Congratulations on your Pregnancy!
Finding out that she’s pregnant is the most joyous moment for any mum-to-be. And why shouldn’t it be? After all, a journey towards nurturing a lovely life in her womb is about to start. With the onset of pregnancy, it is a must for every woman to be informed at all stages to make it a blissful experience. This includes diet, hormonal and physiological changes, infections to take care of and important tests and scans that need to be done during pregnancy.
There are so many changes taking place in your body during this time that you tend to sideline certain developments out of sheer ignorance. Hence, to help you stay mindful of your pregnancy, I’m putting down my experience and research for the tests which need to be done during Pregnancy and common infections you need to be aware of.
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Tests for pregnant women during Pregnancy :
There are several tests performed in the course of 9 months on a pregnant woman and many times they vary based on the medical history and progression of an individual’s pregnancy. Certain tests are termed as Regular tests which are performed on all Pregnant women, while some are performed only on women to screen certain abnormalities of the developing foetus. Some tests determine the growth of the foetus while some are aimed towards the infections a to-be-mama can carry.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! After you see that your home pregnancy test is positive, you can get a lab/hospital urine test done to get a confirmatory nod of the HCG hormone in urine, assuring that you’ll be a mama soon.
First trimester tests :
First Trimester transforms an Embryo into a growing foetus. It is the duration when the body organs are formed but not yet developed.
Till the mid of the first Trimester i.e., around 8-10 weeks, the tests generally recommended are :
1. Viability Scan : This is done for an estimate of the foetus heartbeat and for ruling out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.
2. Routine Blood tests for determining the Blood group, RH factor, Blood count, chances of Diabetes , Rubella, Hepatitis and HIV. Even Thalassemia and Sickle cell anaemia tests are done to make sure you have a safe pregnancy.
3. Double Marker : This test is performed on all pregnant women to determine the possibility of Downs Syndrome[DS]. Determination of DS involves a Blood test followed by a Nuchal Translucency (NT) screening. NT screening is a non-invasive scan performed between 11-13 weeks. The final result of the blood Test & NT Scan confirms the risk of any Chromosomal Abnormality.
4. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) : This is a specialized test and is recommended if any chances of Genetic irregularities are observed. It is an invasive process in which small tissues are obtained from the placenta between 10-12 weeks. These tissues are then analyzed for genetic disorders.
Thus begins the start of a healthy development. Remember to have a nutritious diet and avoid smoking, drinking and consuming excess caffeine to make sure there is no foetal abnormality.
Second Trimester tests :
So, you’ve moved into another Trimester. You are bound to have less nausea and I’m sure you’re already dreaming of that little baby who will fill up your life with lots of sunshine. So, to progress into the land of motherhood, the following tests are preferred :
1. Ultrasound Scan : To check on the foetal development, a dating scan can now be done to share EDD (estimated date of delivery). Goosebumps – yes, there will be many when you get to know the tentative date of labour.
2. Blood tests & GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) : Complete Blood tests are recommended again and GTT (24-28 weeks) as well to determine diabetes during pregnancy.
3. Quadruple marker test : If you missed Double Marker test, you can easily go for this test between 15-21 weeks to find out the possibilities of Downs Syndrome. It is done by taking a blood sample and measuring the amount of 4 hormones in your blood (HCG, Inh, AFP, uEST). If the results are abnormal, advanced test like Amniocentesis is recommended.
4. Expanded Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) : This is done between 15-20 weeks with a blood sample and it helps determine genetic disorders and neural tube defects, such as spina bifida & DS. Incase of any positive result, you’ll have to go for Amniocentesis soon.
5. Amniocentesis : It is an invasive process in which small amount of amniotic fluid is sampled between 15-17 weeks of pregnancy. Chromosomal studies done on this sample show the confirmation of DS, NT defects, Sickle cell Anaemia and other Chromosomal abnormalities.
So, here are the Third Trimester tests :
Now the scans will happen more frequently. You’ll be called every alternate week till 35 weeks and then every week till you give birth.
1. Growth Scans : Fundal height, baby position (breech or normal), and similar measurements to determine the growth and position will be monitored. Foetus Heart beats will be monitored and you can actually hear them.
2. Doppler Scan : It measures the blood flow through the Umbilical cord and around baby’s brain and heart. It helps to know if the placenta is normal and if enough oxygen is being delivered to the foetus. It was this test which determined that my baby had 3 rounds of cord (placenta) around it and thus I was told I’d have an early delivery.
