Essential tests to do at each time in pregnancy

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During pregnancy, in order to closely monitor the health of the mother as well as the development of the fetus, women need to perform periodic antenatal checkups as well as safe pregnancy management. Besides, conducting tests during pregnancy such as HIV test, hepatitis B test... plays a very important role.

1. Testing during pregnancy

Testing during pregnancy is extremely important for the mother as well as the fetus because it not only helps to screen for abnormalities in the mother's health, but also evaluates and monitors the development and abnormalities of the fetus. usually in the fetus. The test milestones in pregnancy are usually the first 3 months, the second 3 months and the last 3 months of pregnancy. Although there are many types of tests during pregnancy, they fall into two main categories: screening tests and diagnostic tests.
Screening tests help screen and detect the possibility of some diseases for the fetus. Diagnostic tests contribute to the diagnosis of pathological outcomes

2. Screening test

2.1 Measurement of nuchal translucency Ultrasound focusing on the fetal nape can detect abnormalities in fetal chromosomes such as Down syndrome, congenital heart disease... This test is quite well done. early, usually when the fetus is 11 to 14 weeks old.
2.2 HCG test HCG test is done to survey the mother's blood vessel status to quantify HCG, thereby detecting some abnormalities in multiple pregnancies (HCG is too high). The test is done when the fetus is between 15 and 16 weeks old. In addition, the HCG test contributes to the screening of fetal malformations, followed by amniocentesis to confirm the diagnosis.
2.3 AFP test AFP test is a blood test done when the fetus is between 15 and 16 weeks old for the purpose of quantifying fetal alpha-fetoprotein mixed in the mother's blood. Through the test, it will screen for abnormalities such as neural tube defects, headless pregnancy or Down syndrome.

3. Diagnostic tests

3.1 Fetal ultrasound Fetal ultrasound is the use of high-frequency sound waves to give images related to the structure and body shape of the fetus in order to monitor the development of the fetus as well as detect abnormalities. . This is a safe method for both mother and baby, and also helps diagnose related diseases. The following are important ultrasound milestones that a woman should pay attention to:
2 to 4 weeks late: ultrasound at this time to determine if a woman is pregnant, and to confirm determine the position of the fetus is inside or outside the uterus, the number of fetuses. Besides, ultrasound also helps to diagnose fetal heart rate, whether the fetus is a normal fetus or an ectopic pregnancy. Diseases such as fibroids, cysts, fetal movements... are also investigated during ultrasound. Ultrasound also helps to calculate gestational age and determine the expected date of delivery. Gestational age from 11 to 13 weeks 6 days: nuchal translucency ultrasound to screen for Down's disease. Gestational age from 20 to 24 weeks: 3D, 4D ultrasound to view fetal shape, screening for fetal malformations. Abnormalities found on ultrasound during this period include cleft lip, cleft palate, heart defects, clubfoot, hydrocephalus... Gestational age from 30 to 32 weeks: color ultrasound should be done used to measure indicators of fetal growth. At the same time, continue to screen for fetal abnormalities that have not been found so that the previous ultrasound scans the brain, heart, and kidneys of the fetus. 3.2 Amniocentesis Amniocentesis is performed around the 18th week by taking a sample of amniotic fluid from the mother's uterus for testing. Through amniocentesis, Down syndrome as well as other chromosomal disorders can be detected, especially in women aged 35 years and over.
3.3 Chorionic villus sampling Is performed between 11 and 13 weeks gestation and is similar to amniocentesis. Chorionic villus sampling is also used to detect chromosomal abnormalities but is less commonly used than amniocentesis because the miscarriage rate with this test is 1%. Therefore, only when the pregnant woman has little amniotic fluid, a fetal membrane sample is indicated.
3.4 Umbilical cord puncture A blood analysis of the fetus through the umbilicus to assess for low oxygen status or fetal anemia. In addition, this test also helps to survey the adverse reaction of the mother's immune system to the fetus and some diseases such as measles, toxoplasmosis, herpes...

4. Other important tests

4.1 Blood test Blood test is one of the tests during pregnancy that is done very commonly because through it, it is possible to detect whether the mother has viral infection, HIV infection, hepatitis virus or not. The blood test also determines the blood group in order to promptly have blood for transfusion when in critical condition. Anemia of pregnant women is also shown by blood test results.
4.2 Leukemia test Leukemia test helps to identify the mother's conditions such as genital infections causing miscarriage, premature birth, premature rupture of membranes.. From there, there can be a way to treat as well as prevent the condition. infection to the fetus.
4.3 Urine protein test This type of test is done during each prenatal visit by taking a midstream urine sample for testing. Urine protein helps to partly diagnose urinary tract infections, gestational high blood pressure, diabetes... When a pregnant woman has these diseases, her baby will be born with malformations such as neural tube defects. , spina bifida, malformations in the heart, kidneys, large fetus causing difficulty in childbirth, respiratory failure, bronchitis at birth.
4.4 Testing for hepatitis B, testing for hepatitis C This test is done to prevent the baby from being infected with the hepatitis virus after birth.
4.5 Test for gonorrhea, syphilis If gonorrhea and syphilis are not detected, the child born with this disease can lead to blindness. Therefore, it is necessary to perform tests for gonorrhea and syphilis to prevent this situation, and promptly handle with antibiotics for the baby.
4.6 HIV Testing When a mother is infected with the HIV virus, there is a 30% chance that her baby will also be infected with HIV. HIV testing helps to investigate this condition early to have appropriate care for the mother as well as to prevent transmission to the fetus. HIV testing should be done when the family has a birth plan to have a solution and adjust birth accordingly.
4.7 Down syndrome test This test is done to detect chromosomal disorders in Down syndrome. If not detected in time, the child may be born with signs of mental deterioration as well as abnormalities in other organs.

5. Conclusion

In order to give birth to healthy babies as well as protect the safety of the mother, in addition to prenatal care, it is also necessary to carry out tests during pregnancy to screen and detect abnormal changes to prevent pregnancy. so that appropriate interventions can be taken at the right time to prevent unwanted complications for both mother and baby.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.