During pregnancy, always #WithYouMomToBe!

Generally in pregnancy the most important thing to monitor are the haemoglobin, platelets and white blood cell count. This test looks at the different components of the blood to check if it is within the correct range..

Very low or high haemoglobin levels are associated with increased foetal risk, so these need to be monitored. Iron deficiency anaemia is also a frequent concern during pregnancy caused by decreased haemoglobin. Changes in platelet levels are observed during pregnancy and a low platelet count means you need to inform your doctor. The total white cell count will frequently be high in pregnancy due to increased neutrophils. However, this is not usually associated with an infection or inflammation. It should still be interpreted with care.

Following parameters must be monitored during the whole 9 months of pregnancy.

Testing for blood groups during pregnancy is essential to identify the risk of having ABO or Rh incompatibility between the baby and the mother. If a mother is Rh negative and her developing baby is Rh positive, the mother’s body can make antibodies against the Rh factor. If not identified early on, it can cause issues in a later pregnancy.

A urine test is used to identify bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration, and Preeclampsia by screening for high levels of sugars, proteins, ketones, and bacteria. High levels of sugars may suggest Gestational Diabetes, which may develop around the 20th week of pregnancy. Identifying these risks early means getting timely treatment and reducing any complications arising from them.

Serological screening for HBV, HIV, HCV is performed in pregnancy so that effective interventions can be offered to infected women to decrease the risk of mother to child transmission.

HBsAg (surface antigen) is the screening test performed to diagnose current infection with Hepatitis B Virus.

Anti-HCV antibody test is done to screen for Hepatitis C virus infection. Positive results can mean HCV infection (acute or chronic) or a past infection that has since resolved.

HIV duo: Screening for HIV infection in the early antenatal period can reduce mother to child transmission of the virus if appropriate interventions are done.

Rubella (sometimes called German measles) is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and her developing baby. Rubella serology is performed in pregnancy, to confirm that a mother has antibodies in her blood to protect against future infection with the rubella virus.

It is a routine test performed during pregnancy to check if there is a possibility of you suffering from venereal diseases such as syphilis and is recommended to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis. Untreated maternal infection can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes or complications.

Adequate treatment of maternal infection is effective for preventing transmission to the developing baby and for treating fetal infection.

It is performed for diagnosis of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism.

Pregnancy places unique demands on the thyroid gland and thyroid function, the regulator of metabolism. Many pregnant women can experience some kind of thyroid dysfunction, putting themselves and their babies at risk for short and long-term health complications

But with proper monitoring, hypo and hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can be successfully managed with medicines to reduce incidence of these complications.

These tests are performed to check the glucose level in the blood and also to monitor, screen and diagnose diabetes.

Diabetes if detected needs treatment as soon as possible to keep the mother and the baby healthy during pregnancy and delivery.

Pregnancies affected by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus impose a risk for both mother and the baby as the risk of cesarean and operative vaginal delivery and other health complications are high.

Thalassemia is a genetic condition affecting the quantity and quality of hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells. The screening done during pregnancy allows you to find out the chances of having a baby with hemoglobinopathy.

If test results show presence of carrier state, status of your partner is also checked to determine the level of risk for the developing baby.

If both are found to be carriers, genetic counselling and further testing can be undertaken for having a healthy pregnancy.

Vitamin B12 assays measure the levels of Vitamin B12 in the blood.

Vitamin B12 is a vital dietary requirement during pregnancy and an important nutrient for brain development and its functioning.

Vitamin B12 is vital for the formation of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue. If left unattended, its deficiency can lead to anemia as well as nerve and brain damage, which may eventually become irreversible.

Vitamin D3 assay is used for assessing the amount of Vitamin D present in the blood.

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Because calcium demands increase during pregnancy, checking vitamin D levels becomes crucial for the mother’s and child’s health.

A baby grows rapidly during the first trimester (1 to 12 weeks). The brain, spinal cord and organs develop during this stage and the baby’s heart also begins to beat.

During the first trimester, the probability of a miscarriage is relatively high. Seek immediate help if you experience any miscarriage symptoms.

During the second trimester (13 to 27 weeks), your doctor will ask you to get an anomaly scan ultrasound done.

This test checks for any developmental abnormalities. In this stage, you’ll probably begin to feel your baby move and kick.

During the third trimester (28 to 40 weeks), your weight gain will happen quickly and you might feel more tired.

In this stage your baby can now sense light, open and close its eyes. The bones are also formed by this time.

As labor approaches, you might feel pelvic discomfort and your feet might swell. Braxton Hicks contractions, that don't lead to labour, may start to occur weeks before you deliver.