Q: What blood tests will I need to have?
A:
A full antenatal blood profile is taken at between 12 and 16 weeks. This means that we take one blood sample and from this we will get samples to test all of the following:
- Your haemoglobin level will be measured, to check the strength of your blood. This reflects the level of iron in your blood. A good result is above 10.5g/dl. If your level is below this, you are at high risk of anaemia and may need to take an iron supplement.
- Your blood group and antibodies are checked to determine whether you are Rhesus negative. If you are found to be Rhesus negative, we will check your partner’s blood group. If he is negative, no further action needs to be taken. However, if he is positive you will be need to take Anti-D injections at 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, to help prevent there being any serious effect on your baby.
- Your rubella status is checked to determine if you are immune to German measles. Most women are immune. If you are not immune, you should consider being immunised after your pregnancy. If you are not immune, immunisation cannot be done during pregnancy.
- We routinely test for syphilis (VDRL), which is a sexually transmitted disease. Although virtually non-existent, it is checked as a national standard.
- Your hepatitis B status is checked routinely.
- Glucose is checked to make sure your blood sugar levels are maintaining a normal balance. Levels can be affected by diet. If your levels remain high, we may reassess your diet to avoid complications later in your pregnancy. A high glucose level increases the risk of gestational diabetes.
Blood is taken again at around 32 weeks to check your haemoglobin and sugar levels.
