Tests are designed to assess the health of both the mother and the baby. Some will be routine, whilst some will be optional. A very comprehensive overview is available on the SASOG website.
Routine tests for Mum’s health include Blood Group and Rhesus, Haemoglobin (iron levels/anaemia), Glucose (Blood Sugar), Rubella (German Measles immunity), HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Urine, and BP.
Routine screening tests for baby wellbeing are offered to all women, but not all choose to have these tests. As a screening test, they do not give a definitive diagnosis, but rather a ‘risk assessment’. The most common is screening for Down Syndrome. This will include an Ultrasound scan at 11 to 13 weeks and 6 days and/or a blood test performed on the mum at a pre-determined time in the pregnancy. NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing performed on the mum as a blood test) is a screening test for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) as well as screening for Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18.
Diagnostic tests for baby wellbeing are offered where a high risk is suspected. The two main diagnostic tests are CVS (Chorionic Villous Sampling performed on the foetus in utero by taking a sample from the umbilical cord) and Amniocentesis (performed on the foetus in utero by taking a sample from the fluid in the amniotic sac).
Other tests may be necessary, but your HCP will individualise what is required.