During the nine months of awaiting your child, you will have to undergo a considerable variety of tests and examinations. At first glance, their number may seem excessive and even a bit intimidating. However, it is important to understand: each of these procedures is an important monitoring tool that allows your doctor to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing normally and the baby is developing properly. This is a monitoring system designed to provide maximum safety for both of you. Let's find out which main tests and examinations await you.
First visit and registration (up to 12 weeks)
During your first visit as part of prenatal care, the doctor will order a comprehensive set of tests to create a complete picture of your health.
- Complete blood count (with leukocyte formula): Helps assess overall health, detect anemia (low hemoglobin) and signs of inflammatory processes.
- Blood type and Rh factor determination: A critically important test. If the mother has Rh‑negative blood and the father is Rh‑positive, there is a risk of Rh incompatibility, which will require special monitoring.
- Biochemical blood test: Assesses the function of internal organs (liver, kidneys) and blood sugar level.
- Infection screening: Mandatory testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
- TORCH panel: Blood test for antibodies to infections that can be dangerous to the fetus: toxoplasmosis (T), rubella (R), cytomegalovirus (C) and herpes (H).
- Urinalysis: Allows assessment of kidney function and detection of possible urinary tract infections. You will provide this test before each doctor's visit.
- Smears: Gynecological smear for flora and a Pap test (cytology) to assess the condition of the cervix.
Ultrasound examination (US)
Ultrasound is a safe and informative method that allows observation of your baby's growth and development. Typically, three scheduled ultrasounds are performed during pregnancy as part of prenatal screenings.
- First trimester (11-13 weeks): Confirms gestational age, assesses the main fetal structures, and measures important markers for calculating the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Second trimester (18-22 weeks): This is the most detailed ultrasound. The doctor carefully examines all organs and systems of the baby, assesses the placenta, amniotic fluid, and can often determine the baby's sex.
- Third trimester (30-34 weeks): Assesses the baby's growth rate, position, placenta condition, and prepares for birth.
Prenatal screenings: risk assessment
Screenings are comprehensive studies that allow assessment of the likelihood of certain complications or genetic pathologies in the fetus.
- First‑trimester screening: Includes ultrasound and a biochemical maternal blood test ("double test"). The results allow calculation of the individual risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. More details are in the article "Genetic risks and screenings".
- Second‑trimester screening ("triple test"): Performed less often, usually if the woman missed the first‑trimester screening.
Examinations in the second half of pregnancy
- Glucose tolerance test (24-28 weeks): This test detects gestational diabetes. The woman provides a fasting blood sample, then drinks a sweet glucose solution, and after a set time another blood sample is taken.
- Cardiotocography (CTG) (after 32-34 weeks): This records the fetal heartbeat and uterine contractions. The procedure allows assessment of the baby's condition, ensuring it is not suffering from hypoxia (oxygen deficiency).
- Consultations with specialists: Throughout pregnancy you will be referred for consultations with a therapist, dentist, and ophthalmologist, and, if indicated, with other doctors.
Although the list may seem long, all these procedures are spaced out over time and become a routine part of your "pregnant" life. Remember that each examination is another step toward confidence that you and your baby are fine. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about the purpose of each test and the meaning of its results.
