Why should I take the test?💡 

The first blood sample that comes from you as a pregnant woman contains a lot of vital information. With this information, the hospital is able to check on infections, diseases, immunity, which will give them a heads up on potential future complications or the treatments that you may need.

How is the test done?💉   

You can have blood tests at hospitals or clinics nearby. A blood sample is collected with a needle and syringe from your arm. 

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:

Blood group

There are 4 blood types A, B, AB and O. You'll be given a blood test to determine which blood type you are. It's useful to know your blood type in case you need blood transfusion if you have heavy bleeding or hemorrhage during pregnancy.

Your hCG levels

HCG is a hormone that shows up in the bloodstream and urine, which is produced by the fetus. The blood test for hCG can detect pregnancy with an accuracy close to 100%. This will also allow the doctor to estimate your due date by measuring the amount of hCG in your blood, since hCG levels change as pregnancy progresses.

Sexually transmitted infections

STIs such as syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV can be detected through the blood sample. You can still catch these diseases during pregnancy although the result of the test is negative initially. 

HIV and hepatitis B can arise if you and your partner take risks, such as having unprotected sex. You can still get HIV and syphilis if you share needles and inject drugs during pregnancy.   

Immunity to certain diseases

If you have been vaccinated, you can find out if you have immunity to certain diseases such as rubella titers (immune to German measles) and varicella (immune to chickenpox).

Pregnancy can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to viral illnesses such as malaria, but enhances other parts of the system such as resistance to HIV.   

Vitamin D deficiency

Pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to have pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia, diabetes, preterm birth and small babies. Therefore, checking up on your vitamin D levels could help you avoid these pregnancy complications.

Rhesus (Rh) factor

When you find out your blood type, you are able to find whether you're Rh positive or Rh negative. Rh factor is a substance known as D antigen on the surface of your red blood cells. Rh incompatibility between you and your baby could cause complications if you are not aware of it. However, you will need an injection at 26 to 28 weeks and at 34 to 36 weeks to protect your baby if you happen to fall into the category of having the incompatibility.

Genetic risk

The blood test can screen the risk for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, hemoglobinopathy and possibly other genetic diseases. 

Anemia is an iron deficiency during pregnancy because your body requires extra iron so your baby receives a sufficient blood supply, oxygen and other nutrients. It makes you tired and vulnerable to loss of blood during labor and birth.

Gestational diabetes

If you are suffering from obesity, have had gestational diabetes or a large baby in your previous pregnancy, have a family history of diabetes or have any other risk factors for gestational diabetes, the blood test can inform your doctor, get you and hospital ready for possible future complications. Except for the discomfort felt from a needle prick and maybe a little bruising afterwards, there are no health risks of an initial blood workup.