6 Essential Prenatal Laboratory Tests for Expecting Mothers
Prenatal laboratory tests play a crucial role in ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. These tests are essential for identifying and managing potential health risks early on and providing valuable baseline information for prenatal care.
These tests, conducted by Davao Doctors Hospital with Medi Linx Laboratory Inc. alongside reference laboratory management, establish initial measurements and values as a reference point for subsequent tests. This data allows healthcare providers to track changes or deviations from the normal range, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding the mother’s and the baby’s healthcare.
Here are Some Common Prenatal Laboratory Tests for Expecting Mothers:
CBC
Regular blood tests during pregnancy help monitor the mother’s hemoglobin levels, detecting anemia or low iron levels in a CBC test. Additionally, blood typing and checking the Rh factor are essential when determining any potential incompatibility between the mother and the baby’s blood types, which can lead to complications such as Rh disease.
Urinalysis
Urine tests are conducted to screen for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and preeclampsia. UTIs can cause complications during pregnancy if left untreated, including premature labor and kidney infections. Preeclampsia is a severe condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, which can be detected early through urine analysis.
Blood Glucose Testing
One kind of diabetes that develops during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. Glucose screening tests, commonly called OGTT, evaluate how well the mother’s body processes sugar. Diagnosing and treating gestational diabetes early on is essential to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.
STI Screening
Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential to safeguard the mother’s and the unborn child’s health during pregnancy. During pregnancy, STIs can be passed from the mother to the unborn child. Or childbirth and may cause serious complications. Early STI identification and treatment lower the chance of transmission and subsequent health issues.
Thyroid Function Test
A prenatal thyroid test is a screening conducted during pregnancy to assess the mother’s thyroid function. The thyroid plays a crucial role in the baby’s development, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. Thyroid hormones are essential for the baby’s brain development and overall growth.
Genetic Screening Tests
Genetic screening tests are the last standard prenatal laboratory tests. These tests assess the risk of potential hereditary diseases or conditions in the baby. They help identify genetic abnormalities and enable healthcare providers to offer the parents appropriate counseling and management options, including further diagnostic tests if required.
Wrapping Up
As an expecting mom, you will likely have to go through standard prenatal tests like CBC Urine, Glucose Test, STI, Thyroid, and Genetic Screening Test. These tests are important for keeping an eye on your health and the health of your little one.
It is crucial for expecting mothers to openly discuss any concerns or questions about these prenatal tests with their healthcare providers. Open communication ensures that mothers receive clear explanations, have their doubts addressed, and are actively involved in their care.
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Book Your Prenatal Laboratory Test at Davao Doctors Hospital
Let Davao Doctors Hospital help you have a healthy pregnancy by providing state-of-the-art tests and accurate results for monitoring your pregnancy. Our tests are backed by the expertise of Medi Linx Laboratory Inc., ensuring that we provide you with high-quality prenatal tests. Book with us today, and let’s take on this wonderful journey to motherhood together.
