To know everything (even before they are offered to you), here is an article that reviews all the possible tests you could undergo during your pregnancy.
Blood tests
At the beginning of pregnancy
Usually, during your first appointment with your doctor, he will suggest a blood test to check your immunity to certain diseases (such as 5e illness and rubella if you work around children) and to screen for STIs (sexually transmitted infections). You can go to your CLSC for the blood test or to a private clinic. Just be sure that the results will be sent to your doctor.
Dating Ultrasound
Around the 10e week
At the beginning of your pregnancy, often after your first appointment, we may suggest that you have an ultrasound to confirm your date of conception and thus better calculate your expected date of delivery (EDD). Not all ultrasounds offered during your pregnancy are mandatory. Some find them reassuring, because they can “see” their child, others find that the results can leave room for too muchinterpretation and that they will be more worried.
Ultrasound for nuchal translucency
Between 9e and 14e week
Nuccal translucency – the thin translucent space between the muscles and skin of the fetus' neck – can only be calculated during these weeks of pregnancy. Too wide a spacing would indicate the possibility of genetic abnormalities. Read this article to understand how we come to understand the measurements taken and the effectiveness of this test.
Prenatal screening test for trisomy 21
Between 10e and 13e week
This test allows – by two blood samples between the 10e and the 13e week and the other between the 14 e and 16e week – to detect the risks of trisomy 21. Even if it is now free, this test is still not unanimous.
Amniocentesis
Between 13e and 16e week
This test involves removing a small amount of fluid from the amniotic sac (the equivalent of a few teaspoons) using a thin, thin needle inserted into the skin of the mother's belly. This test can detect certain abnormalities (such as trisomy) and reveal data on the baby's genetic code. It is especially recommended for women aged 35 and over and for those at particular risk during pregnancy. To find out how this examination is carried out, read this article summarizing amniocentesis.
Ultrasound
Between the 18e and the 22e week
It is the ultrasound that many parents look forward to, because it is often at this moment that the sex of the baby can be detected. However, it is rather to see if the baby is developing well. It is often called morphological ultrasound. It allows to know the position of the baby, an examination of the placenta, the volume of liquid around the baby, the growth of the baby (we measure it to check if it is proportional to the number of weeks of pregnancy), etc.
He alth professionals recommend at least one ultrasound that all pregnant women have at least one ultrasound. Sometimes an emergency ultrasound may be required when, for example, bleeding is suspected placental abruption.
Pregnancy diabetes test
Between 24e and 28e week
Since gestational diabetes occurs at the end of the 2e trimester or at the beginning of the 3e, the screening test is important. “It manifests as an increase in blood sugar levels that only occurs during pregnancy. It is found in 2 to 4% of pregnancies and can affect both mother and child. Pregnancy diabetes disappears after childbirth in 90% of cases. “, we note on the site of Diabetes Quebec. During this test, we “measure blood sugar 1 hour after taking 50 g of glucose. If the result is between 7.8 and 10.2 mmol/L, the doctorattending will suggest a more elaborate blood test in addition to recommending a personalized diet plan designed by a dietitian. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will be given dietary advice to avoid the need for insulin injections. Diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy.
Strep B test
Between 34e and 37e week
This is a simple, quick and painless test. The professional inserts a special cotton swab into the vagina and into the rectum. The culture taken is then tested to see if the woman is a carrier of group B streptococcus (GBS). If so, to prevent the mother from passing GBS to the baby during birth, she will be given an intravenous antibiotic early in labor or when the membranes are ruptured.
Urine test
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, especially if you have a problem with high blood pressure, your urine will be monitored for protein by doing simple urine tests. High blood pressure and high protein in the urine are warning signs of pre-eclampsia.
Be aware that none of these tests are mandatory. At any time, you can refuse them or demand further explanations or even get a second opinion. Being well informed is the key to making the best decision for you and your child.
CHU Ste-Justine - Pregnancy and breastfeeding guide
He alth Canada - Genetic Testing and Screening
Diabetes Quebec - Pregnancy diabetes
