First trimester tests you can't miss out on

Know why all those blood tests and urine tests are necessary during each trimester

Pregnancy is no time to turn your back on medical investigations. In fact you should never miss on your antenatal check-ups and block your dates for all those pathology visits diligently. Just in case you are thinking why those pricks for blood tests and the routine urine tests are necessary, here's a list of investigations that needs to be done during each trimester to ensure you are on the right track during your pregnancy and your baby is as good too.

Tests done during the first trimester

Your blood and urine sample would be collected to check for the following parameters:

Blood group and RH factor: For obvious reasons your doctor would first like to know your blood group. The next important thing is the Rh factor. Rh factor is a type of protein present in the surface of the red blood cells. If your blood has an Rh factor then you are Rh positive, if not you are Rh negative. There are some people who are Rh negative. 'It's important to screen the mother's Rh factor during pregnancy. If the mother is Rh negative then some special tests are required. If an Rh negative mother is carrying a baby with a Rh positive blood type, chances are the blood from the mother's system can cross the placenta and mix with that of the baby's causing serious complications,' says Dr Pooja Mehta, obstetrician and gynecologist, Paras hospital, Gurgaon.

If the mother is Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive, then the blood from the mother's blood stream can cross over and destroy the red blood cells of the baby leading to less oxygen circulation which might be fatal to the child. Know about more tests that one needs to take while planning a pregnancy.

CBC with ESR: A complete blood count or CBC gives a detailed account of the number of different types of cells in the blood. The results help the doctor to interpret if you are suffering from an underlying condition like anemia, or an infection or any other blood related disorders. A detailed investigation can only help your doctor plan a safe pregnancy for you. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR may help nail certain inflammatory diseases even when CBC results are normal. Know more about the CBC test and its important.

Blood sugar test: A blood sugar test is important to determine if you suffer from diabetes. A diabetic mother in turn can present the foetus with a number of health troubles. 'A fasting glucose level of less than 90mg/dl is considered normal and the mother with such result can hope for a hassle free pregnancy,' says Dr Mehta. What to keep your blood sugar in check? Read for more tips.

HbA1c: This shows the average level of blood sugar over the previous three months. This test makes sure that you are out of the radar of diabetes.

HbcAg: You would be screened for hepatitis B virus. If infected HBV would be found in the highest concentration in your blood. 'Ideally it should be non reactive in expectant mums. But if the mother is found positive then the partner also needs to be screened for the same. If a mother tested positive with HBV delivers care has to be taken that the baby is vaccinated actively and passively after the birth for the same,' says Dr Mehta.

TSH: Any woman who is pregnant needs to get her thyroid checked. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that are important for the baby's brain development. 'A range less that 3mlU/L says that your thyroid is functioning properly or else one needs to be closely monitored to see if thyroid interferes with the pregnancy,' informs Dr Mehta.

FT4: Free T4 is the measure of the thyroid hormone T4. An abnormally high level definitely indicates problem. Know about the signs and symptoms which might indicate that you are suffering from a thyroid condition during pregnancy.

HIV I & II: A blood test done to check if the mother is afflicted with sexually transmitted disease HIV. 'STDs can be transmitted to the baby while in the womb through the placenta, hence the screening is necessary,' says Dr Mehta.

VDRL: This test is done to screen mothers for syphilis. Another sexually transmitted illness that can reach the baby if the mother is found to be positive for the same. 'Under normal circumstances this should be negative for an expecting mother,' says Dr Mehta.

Anti HCV: A test is done to see if the mother is suffering from hepatitis C.

HPLC: A blood test done to check if the mother has any blood related disorder like thalessemia. 'If the mother turns out to be a carrier then the father is also checked for the same,' says Dr Mehta.

Urine: A routine urine test done to rule out possibility of kidney troubles, diabetes or any other related health conditions.

Special investigations during the first trimester:

ICT: Also known as inter coombs test, is done if the mother has an Rh negative factor. This is done to check on the Rh incompatibility factor if suspected. Negative results say that baby is still doing fine in the womb.

IgM Torch test: A blood test done to check for a series of infections. A mother is screened for certain infections if she is susceptible to them. These infections can cross the placenta and reach the foetus resulting in serious complications. A torch screening tests the mother for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes I & II. Under normal circumstances the results of torch should be negative. If tested positive for any of the infection it spells trouble for the fetus. Know what it can mean to be infected with any of these:

Toxoplasmosis: A parasite which generally enters the mother's system through the mouth. If the mother tests positive this would mean the foetus can end up with physical abnormalities or with complications in the brain and eye.

Rubella: If the mother tests positive for Rubella or German measles chances are the foetus could be exposed to serious birth defects. It is also advised for women who are trying to conceive to get a vaccination shot for rubella well in advance.

Cytomegalovirus: In an adult it can cause flu like symptoms but in a developing foetus it can cause, hearing loss, epilepsy or mental retardation.

Herpes I & II: If the mother is suffering from herpes she might transfer this disease to the baby, while passing through the birth canal.

Double marker test: A double marker screening is done to rule out any chromosomal abnormalities if a suspicion arises during the 12^th week NT scan. At times women might have to go for a triple or quadruple marker test too.

You may also like to read:

• 6 amazing facts about your baby's kicks
• How to plan for a birth without violence
• How to write a good birth plan

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