Prenatal Assessment is an essential part of pregnancy preparation, as it provides information about the health of the mother and the baby to be born.
Complete blood count: It evaluates haematological parameters such as haematocrit, white blood cells, and platelets for possible anaemias, infections, inflammations, and clotting factor adequacy.
Haemoglobin electrophoresis and sickle cell test: Tests for heterozygosity for beta- thalassemia (marker for Mediterranean anaemia). In case of a positive result, further testing of the future father is absolutely necessary.
Blood Type and Rh factor: Performed to determine if the mother will need special treatment during pregnancy. In case of a negative Rh factor, an indirect Coombs test is performed..
Fasting blood sugar (glu), Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c): Ensures absence of diabetes, for the smooth and safe growth rate of the foetus. High sugar levels and diabetes are associated with particularly large foetuses and increased risk in pregnancy and childbirth. Since diabetes can develop during pregnancy, doctors also recommend the glucose tolerance test starting from the sixth month of pregnancy to ensure the absence of gestational diabetes.
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), anti- TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies), anti- TG (thyroglobulin antibodies): Assess regulation of thyroid function, which overall determines the body's metabolism and affects the course of pregnancy. Antibody testing also checks for the possibility of autoimmune thyroiditis, which during pregnancy can threaten safety.
Antibodies to Toxoplasma (Toxo IgG/IgM): It detects possible past infection and immunization against toxoplasmosis, transmitted mainly from the faeces of infected cats, raw infected meats, unwashed vegetables, as well as utensils from raw meats and contaminated water. In case of absence of antibodies (negative result), it is necessary to repeat the examination during pregnancy.
Antibodies to Rubella (Rubella IgG/IgM): Detects possible past infection and immunization against rubella virus. Rubella is a mild infectious rash disease that mainly affects children who have not been vaccinated. In case of absence of antibodies (negative result), it is necessary to repeat the examination during pregnancy.
Antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV IgG/IgM): CMV is a herpes virus transmitted mainly through blood. These tests detect past infection and immunization in the mother. In case of absence of antibodies (negative result), it is necessary to repeat the examination during pregnancy.
VDRL: With the increasing movement of populations, an increase in cases of sexually transmitted syphilis has been observed in recent years. This test checks for bacterial infection to ensure the safety of the baby and provide appropriate treatment to the mother.
Hepatitis B, C, and AIDS, (HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV I/II): Testing for these viruses is essential as they can be asymptomatic even in advanced infection stages. Appropriate measures can protect the child and mother from infection.
HSV II: Herpes viruses are highly prevalent in the general population. Testing for HSV in the mother is important as appropriate treatment in the last trimester of pregnancy generally prevents transmission of HSV to the newborn.
Listeria: It is mainly transmitted through soft cheeses (brie and camembert, and cheeses containing blue substances such as Danish blue and Stilton), raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish, as it survives at refrigerator temperatures. Although infection from Listeria is not particularly common, testing for possible infection is recommended for the safety of the pregnancy.
Vaginal cultures, general urine culture: Conducted to provide timely treatment if needed, preventing complications due to infection during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the choice of available drugs for treatment is limited.
Additional testing for DNA mutations causing cystic fibrosis, the second most common serious genetic disease that can be transmitted to the newborn, is recommended.
Your results will be delivered with full explanation and evaluation, along with initial instructions if needed.
As preparation for the morning blood test and examination, the following are recommended:
– Mandatory intake of a meal the previous night.
– The last meal should be consumed 11-12 hours before the blood test.
– The evening meal should contain the least possible animal fats (especially in terms of cheeses, fatty dairy products, and meats).
– In the morning, only coffee should be consumed, with free water intake.