What Tests Are Needed In Pregnancy?

Pathology Tests

In early pregnancy (usually following the first visit) tests are arranged to check for anaemia (full blood count and iron studies), iodine level, thyroid function, blood group, red cell antibodies, German measles immunity, chicken pox immunity, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, syphilis, HIV and urinary tract infection. If these tests have already been done by your general practitioner can you please bring a copy of the results. 

I will give you a referral to Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology for these tests. Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology has collection rooms all over Sydney.

Blood tests in later pregnancy are taken to check for anaemia, antibodies (if your blood group is Rhesus negative) and diabetes. If you have Rh negative blood group you will be offered prophylaxis Anti-D injections twice in your pregnancy. There is also a swab check for Group B Streptococcus.

Other tests may be necessary because of special considerations. If you are aware of any health issues, past medical problems (personal or in the family) that may have an impact on your pregnancy, please inform us.

External Ultrasound Scans

Between 11 and 13 weeks a nuchal translucency ultrasound scan is offered to check the risk of Down syndrome and other major chromosomal abnormalities in your baby. A blood test is also offered to increase the accuracy of the screening. The screening will identify over 80% of Down syndrome and 70-75% of other major chromosomal abnormalities. If the result is positive, fetal chromosomal studies would be recommended to check. For more information go to Nuchal Translucency scan in the Question and Answers section of this web site. If you decide not to have this particular scan, we would recommend an ultrasound scan at about 10 weeks to check dating, twins and other factors that could complicate your pregnancy.

At 18 -20 weeks an ultrasound scan (called a "morphology scan") is recommended to exclude fetal abnormalities and other problems that could complicate your pregnancy.

At 37 weeks an ultrasound scan (called a "foetal growth and well being scan") is sometimes done to check your baby's size, position and well being and so reduce the risks of labour.

There may be situations that require scans at other external times. These include a twin pregnancy, bleeding in pregnancy, etc.

I will give you a referral to the San Ultrasound for Women for Sydney Adventist Hospital bookings or The Hills Ultrasound for Women for  Norwest Private Hospital bookings. Both centers have extremely good quality ultrasound machines, obstetrician doctors who are sub-specialists in pregnancy ultrasound scans and sonographer staff who are highly trained in doing pregnancy scans.