Screening tests
If you book in early for antenatal care you will be able to access screening tests for yourself and your baby. However if for some reason you do not access care early the majority of the tests will still be offered to you.
Iron levels, Blood Group and Antibody Screen
It is important in pregnancy to know that you have enough iron in your blood as your baby will take iron from you. Your blood group will be identified, and if you're found to be Rhesus negative your midwife will offer you an Anti D injection later in your pregnancy. It is also important that we identify if you have any antibodies in your blood as some antibodies can be dangerous to the baby.
Downs Syndrome Screening
- Triple test
A small sample of your blood can be taken to calculate the risk of your baby having Downs Syndrome. The optimum time to take the blood sample is 15-17 weeks. This will not give you a definite answer but will calculate your individual risk. However, having this test can help you to decide whether you would like a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis. This test is optional, and you may want to discuss it further with your midwife. - Combined Screening
From April 09 you will be offered first trimester screening for Downs Syndrome, this will include a Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan and a blood test performed at 11 to 13+6 weeks. The NT scan measures a small space at the back of the babies neck. This test will again not give you a definite answer but will calculate the risk of your baby having Downs Syndrome. This test will detect more affected babies than the triple test. If you book too late for this test you will still have the option of having the triple test
Foetal Anomaly Ultrasound
This ultrasound scan is a detailed examination of how your baby is developing and can diagnose some abnormalities such as spina bifida. The sonographer (person who works the ultrasound machine) will look at your baby’s organs and structure, and also take measurements to check on your baby’s growth. This scan is offered at around 20 weeks, as this is a good time to see how baby is developing.
Infectious Diseases
- Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infection that can be passed from infected mums to their babies during pregnancy and birth. Screening for hepatitis B is offered to all pregnant women, so that immunisations and treatments can be given and the risks to babies can be minimised. - HIV
All pregnant women are offered HIV testing, as the risks of HIV being transmitted from mother to child can be reduced from 25% to less than 2% with appropriate treatment and management. Specialised counseling is available to support you with this decision and any further input that you may require. - Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, the effects of which upon the unborn baby can be minimised by screening and treatment if necessary during pregnancy. - Rubella Immunity
Although Rubella (German measles) is not a serious illness for adults, its effect upon an unborn baby can be devastating. Being screened for rubella immunity will identify whether you require a simple vaccination postnatally to protect future pregnancies. Even if you have had a rubella injection in the past, it is recommended that your levels of immunity are checked when you are pregnant.
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia are serious genetic conditions where the red blood cells in the body are affected. The majority of women who have one of these conditions will be aware of it. However many women will be a carrier of one of the conditions. This will not affect their health at all, but a blood sample would need to be tested from the babies father. If the babies father is not a carrier of the condition then the baby is not at risk, however if the father of the baby is a carrier then there is a 25% chance that the baby could inherit the condition. If both parents are carriers then specialist counselling will be available.
For further information about any of these tests, talk to your midwife.
