There is absolutely no need to take the test unless you want to.<\/strong> Maybe it will help you decide nursery decor or baby clothing beforehand.<\/p>Risks<\/h3>
There are no risks in gender detection scan expect for the legalization of the procedure.<\/p>
18) Nuchal Translucency<\/h2>
Amongst the tests for genetic disease detection, nuchal translucency has a low false-positive rate. By measuring PAPP A and hCG along the test becomes even more accurate for detection of Downs syndrome. Latest developments include observing the nasal bone and respiratory tract efficiency.<\/p>
What is the test?<\/h3>
A fluid collects near your baby’s head underneath. Once the head starts moving up and body straightens the volume of the fluid reduces. The ratio of the volume of fluid above and below the neck change with the stage of development. Unless there is something not right the fluid under neck reduces and narrows out.<\/p>
Seeing the difference in volume near the baby and away, towards the sac, tells about the risk of Downs Syndrome. Neural tubes defects are not correctly predicted by the test.<\/p>
A sonographer is able to view and analyze the features of the fetus. Using certain parameters the volume of fluid is measured. If the nuchal translucency is wide then results are negative.<\/p>
Without any blood tests, the genetic disease screening test is possible with an NT scan.<\/p>
How is it done?<\/h3>
For performing a nuchal translucency scan the sonographer will apply some gel on your belly. As the test is done is late first trimester you might need to drink extra water to stretch your bladder. Later you will lie down on an examination table.<\/p>
All of your body will be covered and just the bump exposed. Using an ultrasound wand the sonographer will display the images on a screen. Either the reports will go to the OB or you will get them to carry along.<\/p>
A negative test means that your baby has a wide nuchal translucency. That could be just due to incorrect dating of pregnancy too. In the next appointment, your OB will interpret the data.<\/p>
When is it done?<\/h3>
The nuchal translucency scan is optional for first-trimester screening. If you received unsatisfactory results then the test may be repeated later again.<\/p>
Why should I take this test?<\/h3>
You can take the test for the ease of screening method. Other than that knowing the risk of genetic disease can help you get appropriate counseling. Always remember that nothing will be done to you or your baby without informed consent.<\/p>
Risks<\/h3>
There are no risks of nuchal translucency.<\/p>
19) Fetal Non-Stress Test<\/h2>
Fetal Non Stress Test is a test measuring fetal heart rate during her own activities. It doesn’t lay any stress on the fetus for taking the test. At most your OB uses a buzzer or asks you to caress or walk to wake the baby for the test. A belt placed on your belly before the test has a heartbeat sensor.<\/p>
What is the test?<\/h3>
Fetal NST measures a baby’s ability to move and tolerate stressful situations. Oxygen supply reaching the baby must be enough in order for her to be energetic. The results of NST are reactive or non-reactive. A positive test is the one where the baby is reactive and has an increased heart rate during movements. A baby who doesn’t receive enough oxygen will be non-reactive. That doesn’t necessarily mean a lazy baby and instead could be a warning for preeclampsia.<\/p>
How is it done?<\/h3>
During a fetal non-stress test a nurse will place a belt on your bump and your OB will conduct an ultrasound. The belt will measure fetal heart rate while the ultrasound will show your baby moving.<\/p>
When is it done?<\/h3>
Fetal Non Stress Test is done after you are 28 weeks pregnant. Upon a certain prescription or before proceeding for induction of labor the test can be done.<\/p>
Why should I take this test?<\/h3>
The test is a method of finding out how prepared you and your baby are for undergoing labor.<\/p>
You must take the test to allow the gynecologist to predict and guide you about labor.<\/p>
Risks<\/h3>
No risks are associated with the fetal Non Stress test.<\/p>
20) Glucose Tolerance Test<\/h3>
The glucose tolerance test is the most basic diabetes test. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes can occur. That is because your insulin can get overwhelmed with the extra calories and baby’s needs. Temporarily it can lead to diabetes. After the delivery of the baby, the condition subsides.<\/p>
But having diabetes while pregnant affects labor and pregnancy outcome.<\/p>
Blood pressure fluctuations due to inability to manage blood glucose are symptoms of gestational diabetes. Women with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk. And then need to take the test earlier.<\/p>
Your gynae will recommend you to get the test in the prenatal visit during the last weeks.<\/p>
What is the test?<\/h3>
The glucose tolerance test or oral glucose test is an assessment of the body’s sugar utilizing abilities. Basically, the secretion, action, and function of insulin are being monitored.<\/p>
