During your pregnancy there are many routine blood tests conducted to be sure you are healthy and the baby will be healthy at birth. These tests are all very simple and only require a small poke in your arm to draw blood. Your blood is then sent to the lab to be tested and the results are sent back to your doctor. If there are any problems with any of the results, your doctor’s office will call you as soon as possible to set up a course of action to resolve the problem. While blood tests are never fun, having the peace of mind that results from a clear bill of health is much appreciated during the anxious time of pregnancy. In this article I will list and explain the most common blood tests that are done during a woman’s pregnancy.
One of the very first times you are at the doctor for a prenatal visit, the doctor will send you to the lab to have your blood drawn. This first blood test is known as a Hemogram and checks your blood cell counts. The lab will do a complete blood cell count as well as a red cell and white cell count. These numbers will reveal if you are anemic or have an infection. This test is usually repeated again between 24 and 28 weeks of your pregnancy.
You will also have your blood checked for you blood type and Rh factor. It is important to know your blood type should you need a blood transfusion at any time during pregnancy of delivery. The Rh factor is also tested to be sure there will be no compatibility problems with your blood and the baby’s blood. If you are Rh negative, you will be given a vaccination called RH Immune Globulin to prevent the development of Rh antibodies.
Your doctor will most likely suggest you be tested for Rubella which is commonly known as German Measles. Your blood will reveal if you have Rubella antibodies which means you are most likely safe and do not need to worry about contracting the disease. If you do not have Rubella antibodies, you must be very cautious to avoid any person or place where you may contract the disease. If the mother suffers from Rubella while pregnant, the baby may suffer and have some serious malformations.
Many doctors like to test for several STD’s early in pregnancy as well. If you have any suspicions of an STD, your doctor will most likely order a blood test to rule out any disease. STD’s such as syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes are most commonly checked for as well as HIV. These diseases can all be passed on to the baby, so it is important to get early treatment during your pregnancy. HIV has a 33% chance of being passed onto the baby if not treated, but if the mother is treated during pregnancy, the chance of passing it to the baby drops to only 10%.
Hepatitis is also commonly tested for in pregnant women. Hepatitis can be passed very easily onto the unborn baby and result in malformation of certain organs. Hepatitis results in the liver becoming inflamed and not functioning properly.
As with any medical procedure during pregnancy, they are completely optional and you never need to have them done. It is best though to ensure the safety of the mother and baby and be aware of your health status. Blood tests are very simple and treatment for many of the diseases is also simple and effective. When the health and well being of your infant is at stake, it is best to follow the doctor’s orders. Obstetricians have the best interest of the pregnant woman and the in-utero baby on their agenda!
