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Treatment of Antenatal care

Screening during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may be referred for various tests: some are recommended for all pregnant women and are to check the baby’s or the mother’s health; others are for women who have certain risk factors or health concerns. Your midwife or doctor can help you and your partner decide what is best for you and your baby, and also understand the purpose, risks and benefits of each test.

You can decline to have these tests, but they do provide information that helps you deliver a healthy baby. If you need it, genetic counseling is available. This will help you make decisions if you have a disorder that might be passed to your baby and the risks involved.

The tests may be done at your GP surgery, the local clinic or at the hospital antenatal department. Tests may include:

  • rhesus (Rh) typing (Rh-negative women may receive an injection after delivery to protect their next baby from anaemia);
  • HBV testing (if the mother has HBV, which causes hepatitis B, treatment after birth can prevent the baby from contracting the virus);
  • HIV testing (if the mother has HIV, treatment can reduce the baby’s chances of being infected);
  • other blood tests to identify the mother’s blood group, or check for other conditions – such as syphilis, anaemia or sickle cell trait - that can affect the baby, or immunity to rubella;
  • cervical smear test (to check for cervical cancer, gonorrhoea or chlamydia;
  • urine tests (to check for infections and blood sugar problems).

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can provide an accurate view of your baby and its placenta. It is considered quite safe for both of you. It may be used to:

  • determine the size and age of your baby;
  • check the position of the baby and placenta;
  • check for physical problems in the baby or placenta;
  • determine a multiple birth;
  • aid other diagnostic tests.

AFP Tests Alpha-fetoprotein test screens for certain brain abnormalities, spina bifida and sometimes (with the triple plus test) for Down’s Syndrome.

Blood sugar screening test

This checks for gestational diabetes, which can develop in the mother during pregnancy and usually disappears after birth. Untreated, it can lead to serious harm to the baby.

Amniocentesis

This is recommended for women over 35, who have a family history of certain genetic disorders or who have a positive triple plus, AFP or other test results.

Chlorionic Villus sampling (CVS)

This is similar to amniocentesis but is used to detect problems earlier in pregnancy.

Genetic defects

At present there are no set guidelines on testing for genetic defects in unborn babies. However, in April 2001 it was announced that screening for Down’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis and hearing impairment is to be made available to all pregnant women by 2004.