Routine Tests During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a period that requires regular follow-up to protect the health of both the mother and the baby and to prevent possible complications. Routine tests performed during this process are vital for ensuring a healthy progression of pregnancy and for detecting potential problems at an early stage. Below, we explain in detail the routine tests performed during pregnancy and their importance.
1. Preconception and Early Pregnancy Examinations
Pelvic examination performed before pregnancy or in the early stages of pregnancy is important for evaluating the general reproductive health of the expectant mother. During this examination, the uterus, ovaries, and vagina are assessed to identify conditions that may negatively affect the baby, and appropriate treatment is initiated if necessary. In addition, this examination provides preliminary information about possible complications that may be encountered in later stages of pregnancy.
2. Blood Pressure Measurement
Blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of serious conditions such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein loss in the urine during pregnancy and may lead to serious outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, blood pressure should be measured at every prenatal visit, and cases of hypertension should be closely monitored.
3. Weight Measurement
Weight monitoring during pregnancy is important to assess both maternal health and fetal development. A weight gain of approximately 10–12 kilograms during pregnancy is generally considered normal. Sudden or excessive weight gain, however, may be an early sign of conditions such as preeclampsia. A balanced diet and regular exercise are recommended to control weight gain and reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications.
4. Determination of Blood Groups
Determining the blood groups of both the mother and the father during pregnancy is essential to identify conditions such as blood group incompatibility. Especially when the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, there is a risk of Rh incompatibility in the fetus. In such cases, blood tests are performed to monitor the development of antibodies against the fetus, and an appropriate treatment plan is implemented if needed.
9. Indirect Coombs Test (ICT)
The Indirect Coombs Test is performed in cases of blood incompatibility to detect whether antibodies have developed in the mother’s blood when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive. The result of this test should usually be negative. A positive result indicates that the mother has developed antibodies against the baby’s red blood cells, requiring further evaluation and treatment.
6. Complete Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a commonly performed test during pregnancy and is used to detect urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other urinary system disorders. In addition, the presence of abnormal substances such as protein, glucose, or blood in the urine provides important clues about the course of pregnancy. Glucose in the urine may indicate a risk of gestational diabetes, while protein in the urine may suggest preeclampsia.
7. Urine Culture
Urine culture is a test used to diagnose urinary tract infections. Even if the expectant mother has no symptoms, bacterial growth detected in routine urine cultures should be treated promptly, as such infections may lead to serious complications later in pregnancy. It is recommended to perform urine culture at least once at the beginning of pregnancy and once again toward the later stages.
8. Infection Screening Tests
Infections such as Toxoplasmosis, Rubella (German measles), and Syphilis may cause serious fetal anomalies if contracted during pregnancy. Contracting these infections, especially in early pregnancy, can severely affect fetal health. Therefore, these tests should обязательно be performed before pregnancy or as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
10. First-Trimester Screening Test (Double Test)
The first-trimester screening test, performed between 11–14 weeks of gestation, evaluates the risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and other chromosomal abnormalities. This test measures two hormones (PAPP-A and hCG) in the mother’s blood, which are assessed together with the fetal nuchal translucency measurement. Based on these results, the risk of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome is estimated.
11. Triple Screening Test
The triple screening test is performed between 16–19 weeks of pregnancy and evaluates the risk of neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and Edwards syndrome by measuring AFP, hCG, and estriol levels. Unlike the double test, the triple test places particular emphasis on detecting neural tube defects.
12. Quadruple Screening Test
The quadruple screening test includes the measurement of inhibin-A in addition to the markers used in the triple test, increasing diagnostic accuracy. This test is performed between 16–19 weeks of pregnancy and provides a more sensitive risk assessment for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and neural tube defects.
13. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), performed between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, is used to diagnose gestational diabetes. Blood glucose levels are measured after administering 50, 75, or 100 grams of glucose. This test is critical for assessing the risk of diabetes developing during pregnancy.
14. TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Measurement
Proper thyroid function during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and fetal health. TSH levels should be monitored throughout pregnancy, and appropriate treatment should be initiated if a thyroid disorder is detected. Recommended TSH levels are 0.1–2.5 mIU/L in the first trimester, 0.2–3.0 mIU/L in the second trimester, and 0.3–3.0 mIU/L in the third trimester.
15. Cardiotocography (NST)
Cardiotocography (Non-Stress Test – NST) is used to assess fetal well-being by monitoring the baby’s heart rate and uterine contractions. NST is typically initiated from the 35th week of pregnancy and helps evaluate the baby’s stress level and the mother’s readiness for labor. After 40 weeks of pregnancy, NST is usually performed weekly or more frequently if necessary.
Routine tests during pregnancy are of vital importance for protecting maternal and fetal health and preventing potential complications. Each test monitors a different aspect of pregnancy and provides critical information about the mother’s health and the baby’s development. Regular prenatal visits and timely completion of recommended tests are essential for a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.