Must-Do Screening Tests in Pregnancy from Conception to Delivery

1. DEPARTMENT  BOOK A TEST HOME ABOUT US HEALTH PACKAGES CAREER BLOGS CONTACT US DOWNLOAD REPORT Must-Do Screening Tests in Pregnancy from Conception to Delivery So, you’ve just found out you’re pregnant. Ahh, congratulations! That tiny blue line or the doctor’s con?rming smile just changed everything, didn’t it? Whether it’s your ?rst pregnancy or not, we completely understand, it’s exciting, overwhelming, and yes, sometimes a bit confusing. One of the ?rst questions every expecting mother asks us here at Sikund Diagnostic Centre is, “Doctor, what tests do I need to do and when?” Umm, great question. Pregnancy is de?nitely not just about the nine months of anticipation; it’s about continuous care, reassurance, and monitoring along the way. This is the part that screening tests now take into consideration. Screening tests are not a new category of tests; they are simply additional tests to all of the other routine tests that is done about both you and your baby just to check that the both of you are doing perfectly well at each trimester. Let’s go through it step-by-step, trimester-by-trimester, what these tests are, why they are important, and when you will do them. Table of Content: Your Full Name First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): Con?rming, Checking In, and Your Contact Number Laying the Foundation Second Trimester (Weeks 13–28): Detailed Checks and Development Monitoring Your Email Address Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40): Safety, Growth, and Delivery Additional Specialized Testing Submit Why Screening is Necessary, and are Regular Screenings Necessary? A Final Word of Reassurance First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): Con?rming, Checking In, and Laying the Foundation The ?rst trimester is all about laying the groundwork, con?rming the pregnancy, understanding how the rhythm in your body has changed, and con?rming the baby is developing well. Make a Call Quick Enquiry Chat With Us Give Us a Call Get in Touch Tap To WhatsApp 1. Pregnancy Con?rmation and the Beta hCG Test So the ?rst thing your doctor will do is con?rm the pregnancy through a Beta hCG blood test. This test measures the levels of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in your blood, the one responsible for that positive result on your home test kit. High or rising levels indicate a healthy pregnancy. 2. Blood Group and Rh Typing This one’s important. It checks whether you’re Rh-positive or Rh-negative. Why? Because if you’re Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, it can cause complications later. Don’t worry though, there’s a simple injection called Anti-D that prevents any problems. 3. Complete Blood Count (CBC) This test looks at your hemoglobin and overall blood health. Many women don’t realize they have anemia until this test reveals it. Fatigue, dizziness, hmm, yes, those could just be low iron levels. 4. Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH) Your thyroid hormones are very important for developing your baby’s brain and nervous system. Even minor imbalances in thyroid hormones can impact growth and development. This testing provides early screening for any need to adjust treatment. 5. Infectious Disease Screening Tests for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis (VDRL), and Rubella (German measles) are all recommended to protect you and your baby. Some infections can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth, but with early testing, you will have minor adjustments to management.  6. Urine Test Urine tests will reveal urinary infections, which are common in pregnancy and tests for protein or sugar levels in your urine. This test only requires a few minutes and is important. 7. First Ultrasound (Dating Scan) Your ?rst ultrasound (dating scan) will typically be between 6 to 8 weeks. It will con?rm that you have a fetal heartbeat, and the pregnancy is developing in your uterus. Early ultrasounds also help to estimate a due date for birth. Exactly, that ?rst glimpse of the baby on screen, that tiny heartbeat ?icker, is often the moment when everything starts to feel real. Make a Call Quick Enquiry Chat With Us Give Us a Call Get in Touch Tap To WhatsApp Second Trimester (Weeks 13–28): Detailed Checks and Development Monitoring By now, your body is getting used to pregnancy. You might have a visible bump, your appetite’s changing, and yes, the excitement is building. However, this stage also requires the most important screenings. 8. Dual Marker and NT Scan (between 11–14 weeks) The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan assesses the ?uid at the back of the baby’s neck and the Dual Marker blood test looks for two important hormones. Together these screen for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. 9. Anomaly Scan (Level-II Ultrasound) Done between 18–22 weeks, this thorough scan assesses every little component of your baby (the heart, brain, spine, limbs, and organs). It’s magical and meticulous. This scan also checks the placenta’s position and amniotic ?uid level. If everything’s normal here, ahh, it gives both you and your doctor a deep sigh of relief. 