Pregnancy is an amazing time filled with excitement and anticipation for many women. But it can also be a time of worry and stress. All you want is for your growing baby to be healthy and safe. You try to do everything by the book, ensuring you eat right, take prenatal vitamins, and stay active. But no matter how healthy you are, there’s always a chance something could go wrong.
Routine testing during pregnancy can help identify potential problems early when they’re most treatable. So even if you’re feeling great, follow your doctor’s recommendation for tests and checkups.
Here are some of the most common tests your doctor may recommend during the first trimester of your pregnancy:
Blood Tests
Regular blood tests are a crucial part of prenatal care. They help your doctor check for things like anemia, which can make you tired and weak. Blood tests can also reveal your blood type and whether you have any antibodies that could cause problems for your baby.
Suppose you’re Rh negative (meaning you don’t have the Rh factor in your blood). In that case, you’ll need a blood test called an Rh incompatibility test. If you’re Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, your body may produce antibodies that could attack the baby’s red blood cells. This can lead to a severe condition called hemolytic disease, which can cause problems like anemia or even death.
During your first prenatal visit, doctors would usually recommend an Rh incompatibility test. If it shows that you’re at risk for hemolytic disease, your doctor will likely recommend a special treatment called RhoGAM. This safe injection helps prevent your body from making antibodies that could harm your baby.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis is a simple test that can give your doctor a lot of information about your health. It involves collecting a urine sample and testing it for protein, sugar, blood, and bacteria, among many others.
Sugar in the urine can be a sign of diabetes. If your urinalysis shows blood, it could signify a urinary tract infection. The presence of ketones could be a sign of gestational diabetes, while bacteria in the urine could be a sign of preeclampsia.
This may seem like a simple diagnostic test, but it can give your doctor a lot of information about your health. You must follow your doctor’s recommendation to ensure you get the required sample for better accuracy.
Fetal Ultrasound
An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your baby inside the womb. Doctors recommend this test during the first trimester to check on the baby’s development. The ultrasound can also help your doctor determine the baby’s due date, which is essential for planning purposes. It can also reveal certain congenital defects, like spina bifida.
If you’re worried about having an ultrasound, talk to your doctor. They can explain the procedure and help put your mind at ease. Aside from a regular ultrasound, they may recommend a 3D sonogram or a 4D ultrasound. These are special types of ultrasounds that create lifelike images of your baby. They can be beneficial if you worry about birth defects.
No matter what type of ultrasound you have, it’s to remember this is a safe way to get a glimpse of your little one. To give yourself better peace of mind, you can choose your go-to diagnostic clinic to have this procedure done by their well-experienced staff. You only need to find a reliable clinic with good reviews to ensure high-quality diagnostic services for your sonogram.
Pap Smear and HPV Test
A pap smear is a test that looks for changes in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the opening to the uterus, located at the top of the vagina. These changes can be early signs of cancer. The good news is that cervical cancer is very treatable if caught early.
Your doctor may recommend a Pap smear as part of your routine prenatal care. This is especially true if you’re over 30 years old or have had abnormal Pap smears in the past.
Some doctors may also recommend a human papillomavirus (HPV) test and a Pap smear. HPV is a common virus that can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. In most cases, the body clears the virus on its own. But in some cases, it can lead to cervical cancer.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
According to statistics, one out of every 33 newborns in the United States is born with significant congenital disabilities. These defects can range from heart defects to developmental disabilities.
One of the tests that can help detect birth defects is chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This can detect Down syndrome in the tissue of the placenta. It can also help them figure out the baby’s genetic makeup.
CVS is a safe and painless procedure and doesn’t increase the risk of miscarriage. However, there is a remote chance of preterm labor and placental abruption. These risks are low, but your doctor will discuss them before the procedure.
The best time for CVS is between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the placenta is still growing, and it’s easier to get a good sample. Your doctor may also recommend CVS if you’re at high risk for certain birth defects.
Pregnancy is an exciting but sometimes stressful time for expectant mothers. One of the primary sources of stress during pregnancy can be all the tests and checkups required by your ob-gyn. But know that these tests are vital for keeping you and your baby healthy. So be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
