Understanding Prenatal Testing: Routine and Non-Routine

Understanding Prenatal Testing: Routine and Non-Routine

 

A Complete Guide by Harsh Hospital, Himatnagar

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation, care, and decisions. One of the most critical aspects of ensuring a healthy pregnancy is prenatal testing. At Harsh Hospital, Himatnagar, we help expectant mothers understand and navigate both routine and non-routine prenatal tests, enabling safe, informed pregnancies.

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🔬 What is Prenatal Testing?

Prenatal testing involves various medical evaluations carried out during pregnancy to assess both maternal and fetal health. These tests help:

• Monitor fetal development

• Detect potential complications early

• Screen for genetic or chromosomal conditions

• Plan safe delivery options

These are generally divided into routine and non-routine (specialized) tests.

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✅ Routine Prenatal Tests

These are standard and recommended for every pregnancy. They are usually done during the first, second, and third trimesters.

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🩸 1. Blood Tests

• Blood Group & Rh Factor

• Hemoglobin & Anemia Check

• Infections Screening (HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis)

• Rubella Immunity Status

• Thyroid Function Test (TSH)

• Blood Sugar Levels (fasting/post-meal or glucose challenge test)

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🧫 2. Urine Tests

• Checks for protein, sugar, and infection

• Monitors kidney health and pre-eclampsia risk

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📸 3. Ultrasound Scans

• Dating Scan (6–9 weeks) – confirms pregnancy and due date

• NT Scan (11–13 weeks) – checks for chromosomal anomalies

• Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks) – examines fetal organs and growth

• Growth Scans (28+ weeks) – assesses fetal size, position, and fluid

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💓 4. Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring

• Typically begins from the second trimester

• Doppler scans or fetal monitoring are used

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🧬 Non-Routine Prenatal Tests

These are optional or advised based on medical history, age, family conditions, or abnormalities found in routine tests.

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🧪 1. NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)

• Blood test to detect chromosomal conditions (like Down syndrome)

• Recommended for women over 35 or with abnormal NT scan results

• Safe and done as early as 10 weeks

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🧬 2. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

• Performed between 10–13 weeks

• Tests for genetic disorders like Thalassemia, Tay-Sachs, Cystic Fibrosis

• Involves sampling placental tissue (invasive)

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🧫 3. Amniocentesis

• Done between 15–20 weeks

• Extracts amniotic fluid to check for chromosomal, neural tube, or genetic disorders

• Recommended if screening tests are positive

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🧬 4. Triple/Quadruple Marker Tests

• Blood tests performed between 15–20 weeks

• Screens for risk of Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, Neural Tube Defects

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🧪 5. TORCH Panel

• Detects maternal infections (Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, CMV, Herpes)

• Important for early fetal protection

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🧾 6. Genetic Carrier Screening

• For couples with a family history of inherited diseases

• Tests whether parents carry genes for conditions like Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, etc.

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🧠 Why Are Non-Routine Tests Suggested?

Your doctor may suggest these tests based on:

• Advanced maternal age (>35 years)

• Previous child with congenital issues

• Abnormal scan or blood test results

• Family history of genetic disorders

• Multiple miscarriages

• Infections during pregnancy

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🧘‍♀️ Your Role as a Mother

Choosing the right prenatal tests with your doctor allows:

• Better risk assessment

• Timely intervention or counseling

• More informed delivery planning

Harsh Hospital’s maternity team ensures clarity, compassion, and care in every step of your pregnancy. We explain why a test is recommended, its safety, and how it supports a healthy pregnancy.

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👩‍⚕️ Expert Prenatal Care at Harsh Hospital, Himatnagar

At Harsh Hospital, we offer:

• Complete antenatal checkups

• All routine and non-routine prenatal testing

• Genetic counseling for high-risk pregnancies

• 3D/4D ultrasounds

• Personalized pregnancy monitoring and support

We believe that an informed mother is an empowered mother.

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📍 Visit Us: Harsh Hospital, Himatnagar
📞 Book Your Antenatal Consultation: +91-9913233538
🌐 Website:www.harshhospitals.com
🕘 Timings: 09:00am to 07:00pm
👩‍🍼 Trusted by thousands of mothers across North Gujarat

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