Scientific and in particular medical knowledge is advancing at a tremendous rate in the 21st Century. With this increased knowledge we can expect that the health and development of your unborn baby will be better managed than ever before. Once your pregnancy has been confirmed there are several tests that you will be expected to undergo. This is to ensure the health prospects of both you and your baby are monitored in the best way possible. It is worth noting that all of these tests are standard these days and should not be viewed with any sense of alarm. Pregnancy is an anxious and stressful time for all expectant Mothers and it will be no different for you. It is important you don't add to your burden of woes by worrying about all these tests that lie ahead. They are normal and are there to help you and your baby.
So here is a list of some of the more common tests you may be expected to undertake. The list is of course not exhaustive and you may not have to take some tests or may be asked to take different tests. However, I suspect the ones that follow are the likely contenders:
The CBC Test: The Complete Blood Count Test checks for anemia and other possible abnormalities that may occur within blood components.
Urinary Analysis: Your medical team will regularly analyse your urine. This is to check for any infections, abnormal proteins, or any other products or contaminants in the urine that may indicate possible complications.
RH factor: This is a routine blood test. Here the experts are looking for differences in the blood type or the RH factor that could in certain extreme circumstances lead to serious complications in the newborn baby. In some instances it may even lead to complications in your next born child. If you happen to be RH negative you will need to have additional screening done later during the course of your pregnancy.
Immunity: A blood test is done to ensure immunity from German Measles (rubella).
STD's: Tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases are also common place nowadays with necessary screenings for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. Some tests include cultures for Chlamydia and gonorrhea. The extent of these tests may well depend upon the criteria set by the Health Authority where you live and to a certain extent may be determined by your own medical history.
Blood glucose: Often called blood sugars, is checked for the possibility of diabetes during pregnancy.
Smears may be taken from the cells of the cervix to check for any abnormalities, which may include cancerous or precancerous cells. Don't be surprised if the doctors screen for bacterial and viral infections in the vagina and cervix. Usually this is undertaken during the second half of the pregnancy. Additionally there probably will be testing undertaken to detect bacterial vaginosis, which could increase the risk of premature labour. Cultures are taken for group B streptococci, since if detected it can infect and then cause harm to the newborn baby during or after delivery. The medical staff should be checking your blood pressure on a regular basis.
There may be other test to undergo, but the most common ones are highlighted above. Don't worry about these test, they are all done for the good of you and your baby. Medical knowledge is so advanced these days that the doctors are able to check for almost everything possible. Be patient with your medical team as they will be trying their best for you. If you have any questions go ahead and ask them. They are used to expectant Mothers being worried and anxious and they will do their best to calm and reassure you. I know it is an anxious time for you but try as best you can to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.
Mike J Matthews writes extensively on the subject of pregnancy and many other health related topics. Mike has helped many people with his thoughtful articles and blogs. If you have any concerns at all about what happens to you after you get pregnant and what kind of medical tests you will have to endure then visit your-pregnancy miracle. Mike runs through some quick guidelines to help you out on your journey through pregnancy.
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