Pregnancy Testing

A range of tests are recommended during pregnancy to make your pregnancy safe, check and assess the development and well-being of you and your baby, as well as screen for particular conditions. Some tests are done at almost every check-up. A few others are done only at certain times during pregnancy, or if you have certain problems. Blood tests and urine tests are two routine tests conducted during pregnancy.

Blood tests

Blood tests are done to know your blood type (A, B, AB, or O; Rh positive or Rh negative), immunity to German measles (rubella), and haemoglobin levels. The tests also reveal if you are suffering from conditions such as hepatitis B, syphilis or AIDS.

Urine tests

You will be asked to give a urine sample at each prenatal (medical and nursing care offered during pregnancy) visit. This test determines the levels of protein and sugar in your blood. Sugar levels higher than normal are an indication of diabetes during pregnancy, which can be treated. Also, proteins in urine may be a sign of urinary tract infection or kidney disease that also needs to be treated.