical profile and the fetus’s growth, such as height, weight other growth milestones.
Glucose screening: This is to check whether the woman has gestational diabetes and to ensure that the mother’s blood sugar levels are in control.
Non-stress test: This checks the response to stimulation and determines if the woman gets sufficient oxygen.