Pregnancy tests

?

Blood tests

  • Carried out at first antenatal visit and then as required
  • Checks blood group, rhesus factor, immunity to rubella and iron levels
  • Many women need to have iron supplements to prevent anaemia
  • Blood sugar levels can indicate if a women has diabetes
  • Futher tests reveal HIV status and other STI's. Advice on keeping her baby safe from infection during and after birth will be offered
1 of 9

Blood pressure

  • At first antenatal visit than as needed
  • Average blood pressure for healthy women is around 120/180 if any higher it can indicate a sign of pre eclampsia
2 of 9

Urine test

  • Sample checked at every visit to check for
  • Protien- an early sign of pre eclampsia
  • Sugar (glucose)- can indicate pregnancy diabetes
  • Kentosis can build up if the women has been vomitting a lot. It can lead to dehydration, death or being in a coma
3 of 9

Height and shoe size

  • At first antenatal visit
  • Having a height shorter than 180cm and a shoe size less than 3 can mean the women has a very small pelvis which may cause difficuilties in the pregnancy and a caesearen maybe needed
4 of 9

Weight

  • Times checked varies based on mothers size
  • Monitor how much weight the baby is gaining
  • Average weight gain for normal pregnancy is 10-12kg
5 of 9

Ankles and feet

  • Checked at every visit
  • Checks for swelling which can indicate pre eclampsia
6 of 9

Examining mothers abdomen

  • Checked at every visit
  • Checks the growth and posistion of the baby
7 of 9

Listening to baby's heartbeat

  • Every visit after 14 weeks
  • Checks the regularity and strength of the heartbear
8 of 9

Ultra sound scan

  • A scan at week 20 is normal for most women
  • To comfirm the babys developing well and the heart is healthy 
9 of 9

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Home Economics: Child Development resources:

See all Home Economics: Child Development resources »See all Pregnancy tests resources »