There are tests that must be performed to ensure the health of both the mother-to-be and the baby, as well as the healthy progression of the pregnancy and childbirth. Some of these tests are routinely conducted for every expectant mother, while others may be requested by your doctor at any stage of pregnancy if deemed necessary. It is important to note that some tests can only be performed during specific weeks.
Among these tests and checks are blood tests for Rh incompatibility detection, urine analyses, glucose loading test, ultrasound, and infection screening tests.
Which tests should be conducted and when?
Between the 4th and 28th weeks: During this period, the glucose loading test and Rh incompatibility detection (Indirect Coombs Test) are performed at the 28th week.
11th-14th weeks (First Trimester): During this period, the thickness of the nuchal translucency (NT) is measured and a dual test is conducted in an ultrasound examination to detect if the baby has Down syndrome.
Between the 16th and 20th weeks (Second Trimester): During these weeks, a triple test or quadruple test is conducted. In cases deemed necessary, amniocentesis examination (extracting amniotic fluid from the baby) can also be performed. Specifically, between the 18th and 22nd weeks, uterine artery Doppler blood flow measurements, detailed ultrasound; between the 20th and 24th weeks, fetal echocardiography; and between the 24th and 28th weeks, complete blood count, glucose tests, and complete urine analyses are conducted.
Between the 24th and 28th weeks (Third Trimester): During these weeks, a glucose loading test (sugar water test) is conducted. If the test result is above 140, a 100g OGTT test should be applied. At the 28th week, the Indirect Coombs Test (IDC) is performed for Rh incompatibility detection between the mother and father.
35th-37th weeks: During this period, the Group B Streptococcus (bacteria) screening for the mother is of great importance. After the due date has passed and if the baby is found to be in distress, a Non-Stress Test (NST) is performed. If risky conditions related to the baby's health are identified, Doppler ultrasonography measurements are taken for further evaluation.
Monitoring High-Risk Pregnancies
Both the mother-to-be and the baby are at a high risk before, during, and after childbirth in high-risk pregnancies. This situation can arise from a pre-existing health problem in the mother-to-be before pregnancy or during pregnancy. Factors such as early and late pregnancy (women giving birth before the age of 18 or after the age of 35), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol use), pre-pregnancy health problems of the mother-to-be (high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes), complications during pregnancy (fetal anomalies, abnormal levels of amniotic fluid), multiple pregnancies (for women expecting twins or more), and pregnancy history can increase the risk of a risky pregnancy.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible:
Vaginal bleeding, watery vaginal discharge
Severe headaches
Lower abdominal pain
Decreased fetal activity
Pain or discomfort while urinating
Blurred vision
Sudden and excessive swelling in the face, hands, and fingers
Fever and chills
Vomiting, persistent nausea
Dizziness
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
To experience a healthy pregnancy and minimize the risk of a high-risk pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a specialist before getting pregnant to learn how suitable your health is for pregnancy through tests and examinations. General health checks will help you identify potential risks before getting pregnant and allow you to take necessary precautions. It is especially important to avoid alcohol, smoking, and illegal substance use. Being under the care of experienced professionals in the field of prenatal care, including a high-risk pregnancy specialist (perinatologist), will help you and your baby navigate this process in a healthy manner. It is important to note that a high-risk pregnancy can develop even if there are no mentioned risk factors. Therefore, all expectant mothers are recommended to undergo periodic 4-D ultrasound examinations and monitoring tests.
This article is for informational purposes only. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended when necessary.