The initial tests
During the first trimester of pregnancy, which is the first 12 weeks, basic and standard tests are conducted, which includes hemoglobin test, routine urine test, sugar test and an examination for other infectious diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV, among others.
Since most women are anemic, hemoglobin tests help to find out the severity of anemia so they can be supplemented with iron tablets. If anemia is severe, it needs to be corrected with adequate therapy.
Urine examination is done to rule out any urinary tract infection, since repeated infection has an adverse effect on pregnancy. In severe cases, it could lead to abortion and/or premature labor. The nausea, vomiting in the first trimester could also be because of a urinary tract infection. At times, this could be asymptomatic. This condition can have an adverse effect on the fetus, but if there is an infection, it can be treated.
Infections like syphilis and hepatitis should be tested, since the baby can get those diseases from the mother. These are called vertical infections. However, if the baby is born from a mother, already infected by hepatitis B, vaccinations and immunoglobulin can prevent the baby from having it.
Tests for hereditary disorders
Tests for hereditary disorders are not routinely carried out or required for all pregnant women, unless the patient is categorized under high risk group.
If there is a family history of diabetes, or heart disease, or if the mother has been diagnosed with a heart disease, the child could have congenital heart disease too. For which, special tests need to be done, but again, this does not fall under general antenatal checkup.
Women who have had a baby with Down syndrome, whose maternal age is high or have a family history with Down syndrome are to required to undergo these tests.
Glucose Tolerance Test
Since the general population with diabetes is on a rise, the trend of glucose test is gaining momentum. A Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is given to determine the glucose level and if the cut off value exceeds the standard level, they are given Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). While GCT serves the screening purpose, GTT is for diagnosis.
It is generally recommended if women have a family history of diabetes, repeated infection during pregnancy or vaginal infection. GCT screening helps to solve the problem, if it’s diagnosed in between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, complications for a mother and her child can be prevented.
Second trimester and follow up checkup
During the second trimester, after 12 weeks upto 28 weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound is performed. This is specially done for congenital anomaly screening and is ideal between 18-22 weeks. It’s a good time for an anatomical survey of the baby.
However, an antenatal check up is and should be done every month. But according to the national protocol, there should be at least four antenatal checkups—from the time of pregnancy leading to a visit to the medical facility during 20-24 weeks, 28-34 weeks and one after that during the third trimester.
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