Blood Tests During First Trimester And Why You Should Get Them Done

I remember when I was pregnant, I would have a monthly visit to my doctor and would always ask my mother if she had to get a million tests and ultrasounds done in her time. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be pricked every other week and month, right? But if we look at it the other way around, it is only by the grace of technology and these tests that many women are also able to have healthier pregnancies by getting treated for certain potential harm at the right time. So today we have compiled a list of blood tests during first trimester that are not only important but will also keep you abreast of the changes taking place in your body.

1Blood Group, Rh Factor and Antibody Tests

The very first of the tests when you recently find out that you’re pregnant will be the generic tests like finding out what blood group you fall in, whether you are Rh negative or Rh positive and general antibody tests. In the Rh factor test, the response of the immune system is checked to antibodies. If it is found that you carry Rh negative blood, then there are chances of complications in the pregnancy. So your doctor will advice you on timely Rh immune globulin shot for a healthy fetus and healthy you.

2Complete Blood Count Test (CBC)

Another test that happens in the first trimester is the complete blood count. When you’re pregnant there is a chance of a 20% increase in the total RBCs in your blood. Where a hemoglobin level of 10.5 gm/dL is considered fine, but anything lower than that would mean that your doctor will recommend you get iron supplements and/or iron-rich diet. Also, in case the level of WBCs in your blood is elevated, it could possibly mean an infection of some sort and you will be treated in a timely manner.

3Hepatitis B Test

If you are found to be positive in the Hepatitis B test result, it can lead to your baby being affected by it post delivery. It is a virus and is spread very easily from one person to the other via bodily fluids from semen, vaginal discharge, blood etc. So if you happen to be a carrier of Hepatitis B, there’s a good chance other members in your family be tested for it as well, specially your partner.

4Test for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

One of the STDs is Syphilis which is an infection and can be contracted by your baby once it is born. Therefore it is extremely important to be treated with proper antibiotics in case you are tested positive for Syphilis. Although Syphilis may not be a very common infection as of today, but a screening for pregnant women must be done nevertheless.

ALSO READ – Why First Trimester Is The Most Crucial Period In Pregnancy

5HIV Test

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Another very important blood test done in the first trimester on pregnant women is that of HIV. In case you are found to be positively carrying the virus, it is very likely that your baby will get it from you too. So in order to greatly lower the chances of that happening, your doctor will advise you on the treatment you should be taking in your pregnancy.

These tests are only the beginning of the many tests that are done throughout your pregnancy. A positive side to these tests is that your baby gets a better chance at a healthy life in case you are tested positive for any of the aforementioned factors.

How has your experience been getting blood tests done? Did your doctor advise you on any other test apart from these? Let our readers know.