Tests In Pregnancy
What are all these tests for?
In New Zealand, as across the world, routine tests in pregnancy are recommended. These tests screen for potential problems and help to predict risks to your health and that of your baby. They help us to provide better care for you and your baby.
Blood tests
Hemoglobin
A hemoglobin test checks to make sure your blood is able to carry enough oxygen and iron.
Blood group and antibody screen
This checks for your blood type (A,B,O or AB), Rhesus factor and any unusual red cell antibodies.
If you are Rhesus Negative, you will require an injection called “Anti-D” if you bleed or if you have any invasive treatments during pregnancy.
We also recommend that you have an Anti-D injection at 28 and 34 weeks as a routine.
This injection may also be given to you after delivery if your baby’s blood group is positive.
Rubella titre
Checks for immunity to Rubella (German measles).
Babies are at risk of abnormalities if a mother has rubella infection in the first three months of pregnancy.
Most women are now immune to rubella, having already been vaccinated at school.
This test will clarify your immunity status to Rubella.
Hepatitis B
Checks for past exposure or immunity to Hepatitis B.
This is a virus which infects the liver and can remain in the blood for many years without any sign of illness.
The Department of Health recommends that all pregnant women are screened for this virus because if the mother is a carrier, the infection can be passed on to the newborn.
Immunisation can be started at birth to prevent infection of these babies and allow them to grow up as healthy children.
VDRL
Screens for possible exposure to Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease.
This disease is now rare. However, testing is recommended because this infection can cause serious damage to babies when untreated.
Treatment of the mother with penicillin will control the infection and prevent serious effects developing in babies.
HIV
Screens for possible previous exposure to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Although this infection is relatively uncommon in New Zealand, the Department of Health recommends offering this test routinely, and encourages all pregnant women to have it.
HIV can occur with no specific signs of illness, and can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, at delivery or through breast-feeding.
Infection from mother to baby can be greatly reduced by newer forms of treatment of mothers during pregnancy and of newborn babies.
Polycose test
Screens for Gestational diabetes and is recommended at 28 weeks or earlier if there are other risk factors present.
Some women develop Gestational Diabetes, a problem with sugar or glucose control, during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes may lead to a big baby.
Treatment with insulin may be necessary to reduce though not eliminate this risk.
Furthermore, the chances of you developing diabetes after pregnancy is also increased so you will need at least yearly check ups with your own GP after pregnancy.
Other tests
Smear test
Screens for cervical cancer. If your smear is due to be done, we can do this during your pregnancy or after your baby is born.
Vaginal swabs
Screens for sexually transmitted infection and bacterial vaginosis.
Screening for Group B Streptococcus is offered at 36 weeks. This bacteria normally lives in the vagina but in 1 in 1000 cases can cause the baby to become very sick in the first week of life.
Screening at 36 weeks will help us to identify babies at risk of this disease. If the bacteria is identified, you will be given antibiotics during labour to prevent transmission to your baby and reduce the risk for infection.
Urine test
Checks for sugar and protein in your urine.
Screens for urinary tract infection and kidney problems.
Ultrasound scans
Ultrasound creates a picture of your baby on a computer screen using sound waves.
It provides information on how many babies there are, your baby’s due date, your baby’s position, how well your baby is growing, the location of your baby’s placenta, and any abnormality.
Ultrasound has been used routinely in pregnancy management for over 30 years, it does not cause miscarriage and is considered safe.
Genetic testing
Up to 2% of all babies are born with some kind of abnormality. Most abnormalities will be minor, but some will be significant. Antenatal screening and diagnostic tests attempt to predict, diagnose or exclude these chromosomal and structural abnormalities. The aim is to provide information that help you plan and manage your pregnancy.
When you visit us at Birthright, we will discuss factors that help in deciding if you would benefit from genetic testing. These include: your age, your medical, obstetric and genetic background.
Various tests may be offered to check the health of your baby. Screening tests assess your risk of having a baby being born with certain conditions, such as spina bifida or Down’s syndrome, but cannot give a definite “yes” or “no” diagnosis. Diagnostic tests are more invasive but are able to confirm whether or not there is a problem.
For many women, the decision to have these tests is a difficult one: Talk to us, and let us help you with this decision.
Screening tests
Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)
Non-invasive prenatal testing is a new method of screening for certain chromosomal abnormalities in a developing baby. NIPT can identify the most common chromosome conditions, including trisomy 21(Downs Syndrome), 18 or 13.
During pregnancy, some DNA from the placenta crosses into the woman’s blood. NIPT tests this cell-free DNA fragments. This test can be performed from 10 weeks onwards, and involves a simple blood test from the woman.
NIPT has the advantage of improved accuracy, faster turnaround times for results and low failure rate.
This test is currently not funded in NZ, but can be performed by the Birthright team during your consultation, for an extra fee.
MSS-1 -First trimester combined maternal screening
This form of screening involved 2 tests
- a. A blood test (maternal serum screen) which can be taken between 9 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy (ideally between 10 and 12 weeks).
- b. Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan. This is an ultrasound scan which can be carried out between 11 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
The combined risk result is calculated by the laboratory, and is calculated from the NT scan result, the maternal serum screening test result, and other factors including the woman’s age and weight, gestation and family history.
This test is fully funded by the Ministry of Health.
MSS-2 : Second trimester maternal serum screening
Second trimester maternal serum screening is offered to all women who present after 14 weeks and before 20 weeks of pregnancy, or who have not completed first trimester combined screening. This involves a blood test. The risk result will be calculated by the laboratory.
This test is fully funded by the Ministry of Health.
Anatomy ultrasound scan
This is a detailed ultrasound scan performed at 18 to 20 weeks, during which each part of your baby’s body is examined.
It screens for structural abnormalities.
This scan is able to detect 90% of babies with spina bifida and 50%-60% of babies with congenital heart abnormalities.
Diagnostic tests
For genetic or inherited conditions such as Downs syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
This test is performed at 10 to 12 weeks. Under ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is used to remove a small sample of placental tissue from the placenta.
This tissue can provide genetic information from your baby. The advantage of CVS is it can be performed early in pregnancy.
There is an associated miscarriage risk of 1-2%.
Amniocentesis
This test is performed at 15 to 17 weeks.
It can also be performed at any time later in pregnancy if necessary.
This is a test for genetic or inherited conditions such as Downs syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
Under ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is used to remove a small sample of amniotic fluid from around your baby.
The fluid is cultured for your baby’s chromosomal makeup.
Results are available in two weeks.
There is an associated miscarriage risk of 0.5-1%
Our goal at Birthright is to provide you the best gynaecological care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where you can talk to us about your needs.
Call us and discuss your care.
0800 247 848