Antenatal tests are conducted to ensure that you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. They play an important role in pregnancy care. There are various tests, including urine tests, blood tests, and ultrasound scans, that are used to check different aspects of your health and your baby’s health. Some tests are recommended for every pregnant woman, while others are recommended only if there is a risk of a certain condition. At your first antenatal visit, your doctor or midwife will explain which antenatal tests are required. They will give you a complete list of blood tests.
| Pregnancy scans timeline | Scan | Purpose |
| 6–10 weeks | Early pregnancy (dating/viability) scan | Early pregnancy scan is conducted to confirm pregnancy, estimate due date, check baby’s heartbeat, and confirm if there is more than one baby. |
| 11–14 weeks | Nuchal translucency (NT) scan | This scan is done to screen for chromosomal conditions when combined with blood tests and also to assess early fetal development. |
| 18–22 weeks | Anomaly (mid-pregnancy) scan | Anomaly scan is conducted to examine the baby’s anatomy, including the heart, brain, spine, limbs, kidneys, and placenta. |
| 28–40 weeks (if indicated) | Growth scan(s) | As the name implies, a growth scan is used to measure the baby’s growth, placental position, amniotic fluid, and blood flow. Often conducted if there are risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, reduced fetal movements, growth restriction, or twins. |
| 36–37 weeks (if placenta was low earlier) | Placental position scan | Checks whether a previously low-lying placenta has moved away from the cervix. |
| Blood test | What it checks | Usual timing |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | This test checks infection, anemia, and platelet count. | It is recommended during the first visit, and repeated at 24-28 weeks. |
| Blood Group & Rh Factor | Blood type (A, B, AB, O) and Rh status | First visit |
| Antibody Screen (Indirect Coombs Test) | Antibodies that could affect the baby. | First visit; repeated if Rh-negative |
| Blood Sugar (Fasting/RBS/HbA1c) | Diabetes or pre-existing diabetes. | First visit if indicated |
| Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT/OGTT) | Gestational diabetes | 24–28 weeks |
| HIV Test | HIV infection | First visit |
| Hepatitis B (HBsAg) | Hepatitis B infection | First visit |
| Hepatitis C | Hepatitis C infection | If recommended |
| Syphilis (VDRL/RPR) | Syphilis infection | First visit |
| Rubella IgG | Immunity to rubella | First visit |
| Thyroid Function (TSH ± T3/T4) | Thyroid disorders | If indicated |
| Iron Studies (Ferritin) | Iron deficiency | If anemia is suspected |
| Vitamin D | Vitamin D deficiency | If indicated |
| Vitamin B12 & Folate | Nutritional deficiencies | If indicated |
| Liver Function Tests (LFT) | Liver health | If symptoms or high blood pressure develop |
| Kidney Function Tests (KFT) | Kidney health | If indicated |
| Hemoglobin Electrophoresis/Thalassemia Screen | Inherited blood disorders | If at risk or as part of routine screening in some areas |
| Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) | Screens for chromosomal conditions (e.g., Down syndrome) using fetal DNA in the mother's blood | From 10 weeks onward |
| First-Trimester Combined Screening | Blood markers with NT scan | 11–13+6 weeks |
| Maternal Serum AFP / Quad Screen | Screens for neural tube defects and certain chromosomal conditions | 15–22 weeks (if NIPT or first-trimester screening wasn't done) |
Antenatal blood tests are important during pregnancy, as they can check your own and your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy. These tests can help to:
It’s essential to conduct these tests at the recommended time to ensure you get the most accurate information. The test results identify if there is any risk of a certain condition in you or your baby, so you and your healthcare team can make informed decisions about your pregnancy. Ask your midwife or doctor if you are unsure when you need to have a specific test or why it is recommended for you.
Your midwife or doctor will recommend certain antenatal tests:
You can have your blood tests done at Pathology Glenroy Centre or hospital by a trained pathology collector.
A sonographer is responsible for performing ultrasound scans. They can also be done by doctors, midwives, or other health workers.
Procedures like chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis are done by a specialist doctor in a clinic or hospital.
Conclusion
If you are pregnant, make sure you are getting all the recommended tests done as per the suggestions by your doctor.
