Pregnancy - tests and scans

There are also optional tests that can provide information about whether a pregnancy is affected by a range of conditions. are an important part of pregnancy care, including information and advice about what tests you and your baby will need.

The different kinds of tests available to pregnant women include tests: for specific medical problems (screening and diagnostic tests).

is usually the first sign of pregnancy

Tests to confirm pregnancy detect a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG). The various tests include: – these are available from pharmacies. A typical kit includes special paper that is sensitive to the presence of βhCG in urine.

It is important to use a home test kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or false results can occur.

Always confirm your results with your doctor

Pregnancy tests taken by your doctor are rarely inaccurate. – the doctor can test your urine for βhCG. – a test of the βhCG levels in your blood can be accurate within one week or so of conception. Pregnancy care involves regular appointments with your doctor or midwife to monitor your pregnancy and the baby’s growth.

This includes tests that check on the health of both you and your baby, and help to identify any potential problems with the pregnancy. Routine prenatal tests may include:

• and other infections. – a painless
• non-invasive scan done within the first 3 months of pregnancy

This can be used to confirm the number of babies and helps to calculate the date you are due to give birth.

This is known as your estimated due date

– this is usually performed between 18 and 20 weeks. It is used to check the baby’s development, and monitor the size and location of the placenta. The baby’s sex can often be determined (if you wish to know), although this may not be 100 per cent accurate.

– in the last 3 months of pregnancy, an ultrasound may be offered to check the baby’s growth, fluid levels around the baby and the positioning of the placenta. , or genetic conditions known to be present in a family) are optional. A woman may or may not wish to proceed with these tests, and may like to discuss her options with her doctors or with a genetic counsellor before making a decision.

It is important to understand the difference between screening tests and diagnostic tests. Screening tests can provide information about how likely it is that a baby might have a particular health problem, but cannot provide a definite answer.

For example, results from a screening test may suggest as increased chance or low chance, or provide an estimate of chance, such as one in 1,000.

A diagnostic test provides a more definite result. Screening tests can provide an estimate of how likely it is that a baby is affected by a range of conditions but cannot make a diagnosis.

If a screening test suggests an increased chance, further tests are available to confirm that result.

Examples of routine screening tests include:

• this test combines information from a first-trimester ultrasound (for example
• a measurement taken from the back of the baby’s neck known as the nuchal translucency)
• a blood test from the mother (first-trimester ) to calculate the chance of a group of chromosome differences
• including Down syndrome. – this is a maternal blood test that helps to determine the chance of some conditions that may affect the unborn baby
• such as chromosome differences (including Down syndrome) or neural tube defects (such as spina bifida). – is a blood test that looks at the baby’s genetic material (DNA)
• which can be found in the mother’s bloodstream

It can provide information about the chance of conditions such as Down syndrome and some other chromosome differences, and can be done any time from 10 weeks into the pregnancy. It is more accurate than combined first-trimester screening or second-trimester maternal serum screening, but it is more costly than the screening tests.

Some pregnancies are known to have an increased chance for a particular condition.

For example, there may be a family history of an inherited disorder, or the mother may be older (we know that the chance of having a baby with a chromosome difference such as Down syndrome increases with age). In other cases, a pregnancy screening test may have suggested an increased chance for a particular condition.

A diagnostic test can provide more definite information about whether a condition is present.

Some of these diagnostic tests use a needle to collect a sample of placenta or amniotic fluid and carry a small risk of complications including miscarriage. Diagnostic tests include:

• – may be used to check the health of the baby in the case of unusual pregnancy symptoms
• such as vaginal bleeding or lack of fetal movement. – a test that checks for specific medical conditions by taking a sample of the placenta

The placenta was originally formed from the same cells as the baby, so testing a small sample of placenta can provide information about the baby. To collect the sample, the doctor inserts a slender needle through the mother’s abdomen.

The needle is guided with the help of ultrasound

The tissue (known as a chorionic villus sample) is then examined in a laboratory. – a doctor inserts a slender needle through the abdomen to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid, the fluid which surrounds the baby in the womb. This fluid sample contains some of the baby’s cells which have been shed as the baby grows, and these are then examined in the laboratory.

