Check-Ups and Tests to Get During Pregnancy

Getting a positive result confirming your pregnancy is an unforgettable experience but it's only the first among a series of tests. Pregnancy occurs in phases and for each phase, there are specific tests. With the help of tests and regular checkups, congenital diseases and other severe birth defects can be identified beforehand. In addition to clinical evaluations, Dr. Max Mongelli emphasises the sheer importance of these checkups and tests that confirm whether your baby is developing properly. Gynaecologist, Dr Max Mongelli, recommends these checkups and tests for all pregnant women:
 
Blood, stool and urine test
When pregnancy is diagnosed, a checkup is performed to analyse the health situation of the mother. In addition to the blood count and glycemia, the RH factor, & HIV/AIDS tests are also performed to obtain signs of any disease that might affect the pregnancy. These diseases include- Syphilis, Rubella, Hepatitis B, etc. Stool and urine tests detect urinary tract infections and parasites.

Ultrasound test
Usually, women must take a series of four ultrasound examinations during a period of nine months. In the first trimester of pregnancy, an ultrasound test will verify the embryo count and their precise location to determine if they are in the Uterus (sometimes, the embryo may descend to the fallopian tubes.) This test is typical for a mother who is 18 to 20 weeks into pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes test
On the 24th week, a sample of blood is collected from the expecting mother to check for the blood glucose level. If the results are not satisfactory, then a gynaecologist might recommend a complete examination for the same.

Amniocentesis (15th to 20th week)
Amniocentesis investigates known genetic diseases, such as Down's syndrome by collecting a sample of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac. It is performed between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. In 72 hours, it is possible to evaluate the five major chromosomal diseases accounting for 95% of the birth defects.

Echocardiography (from 20th week onwards)
It checks the heart of the baby, if a pregnant woman has a history of heart issues or when there is a suspicion of cardiac malformation.

Cardiotocography (after the 26th week)
It checks for oscillations in the fetal heart rate to see if the baby is in distress. In the final stretch of pregnancy, this test is used to observe the regularity of uterine contractions that cause acceleration of heart beats in the baby.

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