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Contents 15
- Routine Tests During Pregnancy
- 1. Pre-Pregnancy and Early Pregnancy Examinations
- 2. Blood Pressure Measurement
- 3. Weight Measurement
- 4. Blood Type Determination
- 9. Indirect Coombs Test (IDC)
- 6. Complete Urinalysis
- 7. Urine Culture
- 8. Infection Screening Tests
- 10. Double Marker Screening Test
- 11. Triple Screening Test
- 12. Quadruple Screening Test
- 13. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
- 14. TSH (Thyroid Hormone) Measurement
- 15. Cardiotocography (NST)
Routine Tests During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a period that must be monitored regularly to protect the health of both mother and baby and to prevent possible complications. The routine tests performed during this process are vital for ensuring that the pregnancy progresses healthily and for detecting potential problems at an early stage. Below, we discuss in detail the routine tests performed during pregnancy and their importance.
1. Pre-Pregnancy and Early Pregnancy Examinations
A pelvic examination performed before pregnancy is planned or in the early stages of pregnancy is important for assessing the expectant mother's overall reproductive health. During this examination, the uterus, ovaries, and vagina are examined to detect any conditions that could negatively affect the baby, and the necessary treatment process is initiated. This examination also provides preliminary information about possible complications that may be encountered in later stages of pregnancy.
2. Blood Pressure Measurement
Blood pressure measurement during pregnancy plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of serious conditions such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein loss in the urine during pregnancy, and it can lead to risky outcomes for both mother and baby. For this reason, blood pressure should be measured at every check-up and high blood pressure should be carefully monitored.
3. Weight Measurement
Monitoring weight during pregnancy is important for tracking both the expectant mother's health and the baby's development. A weight gain of between 10-12 kilograms over the course of the pregnancy is considered normal. Sudden weight gain, however, can be a warning sign of conditions such as preeclampsia. A balanced diet and regular exercise are recommended practices for keeping weight gain under control and preventing pregnancy complications.
4. Blood Type Determination
Determining the blood types of both the expectant mother and father is necessary to detect conditions such as blood incompatibility during pregnancy. In particular, when the mother is Rh(-) and the father is Rh(+), there may be a risk of blood incompatibility in the fetus. In this case, blood tests performed on the expectant mother are used to monitor antibodies developing against the baby, and the necessary treatment plan is implemented.
9. Indirect Coombs Test (IDC)
The Indirect Coombs Test, performed in cases of blood incompatibility, detects whether antibodies against the baby have formed in the mother's blood when the mother is Rh(-) and the baby is Rh(+). The result of this test should generally be negative. A positive result indicates that antibodies against the baby's blood cells have formed in the mother's body, in which case further testing and treatment are required.
6. Complete Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a frequently performed test during pregnancy and is used to detect urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other urinary tract conditions. In addition, the presence of abnormal substances such as protein, glucose, and blood in the urine provides important clues about the course of the pregnancy. The presence of glucose in the urine may indicate a risk of gestational diabetes, while the presence of protein may point to a risk of preeclampsia.
7. Urine Culture
A urine culture is a test used to diagnose urinary tract infections. Even if the expectant mother has no symptoms, if bacterial growth is detected in a routine urine culture, this infection should be treated immediately, as it can lead to serious complications later on. It is recommended that a urine culture be performed at least once at the beginning of pregnancy and once again toward the end.
8. Infection Screening Tests
Infections such as toxoplasmosis, rubella (German measles), and syphilis can cause serious abnormalities in the baby during pregnancy. Contracting these infections in the early stages of pregnancy can seriously affect the baby's health. For this reason, these tests should always be performed before pregnancy or as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
10. Double Marker Screening Test
The double marker screening test, performed between weeks 11-14 of pregnancy, assesses the risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and other chromosomal abnormalities. This test measures the levels of two different hormones (PAPP-A and hCG) in the expectant mother's blood, and these values are evaluated together with the baby's nuchal translucency thickness. Based on the test results, the baby's risk of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome is determined.
11. Triple Screening Test
The triple screening test, performed between weeks 16-19 of pregnancy, evaluates the baby's risk of conditions such as neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and Edwards syndrome by measuring the hormones AFP, hCG, and estriol. Unlike the double test, the triple test focuses particularly on detecting neural tube defects.
12. Quadruple Screening Test
The quadruple screening test also evaluates the hormone Inhibin-A in addition to the triple screening test, increasing the accuracy of the test. This test is performed between weeks 16-19 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 OGTT, performed between weeks 24-28 of pregnancy, is used to detect gestational diabetes. The expectant mother's blood sugar levels are measured after being given 50, 75, or 100 grams of glucose. This test is critically important for assessing the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy.
14. TSH (Thyroid Hormone) Measurement
The regular functioning of thyroid hormones during pregnancy is important for the health of both mother and baby. TSH levels should be monitored throughout pregnancy, and appropriate treatment should be planned if a thyroid disorder is present. TSH levels should be between 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 (NST) is a test that assesses the baby's well-being by monitoring the baby's heartbeat and uterine contractions. NST, which begins from the 35th week of pregnancy, is used to determine the baby's stress level during delivery and how ready the mother is for labor. NST tests are performed once a week up to 40 weeks and more frequently after 40 weeks.
The routine tests performed during pregnancy are vital for protecting the health of both mother and baby and for preventing possible complications. Each test monitors a different stage of the pregnancy and provides critical information about the mother's health and the baby's development. Attending regular doctor check-ups and undergoing the necessary tests throughout pregnancy are essential for a healthy pregnancy and delivery process.