Pregnancy is an important phase in a women’s life and the health of the child is directly related to the health of the mother. The first trimester of pregnancy is the most crucial period and requires thorough evaluation. It also screens for important infectious diseases like:
HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in the pregnant female which can be transmitted from mother to her child. Antenatal tests are important tools for protecting the health of a pregnant woman and her child.
Interpretations:
- CBC – It indicates the hemoglobin level of the patient. Low hemoglobin indicates anemia
- Blood group and RH factor – Presence of Rh-negative mother with Rh-positive father will make the child susceptible to Hemolytic disease of newborn
- Blood sugar – High blood sugar indicates gestational diabetes
- VDRL;
- HIV1&2;
- HBsAg – Positive VDRL test indicates syphilis, HIV 1&2 indicate – HIV infection while positive HBsAg imply that the pregnant woman is suffering from hepatitis B
- Urine- Can detect the presence of urinary tract infections
Obstetric ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of a baby (embryo or foetus) within a pregnant woman, as well as the mother’s uterus and ovaries.
It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and is the preferred method for monitoring pregnant women and their unborn babies.
