Pre-Pregnancy Tests
Pre-Pregnancy Tests | Pregnancy is an important milestone in a woman’s life and is of great importance for both the mother and her baby. The pregnancy process requires close monitoring of the mother’s health and identification of possible risks. Therefore, it is important to perform various tests before and during pregnancy.
General Health Examination
Pre-Pregnancy Tests | The first step for women planning a pregnancy is a general health examination. This examination evaluates important information such as general health status, chronic diseases, medication use and family history.
General blood tests: Evaluating the expectant mother’s blood tests such as fasting blood sugar, liver function tests, vitamin B12 and D, and thyroid before pregnancy allows the person to research and treat some disorders that will be detected here in detail before pregnancy.
TORCH group tests: Some infections in the mother can pass through the placenta during pregnancy and cause some anomalies in the baby, stillbirth, premature birth and prematurity. TORCH is the abbreviation of the initials of the infectious agents in this group. It includes Toxoplasma, Others (Others, Syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV), Rubella, CMV and Herpes group. Investigating these agents before pregnancy, administering their vaccinations if they are missing, and evaluating the expectant mother’s immune status ensures a healthier pregnancy process.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea in particular can cause infertility or affect the pregnancy process. In addition, factors such as ureaplasma and mycoplasma can play a role in premature birth or miscarriage. Therefore, STD tests are recommended before pregnancy.
Blood Group and Rh Factor Test: The blood group and Rh factor of the mother are important in determining possible complications during pregnancy. If the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive, events that may cause some problems in the baby may develop during pregnancy. Determining the blood group of the mother aims to foresee these situations, take the necessary precautions and ensure that the process progresses healthily.
Genetic Carrier Tests: Some genetic diseases can be carriers and there is a risk of these diseases being passed from the mother or father to the baby. Pre-pregnancy genetic carrier tests determine carrier status and evaluate possible risks. With these tests, carrier status of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, thalassemia, SMA, sickle cell anemia can be detected early in the mother before pregnancy. If detected, these tests are also performed on the prospective father and genetic counseling is recommended. In some cases, it may be recommended that the family achieve pregnancy with a genetically controlled embryo through assisted reproductive techniques rather than naturally.
Folic Acid Level Test: Folic acid is important for the health of the prospective mother before and during pregnancy. Low folic acid levels can increase the risk of neural tube defects. Therefore, it is recommended that women planning a pregnancy have their folic acid levels measured.
Hormone Profile Test: Pre-Pregnancy Tests | Hormone profile test is important, especially for women who have irregular menstrual cycles or infertility problems. This test evaluates the levels of important hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, AMH (antimüllerian hormone) and thyroid hormones.
Basic Tests Performed During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Test: Pre-Pregnancy Tests | It is done after the first sign of pregnancy after a missed period. A pregnancy test is performed on a urine or blood sample to detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG.
Blood Group and Rh Factor Test: The blood group and Rh factor of the expectant mother are determined during pregnancy. This test is important because Rh-negative mothers may be at risk of incompatibility with Rh-positive babies.
Complete Blood Count (Hemogram): Hemoglobin levels may decrease during pregnancy. Therefore, regular complete blood count tests are performed. Having normal hemoglobin levels reduces the risk of anemia.
Urinary Analysis: Pre-Pregnancy Tests | Urine tests help early detection of conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems or preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): It is done to assess the risk of gestational diabetes. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can pose a risk to the health of the mother and baby.
Chorionic Villus Biopsy (CVS) or Amniocentesis: These are tests performed in pregnancies at risk or in mothers at risk of genetic diseases. CVS or amniocentesis is used to examine the baby’s genetic structure and chromosomes.
Fetal Ultrasonography: Regular ultrasound scans are performed during pregnancy. These tests evaluate the baby’s growth, development and health. They are also important in determining conditions that need to be diagnosed before birth.
Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Pre-Pregnancy Tests | NIPT is a blood test performed to evaluate the baby’s genetic structure. It is used to screen for Down syndrome and other genetic disorders.
Pre-Pregnancy Tests | These tests are important for monitoring the health of the mother and baby and determining possible risks. These are tests that should be performed regularly during pregnancy and are important to ensure that the mother and baby have a healthy birth.
