Routine Tests in Pregnancy
All blood tests may not be done at the same appointment. Some may be done early in pregnancy and some may be done later in pregnancy. Blood tests are done to check for a number of things:
Blood type and antibody screen. Your blood type can be A, B, AB, or O. It can be Rh positive or Rh negative. If your blood lacks the Rh antigen, it is Rh negative. If it has the antigen, it is Rh positive. Problems can arise when the baby's blood has the Rh factor and the mother's does not. The mother's body may react as if it were allergic to the fetus. It can make antibodies that attack the baby's blood. This can cause the baby to be anemic (have low iron levels) and requires special care during pregnancy.
Haemoglobin. This is measured to check for anaemia. If low levels of iron are found, you may be given supplements to increase them like Galfer or Spatone.
Rubella. Your blood will be checked for signs of a past infection with German measles (rubella). If you had this infection before, you are not likely to get it again. If you have not had it, while you are pregnant avoid anyone who has the disease. A vaccine for rubella is available, but it is best not to get it during pregnancy. If your blood test shows you are not immune, you should get the vaccine after the baby is born.
Hepatitis B virus. This virus infects the liver. If you have it, you can pass it to your baby. After the baby is born, you may be given a drug to help treat the virus. Your baby will be given the same medication and a vaccine against the virus after birth.
Syphilis. This is a sexually transmitted disease that can be treated. If you have it and are not treated, you could pass it to your baby. This disease can cause major health problems for a baby if he or she is infected.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that attacks certain cells of the body's immune system and causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). If you have HIV, there is a chance you could pass it to your baby. While you are pregnant you can be given medication to help reduce this risk.
Glucose. If you are at increased risk the level of sugar in your blood may be measured to test for diabetes.Women with a family history of diabetes, diabetes in a previous pregnancy, a previously very large baby or women who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it as it should. You may be asked to provide a random blood glucose test or a GTT (glucose tolerance test). For this test, you drink a special sugar mixture like lucozade. An hour later, a blood sample is drawn from your arm and sent to a lab. This test usually is done later in pregnancy. In most cases, a special diet and exercise can help control diabetes. Medication also may be needed.