Calendar of pregnancy tests – week by week

Are you expecting a baby? Congratulations! Pregnancy is a special time in every woman’s life. To ensure the best possible care for yourself and your baby, it is extremely important to undergo regular medical tests and check-ups. In this article, we will discuss why blood tests during pregnancy are so important and provide a week-by-week schedule for pregnancy tests.

Why is blood testing so important during pregnancy?

Blood tests during pregnancy are not just routine procedures, but a key element in ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby. Here are some reasons why regular blood tests are essential:

• Monitoring hormone levels: Blood tests allow doctors to monitor levels of hormones such as hCG (chorionic gonadotropin), which is crucial in early pregnancy. Abnormal results may signal potential problems.
• Assessment of sugar levels: Pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Regular testing of sugar levels helps detect this disease early and control it.
• Tracking your hemoglobin levels: Anemia of pregnancy is a common problem. Blood tests allow you to assess the level of hemoglobin and, if necessary, introduce appropriate treatment.
• Detecting infectious diseases: Blood tests can help detect infectious diseases such as hepatitis and syphilis that may affect the course of pregnancy.

Calendar of tests during pregnancy

Now that we understand why blood tests are so important, let’s move on to the pregnancy testing calendar. Here is a detailed schedule of tests that should be performed week by week:

8-12 weeks of pregnancy

During these weeks, your doctor will usually order blood tests to assess your hCG levels, as well as measure your hemoglobin and sugar levels. This is also the time when the first prenatal test, the so-called double marker test to assess the risk of genetic defects.

13-27 weeks of pregnancy

During this period, a pregnant woman will have to undergo a diabetes test, the so-called glucose tolerance test. Hemoglobin levels are also checked regularly, and screening tests such as antibody and infection tests are performed.

28-36 weeks of pregnancy

Later in pregnancy, blood tests focus on monitoring hemoglobin and antibody levels. Your doctor will also check your sugar levels to detect any problems with gestational diabetes. At week 36, it is recommended to test for the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae in the vagina, which is important for planning childbirth.

38-39 weeks of pregnancy

At the end of pregnancy, tests focus on assessing the body’s readiness for childbirth. Your doctor will monitor your hemoglobin levels and assess your risk of premature rupture of your membranes.

Why should pregnant women have regular laboratory tests?

Regular laboratory tests during pregnancy are extremely important because they allow for the early detection of possible health problems in both the mother and the child. Diagnosis and treatment of early conditions can significantly improve the course of pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications.

Blood tests also help doctors tailor prenatal care to each woman’s individual needs. Thanks to regular examinations, it is possible to monitor the progress of pregnancy and, if necessary, introduce appropriate countermeasures.

Your suggestions

If you are pregnant or planning motherhood, remember the importance of regular blood tests. Consult your doctor and follow the pregnancy testing schedule. This is a crucial step in ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about pregnancy and healthy baby development, we recommend reading our other articles on this topic. You will find a lot of valuable information and advice there that will help you during this unique adventure.

Pregnancy is a time full of joy and expectation. Take care of yourself and your baby by getting regular blood tests and staying under the care of your doctor. This is the best way to ensure the healthy development of the baby and a smooth pregnancy.