Blood tests during pregnancy – what tests are offered and what can be tested privately?

Blood tests offered through the antenatal care center

At MCV, pregnant women are offered several different blood tests in order to gain insight into everything from blood type to anemia and infection, this is done as part of the routine check-up in antenatal care. Here are the blood tests offered:

1. Blood type and Rh factor: This blood test determines the mother's blood type and Rh status. If the pregnant woman is Rh-negative, further tests may be needed to prevent complications with the baby's blood type. A blood test can also be taken early in pregnancy to determine the fetus's Rh factor.
2. Blood count (Hb, hemoglobin) and iron stores (ferritin): The iron level in the blood is measured to detect possible anemia (anemia), which is common during pregnancy. Ferritin can be taken to assess the body's iron stores and need for supplements.
3. Infection screening: The screening analyzes hepatitis B to identify any infection that can be transmitted to the baby. HIV because it is important to take action if there is an infection. Syphilis because untreated syphilis can harm the fetus. Immunity to rubella virus is also checked by analyzing the values ​​for rubella (rubella) because infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
4. Blood sugar test (Glucose load test, OGTT): This is offered to pregnant women who have an increased risk of gestational diabetes, for example if they are overweight, have had gestational diabetes before or have a genetic predisposition. Some regions offer this test to all pregnant women around week 28.
5. Thyroid tests (TSH and free T4): Are routinely taken in many regions, especially if there are symptoms of thyroid disorders or if there is a known thyroid disease. Ask your MCV what applies in your region.
6. Other tests and offers: In maternity care, pregnant women are also offered regular urine tests to detect protein or urinary tract infection. At each visit to the midwife, a blood pressure check is done to detect gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. You may also be offered a chlamydia test upon enrollment, especially younger pregnant women.
7. Fetal diagnostics (KUB and NIPT) - KUB is usually offered to all pregnant women and involves a combination of blood tests and ultrasound. NIPT can be offered in cases of increased risk; it is the healthcare system that decides whether this is offered or not. For those who are not offered NIPT through the healthcare system, there is the option of having it done privately. You can read more about having a NIPT test done privately here.

Blood tests you can have done privately during pregnancy

If you are pregnant and want to get a more comprehensive picture of your health, you can also have blood tests done privately. Here are some examples of tests that can be ordered and performed privately:

Vitamin and mineral status:

• Iron and ferritin – Good for assessing the body's iron stores and possible need for supplements during pregnancy.
• Vitamin D – Important for the fetus's skeletal development and the mother's bone health.
• Vitamin B12 and folate – Essential for the fetus's development and for preventing neural tube defects.

Read more and order here: Vitamin and mineral.

Thyroid function:

• TSH, free T3 and free T4, antibodies: For pregnant women with thyroid problems or suspected hormonal disorders.

Read more and order here: Thyroid test extended.

Hormonal tests:

• Progesterone: – Important for maintaining pregnancy.
• Estradiol: – Plays a key role in the progress of pregnancy.

Read more and order here: Oestrogen and progesterone test.

NIPT (non-invasive prenatal test):

A blood test that analyzes the fetus's DNA to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 and trisomy 13.

Read more and order here: NIPT-test.

Liver and kidney function tests:

To monitor organ function and identify any complications.

Read more and order here: Liver test and Kidney test.

Several of these markers, as well as blood sugar, blood fats, other minerals and hormones, are also included in Pregnancy test.

When can private blood tests be useful?

Conducting private blood tests can be valuable for several different reasons, it depends entirely on the individual needs that may arise. Here are four situations where they can be useful:

1. If you want more detailed information about your nutritional status.
2. If you suspect a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance.
3. If you are not offered certain tests through MVC but want an extra check.
4. If you want to do tests outside of public healthcare routines.

Blood tests during pregnancy are an important part of maternity care and help to detect potential risks in time. The tests offered through MVC are fundamental to ensuring the health of the mother and child. For those who want further insights, there is the option of taking private blood tests. By combining public and private tests, pregnant women can get a more comprehensive picture of their health and ensure that they receive the support they need during pregnancy.