Routine tests :
At your initial visit, your caregiver will take a blood
sample and feel your abdomen; at this and subsequent
visits your blood pressure (BP) and urine will be assessed.
Most often, hospitals and clinics schedule appointments
every 4 weeks until week 28, then it becomes every 2
weeks until week 36 and then weekly.
Blood
and Urine tests
Blood test is taken to check blood group, hemoglobin
levels (to check for anemia) and immunity to rubella
(a postnatal vaccination will be given if you are not
immune). This blood test also checks for Aids, syphilis,
diabetes, hepatitis and rhesus status. The blood pressure
reading taken at your first visit will be used as a
barometer to measure subsequent readings. It is normal
for your BP to be higher in the later part of pregnancy.
Urine is checked for ketones, protein and glucose.
The presence of
1. ketones affects the transportation of oxygen in the
blood
2. protein indicates preeclampsia or some infection
Ultrasound scanning
The
scan is pain-free and there is no risk of miscarriage.
It is routinely done at 16-18 weeks. High pitched sound
waves are reflected back off the baby and replicated
electronically as an image on a screen. It confirms
dates and multiple pregnancies, detects abnormalities
and placental position. |
