A Complete Guide on the Tests Done During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience and a time filled with excitement and joy. However, it can also be a time of uncertainty and anxiety, particularly when it comes to prenatal testing. With so many tests available, it can be difficult to know what’s necessary and what’s optional. When you are with the best gynaecologist in Delhi, you are always in the safe hands.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common tests during pregnancy in Delhi and what they are used for.

Let’s begin.

Pregnancy Test

The first step in confirming pregnancy is a pregnancy test, which can be done at home or in a doctor’s office. This test detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta, in a woman’s urine. Also the same hormone is tested in blood as Pregnancy tests in Delhi is highly accurate,   ensure accuracy.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the developing fetus. This test can confirm a pregnancy, determine the due date, and check for any abnormalities or multiple pregnancies. The first ultrasound is usually done around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, while subsequent ultrasounds are performed at regular intervals to monitor the growth and development of the fetus.

Here’s a brief list of the most common ultrasound tests done during pregnancy:

Early Pregnancy Scan: This is usually done between 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy to confirm the pregnancy, check the fetal heartbeat, and estimate the due date.

NT scan: This is a specialized ultrasound done between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy to screen for chromosomal abnormalities and assess the risk of Down Syndrome.

Anomaly scan: This is a detailed ultrasound done between 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy to assess the fetal anatomy, growth, and development.

Doppler ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to measure blood flow and can be done at various stages of pregnancy to check the blood flow in the umbilical cord, placenta, and other fetal vessels.

Growth scan: This is a follow-up ultrasound done later in pregnancy to monitor fetal growth and development, estimate fetal weight, and check the amniotic fluid levels.

Blood Tests

Blood tests during pregnancy in Delhi are an important part of prenatal care and help to screen for various conditions and diseases. These tests include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) – to check for anaemia and other blood-related conditions
2. Blood Group and Rh Factor – to determine the mother’s blood type and the Rh factor, which is important in case of an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive fetus
3. Rubella IgG Antibody Test – to check for immunity to rubella, a viral infection that can cause congenital disabilities
4. Hepatitis B Screening – to check for the Hepatitis B virus, which can be passed on to the baby during delivery
5. Syphilis Screening – to check for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause congenital disabilities
6. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Screening – to check for HIV, which can also be passed on to the baby during delivery
7. Thyroid profile: To measures the levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the mother’s blood.
8. Vitamin D3/B12: To measure the levels of vitamin D3 and B12 in the mother’s blood. Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for fetal bone development, while Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the development of the nervous system.
9. Urine routine and microscopy: To analyze a sample of the mother’s urine for the presence of protein, glucose, and other substances and screen for any infection.

Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)

The Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is a screening test used to diagnose gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. The test involves drinking a sweet glucose drink with 75 gm of glucose and then having a blood sample taken after 2 hrs to measure the glucose level in the mother’s blood.

The GCT is usually performed every 3 months of pregnancy, and is recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms of diabetes. The test is used to identify women who may be at higher risk of gestational diabetes, such as those with a family history of diabetes, obesity, or a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.

Dual Marker Test

A dual marker test, also known as a dual marker screening test, is a blood test performed during pregnancy to screen for certain chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. The test measures the levels of two substances in the mother’s blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

AFP is a protein produced by the fetus and the placenta, while hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta. Abnormal levels of these substances can indicate a higher risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or neural tube defects.

One of the most important tests prescribed by the best gynaecologist in Delhi is Non-Stress Test (NST)

The Non-Stress Test (NST) is a test performed during pregnancy to assess the well-being of the fetus. It is typically performed when a woman is in the later stages of pregnancy, particularly if she has any risk factors for pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure, small for gestation baby with restricted growth, advanced maternal age, or a history of preterm labour.

What is the importance of performing timely tests prescribed by your gynaecologist in Delhi?

Performing timely tests prescribed by a gynaecologist during pregnancy is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Pregnancy is a complex and dynamic process that involves numerous physiological changes, and regular testing can help identify any potential problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and intervention.

One of the key benefits of performing timely tests is that they can detect potential problems early when they are more treatable. For example, tests such as glucose tolerance tests can detect gestational diabetes, which can pose a significant risk to both the mother and the fetus if left untreated. Early detection and prompt treatment of these conditions can help reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.

Another important benefit of performing timely tests during pregnancy in Delhi is that they can help determine the due date and monitor fetal growth and development. Regular ultrasounds, for example, can help track the growth and development of the fetus and identify any potential problems, such as low-lying placenta or reduced fetal movement.

In addition to detecting potential problems, timely tests can also provide peace of mind for expectant mothers. Pregnancy can be an anxious time for many women, and regular testing can help put their minds at ease by giving them a clear understanding of the health of their developing fetus.

In conclusion, performing timely tests prescribed by a gynaecologist during pregnancy is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Regular testing can help detect potential problems early, monitor fetal growth and development, and provide peace of mind for expectant mothers. It is important to follow the guidance of the best gynaecologist in Delhi, such as Dr Rhythm Gupta, and undergo all recommended tests in a timely manner to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.