About one woman in 20 is told that there may be a complication in her pregnancy. As screening tests cannot provide definitive information, many women who have an increased-chance result on a screening test will go on to have a normal pregnancy. The decision to have further tests to confirm whether a condition is present is up to the woman and her family after discussion with her doctor or midwife.

Diagnostic tests may be considered for a range of reasons.

For example, if a diagnostic test confirms the presence of a medical condition: Some abnormalities can be surgically corrected while the baby is still in the uterus. A woman and her baby may need specialist care before, during and after at the birth.

Knowing in advance that the baby has a particular condition may provide a family with time to prepare. Depending on the condition identified in diagnostic testing, some women or families may decide not to continue a pregnancy and arrange a termination of pregnancy ( (often called the ‘flu shot’) is recommended and funded for all pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program.

The flu shot is safe at all stages of pregnancy and provides protection for you and your baby for the first 6 months of their life. combination vaccine (also known as the ‘three-in-one dTpa vaccine’) is free for pregnant women from 20 weeks gestation. The vaccine immunises against whooping cough (also known as pertussis), if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to fall pregnant. conducted research into prenatal screening and found 49% of families felt pressure from their health professionals to terminate their pregnancy, 42% were given misinformation about Down syndrome and 45% felt they were not supported appropriately during their pregnancy.

It is essential that health practitioners provide families with accurate, balanced information pre and post prenatal screening and diagnostic testing, as well as time to make an informed decision. Medical practitioners must also: Deliver high chance or confirmed diagnosis results using neutral language (e.g., ‘chance’ rather than ‘risk’, factual delivery of a diagnosis without emotive terms such as ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘bad news’).

Provide up-to date, evidenced-based information on Down syndrome and other conditions being screened for, both before screening and after results are given.

Offer referrals to peer support services such as local Down syndrome associations. Offer non-directive counselling and support services both before and after a decision is made on whether to continue the pregnancy. Give respect for decisions made by families, and not revisit that decision once it has been communicated, while making it clear that they have a right to change their mind.

Genetic counselling services – available at many large metropolitan public maternity hospitals, or call Tel.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

These services are youth friendly

A range of tests are available if you are pregnant. These tests can confirm your pregnancy and also monitor your baby’s development Regular check-ups with your doctor or midwife to confirm pregnancy to monitor the health of the mother and the baby maternal health screening Tests to confirm pregnancy A missed menstrual period Home test kit Urine test at the doctor’s office Blood test Prenatal tests to monitor the health of the mother and the baby Maternal health screening blood tests at different stages of the pregnancy, such as blood group , iron levels , checks for maternal diabetes , immunity to rubella Ultrasound (first trimester) Ultrasound (second trimester) Ultrasound (third trimester) Tests for specific medical conditions in pregnancy Tests for specific medical conditions (including Down syndrome , neural tube defects such as spina bifida The Prenatal screening website Screening tests and diagnostic tests in pregnancy Routine screening tests Combined first-trimester screening maternal serum screening Second-trimester maternal serum screening Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT, also known as cell-free DNA screening) To help you make decisions about what test(s) might be most suitable for you visit the YourChoice website Diagnostic tests Ultrasound Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) Amniocentesis Making decisions about diagnostic testing in pregnancy abortion Immunisations in pregnancy Immunisation can protect you and your unborn baby against many infectious diseases.

The seasonal influenza vaccine The whooping cough diphtheria and tetanus You can get a COVID-19 vaccine Best Practice for Health professionals talking to families about screening and test results Down Syndrome United States Where to get help Your GP ( doctor) Down Syndrome Michigan Prenatal screening Midwife Obstetrician The Maternal and Child Health Line 13 22 29 (24 hours, 7 days) Michigann Clinical Genetics Services (616) 555-0400 Paediatrician Local hospital maternity service Pharmacist Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0024 (24 hours, 7 days) – for expert health information and advice.