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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.
🔬 What is Prenatal Testing?
Prenatal testing involves various medical evaluations carried out during pregnancy to assess both maternal and fetal health. These tests help:
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Monitor fetal development
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Detect potential complications early
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Screen for genetic or chromosomal conditions
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Plan safe delivery options
These are generally divided into routine and non-routine (specialized) tests.
✅ Routine Prenatal Tests
These are standard and recommended for every pregnancy. They are usually done during the first, second, and third trimesters.
🩸 1. Blood Tests
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Blood Group & Rh Factor
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Hemoglobin & Anemia Check
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Infections Screening (HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis)
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Rubella Immunity Status
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Thyroid Function Test (TSH)
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Blood Sugar Levels (fasting/post-meal or glucose challenge test)
🧫 2. Urine Tests
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Checks for protein, sugar, and infection
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Monitors kidney health and pre-eclampsia risk
📸 3. Ultrasound Scans
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Dating Scan (6–9 weeks) – confirms pregnancy and due date
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NT Scan (11–13 weeks) – checks for chromosomal anomalies
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Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks) – examines fetal organs and growth
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Growth Scans (28+ weeks) – assesses fetal size, position, and fluid
💓 4. Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring
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Typically begins from the second trimester
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Doppler scans or fetal monitoring are used
🧬 Non-Routine Prenatal Tests
These are optional or advised based on medical history, age, family conditions, or abnormalities found in routine tests.
🧪 1. NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)
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Blood test to detect chromosomal conditions (like Down syndrome)
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Recommended for women over 35 or with abnormal NT scan results
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Safe and done as early as 10 weeks
🧬 2. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
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Performed between 10–13 weeks
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Tests for genetic disorders like Thalassemia, Tay-Sachs, Cystic Fibrosis
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Involves sampling placental tissue (invasive)
🧫 3. Amniocentesis
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Done between 15–20 weeks
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Extracts amniotic fluid to check for chromosomal, neural tube, or genetic disorders
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Recommended if screening tests are positive
🧬 4. Triple/Quadruple Marker Tests
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Blood tests performed between 15–20 weeks
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Screens for risk of Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, Neural Tube Defects
🧪 5. TORCH Panel
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Detects maternal infections (Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, CMV, Herpes)
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Important for early fetal protection
🧾 6. Genetic Carrier Screening
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For couples with a family history of inherited diseases
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Tests whether parents carry genes for conditions like Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, etc.
🧠 Why Are Non-Routine Tests Suggested?
Your doctor may suggest these tests based on:
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Advanced maternal age (>35 years)
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Previous child with congenital issues
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Abnormal scan or blood test results
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Family history of genetic disorders
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Multiple miscarriages
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Infections during pregnancy
🧘♀️ Your Role as a Mother
Choosing the right prenatal tests with your doctor allows:
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Better risk assessment
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Timely intervention or counseling
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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.
👩⚕️ Expert Prenatal Care at Harsh Hospital, Himatnagar
At Harsh Hospital, we offer:
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Complete antenatal checkups
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All routine and non-routine prenatal testing
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Genetic counseling for high-risk pregnancies
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3D/4D ultrasounds
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Personalized pregnancy monitoring and support
We believe that an informed mother is an empowered mother.
📍 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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