What tests need to be taken when planning a pregnancy
The content of the article:
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List of necessary tests when planning pregnancy
- Blood and urine tests
- Examination of the pelvic organs
- Tests for hidden infections
- Hormone tests
- Genetic research
- Dental examination
- Analyzes that are prescribed in the absence of conception for a long time
- How to get tested when planning a pregnancy
What tests need to be passed when planning a pregnancy is determined by the gynecologist. If there is evidence, the list can be supplemented with studies that are prescribed by related specialists.
Pregnancy planning is a crucial period in the life of future parents. Of no small importance at this time is the rejection of bad habits, proper nutrition, as well as taking care of the state of the body as a whole, which significantly increases the likelihood of having a healthy child. Planning a pregnancy, among other things, implies an examination of the body, the result of which will help assess the health of the couple and, if necessary, choose the right treatment or correction measures.
When planning a pregnancy, it is advisable for a couple to undergo a complete medical examination
It is recommended to allocate 3–12 months to prepare for conception. If a couple does not have any chronic diseases, the number of tests and specialists who should be consulted is significantly reduced compared to those who have similar diseases.
When a couple is planning a pregnancy, both the woman and the man need to be examined and tested.
List of necessary tests when planning pregnancy
When preparing for conception, a woman, first of all, should consult with a gynecologist. If there is evidence, it may be necessary to consult other specialists who will determine the complex of necessary studies.
Blood and urine tests
The mandatory tests that need to be taken during planning and during pregnancy include a general and biochemical blood test, a coagulogram (blood clotting test), and a general urine test. In addition, the blood group and Rh factor of future parents are determined. During the examination, when planning pregnancy, both partners should be tested for latent infections without fail.
A general blood test makes it possible to determine the level of hemoglobin and erythrocytes, which allows you to identify and eliminate anemia, which can have adverse consequences for the health of a woman and the developing fetus. Also, the study makes it possible to determine the number of platelets that are involved in blood coagulation reactions, and to get an idea of the state of the hematopoietic system and immunity.
A biochemical blood test allows you to evaluate the protein, carbohydrate, fat, and mineral metabolism in the body of the expectant mother and identify pathologies that can interfere with the normal conception and bearing of a child.
Coagulogram - assessment of blood clotting indicators, in case of deviations, their correction will help to avoid the development of bleeding, reduce the threat of termination of pregnancy.
A general analysis of urine makes it possible to assess the state of the urinary system, to determine the presence of inflammatory diseases, stone formation.
Examination of the pelvic organs
Colposcopy is performed to assess the condition of the vaginal mucosa, the vaginal part of the cervix.
An ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is performed.
Tests for hidden infections
When planning conception, it is necessary to pass tests for latent infections. First of all, the presence of TORCH infections is determined, which include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus. These pathogens pose a considerable danger to pregnant women, as they can cause miscarriage and anomalies in the development of the developing fetus. For analysis, venous blood is used. If no rubella antibodies are found during the study, vaccination may be recommended several months before the expected conception.
TORCH infections pose a serious danger to the developing fetus
Before conception, it is necessary to be examined for other latent infections, especially for STIs (sexually transmitted infections), namely gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV.
Hormone tests
The main indications for the analysis of hormones include:
- history of frozen pregnancy;
- irregular menstrual cycle;
- the inability to become pregnant on their own for two years of regular sex life;
- planning pregnancy by a woman after 35 years.
Sex hormones are usually studied: luteinizing (LH), follicle-stimulating (FSH), progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, as well as thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T 3), thyroxine (T 4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), produced by the pituitary …
Genetic research
Genetic testing is required in the following cases:
- one or both partners have relatives with hereditary diseases;
- stillbirth or childbirth with a history of genetic abnormalities;
- if a woman is planning a pregnancy at 40 years of age or older.
After a frozen pregnancy (stopping fetal development until the 27th week of gestation), it is recommended to conduct a histological examination of the tissues of the dead fetus, which will help determine the causes of the pathology.
Dental examination
When planning a pregnancy, a woman needs to undergo a dental examination and cure existing diseases of the oral cavity (caries, periodontitis, etc.), since during pregnancy it is advisable to avoid X-ray diagnostics, which will be required in case of treatment of urgent dental diseases such as acute or aggravated periodontitis.
Analyzes that are prescribed in the absence of conception for a long time
When planning conception in order to determine the fertility of a man and detect possible diseases of the reproductive system, a spermogram is assigned. In the course of the study, the state of the ejaculate is studied (the number of spermatozoa, their mobility, morphological characteristics).
Thrombophilia (a blood clotting disorder that increases the risk of thrombosis) may be required. Usually the study is carried out by PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The material for the study is venous blood or buccal epithelium (a smear is taken from the inner surface of the cheek). The result of the study for thrombophilia allows us to formulate a prognostic conclusion about the presence of a genetic predisposition to thrombophilia, as well as the degree of risk of thrombosis.
In order to determine the immunological compatibility of a couple planning to conceive, a postcoital test (compatibility analysis) is performed. For him, cervical mucus is taken for 6-12 hours after unprotected intercourse, the collected material is examined under a microscope. The analysis is recommended to be carried out on the 14-16th day of the menstrual cycle, that is, during the period of ovulation.
If a pair is found to be incompatible, additional cross-over studies may be necessary (cervical mucus of a woman and donor sperm and sperm of a man with cervical mucus of a woman donor). Also, a woman's blood test is performed for the presence of antibodies to the partner's ejaculate and some others.
How to get tested when planning a pregnancy
For a general blood test, capillary blood is usually taken, for the rest - venous blood. Blood should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach (at least eight hours should elapse after the last meal). The day before the study, it is necessary to stop eating fatty foods and alcohol, avoid mental and physical stress; do not smoke one hour before blood sampling. No special preparation is required for the thrombophilia test.
Most blood tests require venous blood
For a general analysis of urine, the first morning urine is collected after the toilet of the external genital organs. The initial portion of urine goes down the toilet, the rest is collected in a container specially designed for this and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Before taking a gynecological smear or scraping, you can not use vaginal suppositories, ointments, douching, use means for intimate hygiene (especially antibacterial). A day or two before the study, you need to exclude sexual contacts.
In case of taking any medications, before taking the tests, you should agree with the doctor about the expediency of canceling them before the study.
If pathological processes are detected according to the results of the analyzes, their re-delivery or additional examination can be assigned.
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Anna Aksenova Medical journalist About the author
Education: 2004-2007 "First Kiev Medical College" specialty "Laboratory Diagnostics".
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