When you’re pregnant you might have to undergo a series of medical tests – blood test, urine tests, genetic testing, etc. Some of these tests are mandatory and others are prescribed to you if your doctor suspects a specific problem like a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. Here is a list of the tests that you might have to undergo during your pregnancy. You can also try these three simple tests that can help you confirm your pregnancy.

The preliminary test There are two tests that you might have to do at first to confirm your pregnancy.

Home pregnancy test: A simple over-the-counter pregnancy test kit can help you confirm your pregnancy at home. Ideally, this should be done 10 days after you miss your period.

How it is done: This is done by putting a few drops of your urine on the test strip. If you are pregnant, the colour of the lines marked on the kit changes to either pink or red. However, read the instructions carefully as it is different for different brands.

Blood test: It is done to check for the hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin hormone levels in the blood, that is secreted once the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. Normally, the level of hCG in a woman is less than 5 mIU/ml. However, during pregnancy it increases consistently. In fact, a large amount of hCG in the blood or urine is the first sign of your pregnancy.

How it is done: This is done at the doctor’s clinic by drawing blood from the arm. In case of a normal pregnancy, the value is between 20 to 7500 mIU/ml. The test is done five weeks after the last menstrual period. Higher values indicate either multiple pregnancies (more than one fetus) or molar pregnancy, i.e., an abnormal one where the fetus grows outside the uterine wall and requires a medical termination. On the other hand, lower values could indicate a spontaneous abortion. In both the cases, a repeat test is done after 24 or 48 hours to confirm the diagnosis.

The ultrasounds

Viability scan: This is the first scan done between the 6th and 10th week of pregnancy to assess the development of the fetus, monitor fetal heart rate and number of babies the mother is carrying. It also helps the doctor to calculate the expected delivery date, which is usually after nine months and one week post the last menstrual period. Know more about this scan here.

How it is done: It is usually done either abdominally or transvaginally. If done abdominally, you need to drink plenty of water before the test as it is done with a full bladder. It means you might have to control the urge to pee till the test is over, which could be a bit uncomfortable. However, in case of a transvaginal ultrasound the instrument or probe is inserted vaginally on an empty bladder. It is certainly more discomforting, but this ultrasound is more sensitive and is done along with a transabdominal scan.

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