Tests During Pregnancy

In order to secure good health of the baby and the mother-to-be, common tests are performed through the entire three trimesters of the pregnancy. Tests are performed extensively in the first two trimesters.

Tests during the first trimester are done primarily to establish the possible pregnancy dates. Tests are performed to determine if there is a single foetus, twins, triplets, etc. Tests are done to determine if there is any possibility of miscarriage. The pelvic and uterus anatomy is examined completely. Fetal abnormabilities are identified during these tests in first trimester. These tests are crucial in one more aspect i.e. to see if the pregnancy is safe enough to carry on with.

The tests done during the first trimester are the ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency or NT, PAPP-a (pregnancy-associated plasma protein screening) and hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) test.

The second trimester, also called the mid-trimesters, faces many tests. These are important and give a clearer idea about the exact delivery date of the pregnancy. Tests are done to check the amount of amniotic fluid present, condition of the placenta and to observe if the feotus is growing well. The tests done during the second trimesters usually include multiple markers test.

Blood samples are taken to perform these tests to examine if the developing baby has any type of genetic abnormability. The samples are best taken between the 16th and the 18th month. For example, any abnormability in the test alpha-fetoprotein screening may hint occurrence of down`s syndrome, increased protein production due to presence of twins or any other type of chromosomal abnormabilities.

The third trimester is very crucial. Not many tests are performed during this phase since any disturbance to the foetus may lead to complications. Still, out of necessity, assessment of placenta and check of the position of the foetus is done to check if everything is normal.