3. Physical Scan : Your weight, Blood Pressure, hands, face, ankles will be monitored closely for swelling.
4. Test to check infection : At around 35-36 weeks, vaginal swab is taken to determine any bacterial infection (it’s pretty common in pregnant women). Read below on Infections during Pregnancy.
At the onset of labour, your Gynaecologist may recommend tests like Nonstress Test (NST) – to determine baby’s heart rate, Contraction Stress Test (CST) – to determine how your baby handles the stress of labor.
It’s high time mama, you’ll exit labour and enter the beautiful phase of motherhood! Excited to welcome your baby?
Common Infections during Pregnancy :
It is perfectly normal if pregnancy has made you more susceptible to infections. The culprits are the drastic changes in the hormonal levels, more fluid in lungs and your bladder holding urine for longer periods of time which results in different types of Infection. While some infections pose a risk to mother, there are some which can be passed via placenta and affect the growing baby.
General infections during Pregnancy :
1. Excess White Discharge, which usually enhances as you approach labor. If you are uncomfortable and this discharge is smelly, consult your doctor.
2. Vaginal Infections : Hormonal changes make us more susceptible to a type of yeast infection known as candidiasis (in 2nd Trimester). This can be detected by excess smelly discharge, Itching in Vagina or Burning sensation while urinating.
3. Urinary Tract infection : During Pregnancy, our body increases the production of progesterone hormone, which relaxes the ureter and bladder. Thus, urine may stay in the bladder for long periods. This, in turn, increases the risk of developing urinary tract infection. In this case, timely treatment is important, else it could lead to Kidney infections and also affect the baby’s weight. You must seek advice if you’re experiencing difficulty in urination, smelly urine or burning sensation .
Hey mamas, your journey is incredible. With just a little more awareness and taking really good care of your health, this journey of Motherhood can be made memorable!
Feel Blessed!
Love, Jhilmil
A helpful article for new moms. It is really an exiting experience to be a mom as it comes with tons of responsibilities. It is better to be precautious right from the day one.
Wow, it amazes me how our technologies evolves. I have a lot of friends who got pregnant and some of the tests you mentioned are I’m not aware of. This is good thing at least it monitors the pregnancy journey. One thing that all my friends experienced is UTI. Great info 🙂
Great post for new mums. I have had 20 pregnancies (15 miscarriages, 1 stillbirth and 4 children) so in terms of pregnancy, I feel I have plenty experience!
Great overview of all the tests to be done during pregnancy. I know more now than I did when I was pregnant!
So many tests to be taken to make sure the baby is safe as well as mommy. Of course my favorite was the ultrasound not just to determine the sex but to see the baby. That was always fun.
This is such a wonderful and helpful advice for new mamas to be or any woman thinking about becoming pregnant.
What a fabulous resource with so much useful and informative information – many mothers to be will love this for sure x
This is suck great information for any mom-to-be or any women/moms out there trying to get pregnant. Doctors don’t always give you all the information!
The way we take care of our bodies is different when we’re pregnant. We definitely have to be extra careful and me mindful of the things that we eat and do. I think this is a pretty good guide for expecting moms so they know what they’re going to go through.
This is a bookmark worthy article. Despite being educated I was entirely dependent on my gynac for the tests. But believe me when I met another gynac I knew that there were some blood tests that weren’t done. It was my first time so it was natural that I didn’t know and hadn’t sufficiently read up. But this article is gonna be so so helpful!
Yea, usually for the first timers, we face such issues, and that’s why this post came up:) Thanks
I ended up with pnuemonia while pregnant. I had gotten a chest cold but because the baby was so big my lungs couldn’t expand all the way. They told me it was common.
This is such an informative post. I was asked not that long ago by a newly pregnant, first time mom about all the test pregnant women need to get when they are pregnant. Even though I’ve already had two children, I could not recall all the test. I didn’t even realize it was this many!?
This is pretty valuable information when it comes to knowing the kinds of tests necessary when having kids. Lots to think about and always helps knowing what to expect.
I’m so glad that they can safely perform these tests during pregnancy. I had my babies LONG ago and we opted out of some and did others. <3
Oh the blood tests ! I had forgotten all about them until second time round … not my favourite that’s for sure !
That’s informative post for the new Mothers. Indeed infections are common during pregnancy.
Quite an insightful article for every women out there. These are some basic things we all should be aware of but society shuts us down!
