Common Tests/Scans in First Trimester of Pregnancy

What Are Prenatal Tests?

Prenatal tests are nothing but the medical tests done to check the wellness of the pregnant woman’s health and fetus health in the womb itself. They help to find out the most common risks like preterm birth, birth defect, chromosomal abnormality and genetic disorders. These tests include blood tests and a specific type of ultrasound scan and prenatal cell-free DNA screening.

If your doctor recommends a test, get clarified of its risks and benefits. Most of the parents have opined in various studies that the desirable results of the prenatal tests have given them peace of mind, while helping to prepare them for their baby’s arrival. Unless absolutely recommended or insisted by your gynecologist, you can have your say in taking up the test. Make your choice.

Tests/Scans During First Trimester

What are the Tests and Scans in First Trimester of Pregnancy?

The various tests during first trimester include Genetic Test which has Blood Test/DNA Screening, First Ultrasound Scan, Urine test, and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Test. These all can be done between 9 – 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy.

For those who don’t know what is the difference between diagnostic test/scanning and prenatal screening, a diagnostic test is done to confirm or further study a suspected condition where screening is done without having any symptom or doubt of the condition in question. And Screening tests are non-invasive.

First Trimester Screening:

This test in first trimester includes two types of examinations – Blood Test and Ultrasound screening to find out the possibilities of risk of the baby having Down syndrome. It can help identify few other abnormalities and may also tell if you have a multiple pregnancy, for example twins and birth defects such as heart problems.

Blood Test:

This test helps to identify your blood type and Rh factor, Risk of anemia, check for immunity to Rubella, and test for Hepatitis B.

First Ultrasound scan:

It is very safe and painless Test in first trimester to get the first impression of the baby. In this test, sound waves are used to capture images that show the baby’s shape and position. Pregnant Women with high-risk pregnancies might have more than just one ultrasound scans during their first trimester.

Urine Test: A series of tests are done with your urine sample to investigate whether you have any Kidney infection and detect glucose (a sign of diabetes), protein, and also the presence of preeclampsia (pregnant woman with High Blood Pressure).

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS):

This test in first trimester usually advised for the women who are pregnant at the age of 35 or above. This CVS test checks cells from the placenta to identify if they have a chromosomal abnormality (such as Down syndrome), sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy. It can be done for weeks 10 to 13.

Finally, Your Gynecologist checks your levels of hCG, a hormone secreted by the placenta, progesterone – a hormone that helps maintain the pregnancy.

Dear Moms to be, Make sure you discuss all about your tests with your Doctor regarding what tests are right for you, necessary for you, and why, its risks and its benefits.