Tests Done During First Trimester of Pregnancy

It is very important to undergo certain tests during pregnancy. You must strictly follow your obstetrician’s advice on pregnancy tests done throughout the pregnancy term. Let us take a look at the pregnancy tests that are carried out during first trimester of pregnancy.After you are confirmed about your pregnancy, you need to undergo some tests and scans to determine if your pregnancy is normal. You will go through a series of first trimester tests including blood tests, ultrasounds, urine tests and more. In this articleBasic Primary TestsFirst Trimester ScreenUltrasound TestsChorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)Other Screenings If You Are at RiskBasic Primary TestsYour doctor will first give you a full physical examination, which includes blood pressure check, weight assessment and breast and pelvic examination. Your doctor will also perform the routine cervical test (Pap smear) during the pelvic exam if it is due, which helps in detecting cancer.Your urine also will be tested for sugar, protein, ketones and bacteria, which can identify if you have gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or signs of infection or both. Blood tests would be done for knowing your blood type, Rh factor, screen for anemia, check for immunity to rubella and chickenpox and test for cystic fibrosis, syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.First Trimester ScreenYour doctor will surely suggest you to undergo first trimester screening test, which is used to determine your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome (trisomy 21). It also checks for Edward syndrome (trisomy 18), other chromosomal abnormalities and certain birth defects like heart abnormalities. This screening test is done by taking blood sample (done between 9 and 14 weeks) followed usually, but not necessarily, by an ultrasound screening (done between 11 and 14 weeks). Blood screening results are ready in 1 or 2 weeks, while ultrasound results can be immediate. If you have positive result, then your doctor will send you through further screening, which can indicate certain chromosomal abnormalities.Ultrasound TestsUltrasound tests detect pregnancies outside the uterus, predict the expected date of delivery, check for multiple fetus, check the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus, indicate the position of the placenta, determine the growth rate of placenta, record fetal heartbeat or breathing movements, find structural defects that may indicate Down syndrome, spina bifida or anencephaly, detect other problems such as cleft lip or palate, congenital heart defects and gastrointestinal or kidney malformations, check the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus and guide doctors for tests like amniocentesis. If you are getting the first trimester screening, you will be asked to get an ultrasound between 11-14 weeks.Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)Your doctor will advise you for undergoing CVS if your pregnancy is at high risk, you are 35 or older, have a family history of genetic disorder or your partner has one, had a previous pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality, have a previous child with genetic disorder, or have had a positive result on non-invasive genetic tests. CVS can detect many genetic defects, such as sickle cell anemia, Down syndrome, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. This invasive test is usually done between 10th and 12th week of pregnancy.Other Screenings If You Are at RiskYour health care provider will ask you to undergo other tests based on your and your partners risk factors and medical history. The main screenings or diagnostic tests that would be offered to you in such cases will detect for toxoplasmosis, thyroid disease, blood disorders like sickle cell disease and alpha thalassemia or beta thalassemia, Canavan disease, hepatitis C, Fragile X syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, spinal muscular atrophy, tuberculosis and cytomegalovirus.Do not miss the tests if your doctor advises you any of these during the first trimester of your pregnancy. These tests can tell you about your baby’s health, if your child has a birth defect or chromosomal abnormality and also if you are suffering with any condition that may lead to preterm birth. This will help your doctor to decide if you have to undergo any further diagnostic tests or medical treatment during your course of the pregnancy.What is the importance of tests during first trimester of pregnancy? What kinds of tests are done during first trimester of pregnancy? Is genetic testing possible during first trimester? Discuss here.