A sugar load is put on the insulin and its activity is observed by withdrawing blood samples.<\/p>
Glucose utilization has set ranges after a few hours from the meal. Just after a meal within the first hour, the sugar levels don’t peak up. They do go a little low before starting to rise. That is the time for insulin activation. And during that period glucagon is acting to increase blood glucose.<\/p>
Once one and a half-hour pass the sugar levels increase. Later by the end of 2 hours insulin causes reestablished normal osmolarity of blood sugar.<\/p>
How is it done?<\/h3>
For performing the test you will have to go fasting for more than 8 hours. You can go in the early morning without eating anything. The one-step test will require to drink a 75g glucose drink. The volume will be small to make it concentrated. Different glucose concentration is used for two-step GTT.<\/p>
When you are done drinking, a blood sample is withdrawn just after that, called zero hour. Followed by it after an hour another sample is taken. Then after half-hour another sample. And so on samples of blood are taken until 2 hours are complete.<\/p>
For the two-step test, you can go without any fasting. A higher concentration of glucose is used here. If the levels after an hour are in the range 130-145 mg\/dL then the test finishes. If your levels are higher then you have to come for a fasting GTT.<\/p>
These samples are tested for insulin activity. Plotting a graph it is seen if there is a belly shape with certain characteristics.<\/p>
When is it done?<\/h3>
Glucose tolerance test is done during the 24-28 week pregnant stage. For women with a family history or high sugar levels in urine, the test can be earlier.<\/p>
Why should I take this test?<\/h3>
Diabetes during pregnancy can cause a lot of complications. Fainting and dizziness are the less serious ones.<\/p>
Risks<\/h3>
Drinking sweet syrup is not a pleasant experience. Take it slow else you might feel like puking. A rest day can be tiresome as you will feel giddy of the taste. You may have to answer a few extra nature’s calls.<\/p>
No, big issues or risks crop up after a GTT.<\/p>
21) Urine Tests<\/h2>
A part of the routine prenatal examination, urine tests can tell about various organs. Composition of urine changes in different conditions. Examples of it are when you start getting LH in urine and hCG in urine near ovulation and pregnancy.<\/p>
Presence of proteins, sugars, ketone, and bacteria is urine indicate disorders like diabetes and STDs.<\/p>
What is the test?<\/h3>
A urine analysis is checking urine contents. A normal adult urine has a set composition. Glucose doesn’t cross kidney filters. If it does then there has to be some metabolic disorder.<\/p>
Similarly, Proteinuria in pregnancy is a sign of preeclampsia. Ketones in urine could be because of metabolic disorders. Presence of bacteria in urine sample other than normal vagina bacteria are indicators of infection.<\/p>
Other than that, urine analysis also establishes your state of dehydration.<\/p>
For symptoms like swelling, high BP, burning whole urinating and weight loss, a urine test is conducted. Even if you have a fever while pregnant your urine sample will definitely be taken.<\/p>
How is it done?<\/h3>
You have to provide a clean sample of urine by collecting it in the provided container. Avoid drinking too much water before giving the sample. Diluting the sample will be of no good. Too much of the sample is just a waste. Your doctor may mention the volume the needed.<\/p>
Storing urine overnight is safe provided you can keep it in the refrigerator. Indeed not possible for many people.<\/p>
When is it done?<\/h3>
Whenever you will go for a routine prenatal checkup a urine test is done. At the first prenatal visit, a test is done for pregnancy confirmation.<\/p>
Later if you report the symptoms such as swelling, weakness, or itching then a test will be done.<\/p>
Why should I take this test?<\/h3>
You will have to take the test for pregnancy confirmation. Same goes for the first prenatal visit urine test. There is not much to do in it.<\/p>
Risks<\/h3>
No risks are involved except contamination of the sample. Make sure you don’t touch the lid from inside or keep the container in a dirty place. Don’t douch before collecting the sample.<\/p>
22) Kick counts<\/h2>
A kick count is a self-test<\/a> to track your baby’s status. Not really a prenatal test but kick count charting will help you keep a daily track of the baby. Every baby has a certain sleep-wake and activity cycle. Counting the movement of the baby over a period of time tell about the growth. Once you’re past 35 weeks the movements reduce.<\/p>Squish and flutter don’t count as kicks. Rest movements such as rolling also come under kicking in early weeks. You will feel the movements in the 16-25 weeks.<\/p>
Women who had a miscarriage, report having felt lesser movements a few days before it. A threatened miscarriage can be prevented by having knowledge of your baby’s kicks. You cannot suddenly or casually feel the difference.<\/p>