During my first pregnancy, we did the double marker test just because we were so excited to get another ultrasound and see our little gummy bear again. 🙂 We were so surprised when the tech announced she knew the gender already, in case we were wondering. (Um, yes!) I had been convinced we were having a girl, but our baby was (and is) boy through and through. 🙂
There are so many tests and scans through out during the pregnancy. This post would be a helpful one for new parents to be.
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
It is so important to know about all the different tests! I had to do two glucose tests and I hated the sugar liquid you had to drink… yuck!
Pregnancy has always been such an interesting phenomenon to me, how someone is creating life through themselves is simply one of the coolest things. This is a really comprehensive article for any new mamas or even fathers to know about what they have to plan for.
Best,
Idora
http://www.ajournalofstories.com
This is such a wealth of information. I remember going through these tests during my pregnancy. You definitely don’t realize just how much you’ve gone through until it’s written. Haha.
this is indeed a very helpful article extremely informative a must read for every new mom and moms to be.
Anf absolutely essential read for all the new mommies out there. Beautifully captured all details.
This is really well written and comprehensive! I wish I would have had this aaages ago. It answers nearly every possible question a new Mom could have. Thank you, I’ll be passing it along to a friend of mine who could use it!
This is a really great detailed um of info for new moms and some test I’ve never heard of! Congrats pregnancy is so amazing.
I had no clue there were as many pregnancy tests, thanks for putting them all together!!! I do agree precaution is better than cure!!
This is such a valuable resource for first time moms to be. I am no longer in that reproductive age, but I will definitely pass this article along to friends and family. I am glad that there are specific tests done to determine if there is any abnormality. At least, this makes the parents prepared for any eventuality.
This is very helpful for the first time mom. We all need to know this. I will be share this with my cousin it will really help her in her first pregnancy.
I’d forgotten about a lot of these tests. Both of my pregnancies were monitored very closely but there were a few of these tests that I opted out of.
Perfect for every new mommy …great and such insightful post
The Doppler scan really vary from one lab to the other. So always go for the most trusted and has a good word of mouth
Entering in this new phase of life is always exciting for every woman, your post is very informative and a must read for all mums to be.
This is a one stop post for a pregnant woman. These days some tests are compulsory which was not the case 10 years o.
Oh wow! I didn’t know there were so many kinds of pregnancy tests out there! I just did a simple urine test when I suspected that I was pregnant and that was it. haha Then I just went for an ultrasound when both babies were already about 5 weeks in my tummy. 🙂
suh a great information you shared here. I do agree that each one of may not have all the information and input regarding pregnancy tests and infections.
Didn’t know there are chances of so many infections during pregnancy! This was an eye opener! Thanks for sharing!
I did scans and all my doctor recommended which fortufortun was not a lot. I had a great pregnancy.
This is such a comprehensive list.. I dont remember doing them all during my days but that was years ago and with so many developments its great to have as many tests as possibble
This is a great post for new moms & going to be moms..
You’ve put together a very informative post that caters to every doubt, fear or question a pregnant lady can have. I will refer it to anyone you might need it.
This is a very informative post for all new pregos.. I can remember doing all these tests during my pregnancy ..
What a comprehensive guide for all the pregnant ladies who are looking for some great insights and information on pregnancy tests! My sister-in-law is pregnant and going to share your article with her. She is really going to appreciate this post!
Seriously one needs to know about these. Very useful points to take care of
Every pregnant lady or the ones planning a child should be aware of all these tests. You have written a very comprehensive post.
We’re just at the end of our second pregnancy now. I wish we had such a comprehensive list when we needed it!
This is a great post for newly pregnant mamas. I just had my last baby and was high risk so I had tons of ultrasounds which was so cool to see the baby grow every other week.
oh my! this is such a helpful and informative post. lots of tests is one thing, but this is so great with trimester wise break up with the actual reason why!
This is such a useful and informative posts for all the expecting parents. Will definitely share this with my friends
Your blog is all in one guide for new mommies . These are some really informative things you shared for them . Thanks I’ll share it with my friends !
many women will not aware of such pregnant tests . Thanks for making them aware. It would be very helpful for new moms.
I remember going through most of these tests during my tenure, and yes these are very crucial for women as well as child. Great information for to-be mothers.
What an extensive post. You’ve covered everything. Bookmarking this post
Great post that clears the air about the multitude tests that are sometimes irrelevant and sometimes very important to do also.
These are very valuable tips for soon to be moms! I would share this to my girl friends whose expecting a baby this year. Great tips!
This post is really nice and very helpful for first-time moms. Pregnancy is a gift for every woman. Many women didn’t aware about these tests and this article will be helpful for everyone.