Pregnancy tests are an essential part of prenatal care, helping to monitor both the mother and baby throughout pregnancy. Once pregnancy is confirmed, doctors recommend a series of tests and scans at different stages. These tests are not just routine—they help detect potential concerns early, monitor your baby’s development, and support a safe delivery.
Throughout pregnancy, blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound scans, and specialised screenings are done at specific times. Each test has a clear purpose, whether it is checking the mother’s health, screening for infections or genetic conditions, or tracking the baby’s growth.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–13): Early Pregnancy Tests
Why Pregnancy Tests Are Important for a Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy is usually confirmed through a urine or blood test that detects hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced after the fertilised egg implants in the uterus. A positive test leads to the first prenatal visit.
Early Ultrasound Scan and Due Date (6–9 Weeks)
An early ultrasound scan confirms:
- The pregnancy is inside the uterus (not ectopic)
- The baby’s heartbeat
- The number of babies
- The accurate due date
This scan helps doctors plan care for the rest of the pregnancy.
Early Blood and Urine Tests
Blood Tests for Mother’s Health
In the first trimester, pregnancy tests help confirm:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): detects anaemia, infection, or clotting issues
- Blood group and Rh factor: Rh-negative mothers may need an anti-D injection to prevent future complications
Urine Tests in Early Pregnancy
Urine tests screen for:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Protein (early sign of pre-eclampsia)
- Glucose (early diabetes screening)
Early detection prevents serious complications later in pregnancy.
Infection Screening Tests
Blood tests are done to screen for infections that can affect the baby:
- Rubella immunity
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV
Identifying these conditions early allows timely treatment and reduces the risk of transmission to the baby.
Genetic Screening Tests (NT Scan, NIPT)
Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–14 Weeks)
This ultrasound measures fluid at the back of the baby’s neck. Increased thickness may indicate a higher risk of chromosomal conditions.
First Trimester Screening (FTS)
Combines:
- NT scan
- Maternal blood tests
It estimates risk for:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
From 9–10 weeks, NIPT analyses fetal DNA in the mother’s blood to screen for chromosomal conditions with high accuracy. It is a screening test, not a diagnosis.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Between 10–13 weeks, CVS may be offered if screening shows high risk. It provides a definitive diagnosis by analysing placental tissue. Though invasive, it helps in early decision-making.
Second Trimester Pregnancy Tests (Weeks 14–27)
Anomaly Scan to Check Baby’s Organs (18–22 Weeks)
This detailed ultrasound examines:
- Brain and spine
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Limbs
- Placenta position
- Amniotic fluid
If needed, a foetal echocardiogram may be advised for detailed heart evaluation.
Blood Screening Tests
Quadruple Test (14–20 Weeks)
Second-trimester pregnancy tests focus on measuring four substances in maternal blood to assess risk for:
- Down syndrome
- Trisomy 18
- Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida)
Diagnostic Testing When Required
Amniocentesis (When Required)
A small sample of amniotic fluid is collected under ultrasound guidance to confirm chromosomal abnormalities. It provides accurate diagnostic information when screening tests show higher risk.
Gestational Diabetes Test (24–28 Weeks)
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) checks how the body processes sugar. Managing gestational diabetes reduces risks such as:
- Large birth weight
- Preterm delivery
- Future diabetes in mother and child
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40): Final Baby Monitoring
Growth and Well-Being Scans
A growth scan (28–32 weeks) checks:
- Baby’s size and weight
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Placental function
Doppler Scan
Third-trimester pregnancy tests assess blood flow from the placenta to the baby, essential in high-risk pregnancies.
Infection Screening Late in Pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus (35–37 Weeks)
If positive, antibiotics during labour prevent infection in the newborn.
Advanced Monitoring Tests
Non-Stress Test (NST)
Measures how the baby’s heart rate responds to movement and checks the oxygen supply.
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
Combines ultrasound and NST to assess:
- Breathing movements
- Body movements
- Muscle tone
- Amniotic fluid
- Heart rate
Scores guide decisions about further care.
Advances in Prenatal Testing
Modern prenatal testing has expanded to include:
- Sex chromosome conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome)
- Microdeletion syndromes (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome)
- Selected single-gene disorders
Advanced tools include:
- Fragmentomics and epigenetics in NIPT
- 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging
- AI-assisted anomaly detection
- Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA)
- Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) for complex cases
Cost of Prenatal Tests in India
A complete prenatal evaluation—from early pregnancy to delivery—may cost approximately ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 in a mid-range NABL-accredited laboratory, depending on tests required and pregnancy risk.
Final Takeaway for Expectant Mothers
Prenatal tests are designed to support—not frighten—expecting mothers. Understanding why each test is done helps reduce anxiety and empowers women to participate actively in their care.
Regular pregnancy tests, timely screening, and open communication with healthcare providers help ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified obstetrician or healthcare provider for personalised care.
Trusted Medical Sources
- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), regular pregnancy tests and prenatal screening are essential for maternal and fetal health.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists explains how prenatal tests help detect complications early.
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