Testing in pregnancy: How to choose?
Testing in pregnancy:
How to choose?
How to choose?
Pregnancy is an important phase in a woman's life. At different stages of pregnancy, various tests help determine the development of the baby and the mother’s wellbeing. Once pregnancy is confirmed, certain pathology tests are undertaken to keep track of the overall health and assess the risk of infections, chronic health conditions like thyroid disease and PCOS or complications such as Gestational Diabetes.
We bring to you doctor-recommended tests for every stage of pregnancy
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are certain changes that happen in the body during pregnancy. These signs usually start after a week of conception and include:
- Missed periods
- Implantation bleeding
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Abdominal cramps
- Vaginal discharge
- Nausea
- Breast soreness and tenderness
- Food cravings
- Frequent urination
Also known as glucose challenge or glucose tolerance test (GCT/GTT), this test can help in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). It is usually conducted in 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Depending upon the gynecologist's advice, the appropriate GCT/GTT is supposed to be taken up:
A dual marker test is a screening test that is advised for all pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. It helps to assess the risk of certain genetic abnormalities in the fetus and should be done between the 9th-13th week of pregnancy. Ideal time for combined risk assessment 11-13 weeks
TORCH is an acronym for 4 infections - Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV). This test is recommended if you fall sick or are exposed to any infectious diseases during pregnancy. It also indicates if the newborn would show any signs of infections such as jaundice, deafness, heart defects, etc.
As the chances of transmission of HIV from a mother to her kid are high during pregnancy, getting screened for HIV can help to know the status. If tested positive, getting the right treatment can help lower the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Antenatal tests are important tools for protecting the health of a pregnant woman and her child. Various tests are performed under this to determine if the mother has any health conditions that may interfere with the normal development of the fetus or if the fetus has any health conditions that may affect the baby's quality of life. These tests help to identify factors requiring special care.
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