What medical tests are done in pregnancy

The main purpose of tests during pregnancy is to check that the woman and the fetus are in perfect condition. It is what is also known as prenatal exams, which in short is a series of studies that determine whether the baby is growing properly or if the mother has any condition that may put her or the child’s health at risk. These tests can also help us plan the vaginal or caesarean delivery route depending on the conditions in which mother and child are.
Although it is advisable to undergo all the tests that the specialist doctor recommends, Do not lose sight of that some may involve certain risks, and it is advisable to be properly informed.

Calendar of tests during pregnancy

Throughout the pregnancy, a visit is made with a more or less monthly periodicity, in which the evolution of the pregnancy, the presence of fetal movements are monitored and weight, blood pressure and uterine height are monitored as an index of fetal growth.

First-trimester testing

• Diagnostic ultrasound: performed at week 6-8, in which the pregnancy is confirmed, which is correctly located, whether it is single or multiple
• Week 12 ultrasound: first Morphological Study of the fetus to assess the fetal anatomy visible at these weeks of pregnancy, and indicators of chromosomal alterations.
• General analysis: to assess the general condition of the pregnant woman, if she requires any vitamin supplement, and sees her immunity with respect to certain infectious diseases, such as toxoplasmosis.
• Prenatal diagnostic analysis: Triple screening is a blood test that will calculate the risk of the fetus suffering from Down syndrome based on three data: maternal age, the thickness of the nuchal translucency, and value of hormones secreted during pregnancy.

Second-trimester testing

• Week 20 ultrasound: a complete scan of the entire fetal anatomy to rule out malformations and assess fetal growth.
• Blood tests: to assess the condition of the pregnant woman, the existence of anemia, immune status with respect to certain infections
• O’Sullivan Test: to rule out a common pathology of pregnancy such as gestational diabetes.

Third-trimester testing

• Third-trimester ultrasound: week 32-34, for anatomical monitoring and evaluation of fetal growth.
  Third-trimester analysis and coagulation tests
• Vaginal and rectal culture: to detect which pregnant women are asymptomatic carriers of a vaginal or rectal germ that may be the cause of infection of the
• Fetal heart rate monitoring or non-stressful Test: the heart rate of the fetus is recorded for 20-30 minutes.