Tracking the kicks at the same time every day will gradually make it familiar.<\/p>
What is the test?<\/h3>
Kick counts tracking is a common practice more than a test. But it’s a way of finding your baby’s health status.<\/p>
Baby’s movements are the only way to know if your baby is fine without having scans or tests. Using a kick monitor you don’t have to do anything. And even manually there isn’t any problem while kicks counting.<\/p>
How is it done?<\/h3>
The kick counting method is simple. Using a kick monitor the test gets simpler. For doing it manually you will have to lie down and cut out everything.<\/p>
Just caress your bump and note the time. If you don’t feel any movement then raise your legs up and drink a glass of fresh juice with ice.<\/p>
Then take a journal and note the first kick and continue until 120 minutes pass by. Once you cross half time then add a slash.<\/p>
When is it done?<\/h3>
You must start doing it in the late second trimester. Once you have felt a kick then you will soon know it. The time of the day your baby is active is most suitable. Waking up your baby at random times for the tracking is of no use. A sleepy baby won’t be as active.<\/p>
It’s best to first identify your baby’s routine. Then time the test. Take the test every day at the same time.<\/p>
Why should I take this test?<\/h3>
Your OB will definitely ask you to track your baby’s movements. Baby facing intrauterine growth restriction will first stop moving. Being totally aware of your baby’s routine will also help you to time your activities.<\/p>
Risks<\/h3>
There are no risks. You may just become a little anxious about a slight change. Over time you will know when to worry and not.<\/p>
23) Ultrasound<\/span><\/h2>An ultrasound is a scan to look through your bump. The old but most common ones form images of the baby as shadows. Waves hit and bounce back or pass through forming images. More advanced sonograms are able to show clear pictures of cells and surrounding areas.<\/p>
Doppler ultrasound or cardiography detect and show the fetal heart rate. Earlier during 7 weeks scan heartbeat could be absent. Now it rarely happens because of the advanced sensors.<\/p>
What is the test?<\/h3>
An ultrasound is a procedure for displaying the inside of your uterus on a screen. Although transvaginal ultrasound requires insertion of the instrument inside the body, rest all don’t. Without actually going inside the baby and amniotic sac can be observed. Every stage of development is monitored by different pregnancy ultrasound.<\/p>
There are many types and reasons for getting an ultrasound. Almost for every symptom, you report especially regarding the abdomen your OB will ask you to get a scan.<\/p>
How is it done?<\/h3>
As described above, an ultrasound wand placed above your bump or taken inside vagina forms the picture inside. A layman will find it hard to interpret the standard ultrasound. The 3 D or 4 D ultrasound are easier to understand and more informative.<\/p>
When is it done?<\/h3>
Ultrasound for the fetus is done after 7 weeks. They can be done multiple times as per your will. If only the recommendation based is considered then you will have a minimum of 7-8 scans.<\/p>
Why should I take this test?<\/h3>
Ultrasound scans are important as they’re the only way to see what’s going on inside. A lot of conditions don’t manifest externally during early pregnancy. Scanning is safe and a precautionary routine for prenatal testing.<\/p>
Risks<\/h3>
Ultrasound waves are safe and pose no risk.<\/p>
24) Cordocentesis<\/h2>
Umbilical Blood Cord Sampling is the last alternative after an amnio, CVS and ultrasound don’t give conclusions. The test requires a blood sample directly from the fetus.<\/p>
Upon infections like rubella or hemolysis cordocentesis becomes unavoidable. You can still say a no for it. But it’s only recommended when no other option is left.<\/p>
What is the test?<\/h3>
Cordocentesis uses fetal blood for detection of Downs Syndrome and genetic disorders. Neural tube defects are not detected by it.<\/p>
When the amniotic fluid or mother’s blood isn’t able to provide the required test sample then fetal blood is needed.<\/p>
How is it done?<\/h3>
The OB uses a high accuracy ultrasound and inserts a needle inside the umbilical cord. Withdrawing a sample of blood from the site of attachment near placenta the needle is taken out. You get the results after 48-72 hours.<\/p>
When is it done?<\/h3>
Cordocentesis is the final resort and is only recommended then. The test is safe after 17 weeks. Even then a certain risk of miscarriage due to excessive bleeding from puncture site exists.<\/p>
Why should I take this test?<\/h3>
Only a medical practitioner can ask you to take the test. If other tests don’t give a clear answer then you might be willing for umbilical blood sampling.<\/p>
Risks<\/h3>
There is a risk of miscarriage, infection, bleeding, and premature birth.<\/p>