It is a commonly shared belief that the most frequent trips you make during pregnancy, is to the bathroom. While this belief is partially true for some expecting mothers, it can be fairly said that the most visits you are likely to make during pregnancy are to your doctor. Pregnancy is no easy ride, it involves a variety of tests, scans and guidance on a routine basis. All these tests and scans are highly essential to monitor the health of both the mother and child.
In the article below, we will be discussing some of the most common tests done during the first trimester of pregnancy. In this piece, you will find insights from a leading obstetrician, Dr Astha Dayal who consults at the CK Birla Hospital, the best maternity hospital in Gurgaon.
What to expect during the first trimester?
The first trimester of pregnancy means the first three months from the starting of your pregnancy. Needless to say, it is an exciting and joyful time for the expecting parents, However, it is also an important time to practice caution to ensure that the pregnancy takes a healthy start.
During the first trimester, you may not be able to see profound changes in yourself aka the presence of a baby bump won’t be clear at this period in time. However, a lot of developmental changes in the fetus take place during the initial months.
Hence, it is important to get routine checkups done to make sure that the developmental milestones are being timely met and you and your child are healthy and safe.
Visit the CK Birla Hospital, the best maternity hospital in Gurgaon, for personalized guidance during pregnancy.
Tests and scans during the first trimester
It is essential for all expecting mothers to learn about the common tests and scans during the first trimester which includes:
Blood tests for Rh compatibility – Blood workup is one of the most common prenatal tests. A variety of blood tests are done during the early stages of pregnancy. Blood tests are done to check Rh compatibility. Rh factor is a type of protein in your blood. Most people have this protein and are hence called Rh-positive while those who lack this protein are called Rh-negative. If the mother is Rh-negative while the father is positive, the fetus may be posed a potential risk as the mother’s body may develop harmful antibodies. Blood tests during the first-trimester help determine this factor so that necessary action steps can be taken at the right time.
Blood tests for other components – Red blood cell count, presence of HIV, hepatitis B, german measles and more can be checked with the help of a simple prenatal blood test.
Genetic testing – A combination of blood test and ultrasound is done known as the first-trimester screening is also offered during this time. These tests are done to check if there are any chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. These tests can help to determine the risk of conditions such as Down syndrome and more.
Ultrasound – An ultrasound is the most common screening test done during pregnancy. It is a safe and painless technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the fetus. Through an ultrasound, your healthcare provider can track any physical changes and growth in your fetus.
Chronic villus sampling (CVS) – CVS is another test that is offered to expecting mothers to check for chromosomal abnormalities. This test is done to check the cells of the placenta.
There are various other tests done during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, not all of them are essential. Some other tests are offered during this time include:
- Genetic counselling
- Tests for thyroid disease
- Test for hepatitis C
You can get all these tests and screenings done at the CK Birla Hospital, the best maternity hospital in Gurgaon.
References:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tests-first-trimester.html