10. Triple or Quadruple Marker Test (15–20 Weeks) If required, this blood test gives a more detailed genetic screening, especially if you missed the earlier dual marker test. It assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects. 11. Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) This test is usually performed between 24th to 28th weeks, this test checks for gestational diabetes. You’ll drink a sweet glucose solution, and your blood sugar is measured at intervals. Many moms say, “Umm, that drink was too sweet!” but it’s totally worth it because high sugar levels can affect both baby’s growth and your delivery. 12. Repeat CBC, LFT, KFT, and Urine Test Sometime in mid-pregnancy your physician may repeat blood tests to con?rm that your hemoglobin, liver function, and kidney function have remained stable. This is because these organs are working hard to support your pregnancy and will require checking regularly for your safety. Make a Call Quick Enquiry Chat With Us Give Us a Call Get in Touch Tap To WhatsApp Third Trimester (Weeks 29-40): Safety, Growth, and Delivery The ?nal stage of your pregnancy! This part of your pregnancy will certainly be exciting and oftentimes tiring. Your baby is growing rapidly, your back may feel sore, and you may even be counting down the weeks until delivery. In this stage of your pregnancy, your tests will focus on con?rming the growth of your baby and you are ready for delivery. 13. Growth & Doppler Ultrasound A growth ultrasound evaluates the baby’s position, weight, blood ?ow and health of the placenta. It is amazing that we are able to see every detail, the baby yawning, the baby moving and even sometimes thumb sucking.  The Doppler study will evaluate how well blood is ?owing from the placenta to your baby to ensure that your baby is well oxygenated and receiving appropriate nutrients. 14. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Test This test will occur when you are between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. It will con?rm Group B Streptococcus, which is a bacteria that can be harmless to you, but can harm your baby during delivery. If your test is positive, we will provide you with antibiotics prior to the onset of labor to minimize any complications. 15. Final Blood Tests Your doctor may wish to repeat your CBC and blood grouping before delivery to con?rm that you are prepared for delivery. If you are Rh- negative, an additional Anti-D shot may be necessary. Additional Specialized Testing Some moms may require a few additional special tests depending on factors such as age, medical history, or health regarding previous pregnancies. These tests may include: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities Thalassemia screening TORCH for infections, including Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Amniocentesis for a detailed chromosome examination in rare circumstances Your doctor will inform you if any of these are needed. Why Screening is Necessary, and are Regular Screenings Necessary? Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive and beautiful transitions in life. While your body will know what it needs to do in most situations, timely screening allows doctors to determine whether things are progressing smoothly, as it should, and by nature. Many complications, like gestational diabetes, thyroid imbalance, or fetal growth issues, are completely manageable when detected early. At Sikund Diagnostic Centre, every test is performed with care, precision, and compassion. We keep each expectant mama feeling valued and knowledgeable during routine blood tests, ultrasounds, or all studies in between. Our radiologists and pathologists bring the most advanced technologies to the table to ensure the utmost accuracy while our staff explains everything in a straightforward, comfortable manner. Hmm, yes, pregnancy can be full of “what ifs.” But that’s exactly why these tests exist, to replace those what-ifs with reassurance. Make a Call Quick Enquiry Chat With Us Give Us a Call Get in Touch Tap To WhatsApp A Final Word of Reassurance If you’re expecting, remember this, you’re not alone in this journey. Every test, every scan, every report brings you one step closer to meeting your baby safely. The goal is not just to make a diagnosis but to provide reassurance. So, breathe, smile and continue to cross off those milestones one-by-one. And when you are not sure, we’ll be right here at Sikund Diagnostic Centre to support you at every step from conception to delivery, with skill, compassion and a human touch. Because for us, it is not just about testing. It is about your story, your little heartbeat, and a healthy start. Reimagined Healthcare - Diagnosis You Can Trust Quick Links HOME ABOUT US DEPARTMENT  Follow Us HEALTH PACKAGES CAREER BLOGS CONTACT US © 2025 Sikund Diagnostic Centre. Design & Developed by FDAC CSR | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Online Cancellation Policy | Cookie Policy