Prenatal pregnancy control: tests, laboratory tests and ultrasound scans

By (gynecologist), (embryologist) and (psychologist).
Last Update: 04/05/2022

Pregnancy is a new physiological state in a woman that does not have to cause any problems for her health and that of the future baby she is expecting. However, it is very important to monitor the entire gestation period in order to detect possible alterations and prevent them in time.

Since the generalization of medical control of pregnancy and the introduction of hospital delivery, perinatal mortality has declined significantly in industrialized societies, being much lower than maternal-fetal mortality in underdeveloped or developing countries.

Therefore, it is very important that all pregnant women have an early, periodic, complete and quality prenatal check-up, according to the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO).

First visit

As soon as a woman discovers that she is pregnant, she should make an appointment with her gynecologist to begin prenatal care.

At the first visit, called the intake visit, the patient's medical history will be opened, which should include all this information:

  • Family and partner history as detailed as possible.
  • Medical history and possible pathologies that may be aggravated.
  • Obstetric history: previous pregnancies, miscarriages, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, etc.
  • Menstrual cycle characteristics, previous surgeries, contraceptive use, etc.
  • Date of last menstrual period (LMP) to calculate weeks of pregnancy.

The gynecologist will then perform a physical examination of the patient, which is based on palpation of the genitals and breasts, measurement of weight and height to calculate the BMI, blood pressure measurement, etc.

Other possible complementary tests include the following:

  • Coombs test: blood group compatibility of mother and fetus
  • Urine analysis: leukocytes, glucose, albumin, etc.
  • Blood tests: hemogram, blood glucose, TSH, cholesterol, iron, etc.
  • Serologies: rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, hepatitis B and HIV.
  • Cytology

Based on all the results obtained, the gynecologist will give the woman all the nutritional recommendations and care necessary for the correct development of the pregnancy.

First trimester of pregnancy

At all subsequent pregnancy check-ups, the gynecologist will perform a physical examination and take weight and blood pressure measurements.

The first-trimester ultrasound, which in many cases is the woman's first ultrasound, should be done between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation, and is usually done vaginally. The objectives of this ultrasound are as follows:

  • Identify the number of embryos and gestational sacs.
  • Listen to the heartbeat of the embryo.
  • Take measurements of the embryo to estimate the weeks of pregnancy together with the FUR.
  • Measure the nuchal translucency.
  • Observe the morphology of the embryo.
  • Observe the uterus and adjoining structures.

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Next, we will discuss the diagnostic tests that can be done to check that the fetus is healthy and has no chromosomal abnormalities.

Non-invasive prenatal testing

This test consists of analyzing the DNA of the fetus obtained from a simple blood sample from the mother. It can be performed from week 9 of pregnancy and has multiple advantages.

The genetic alterations that can be detected in fetal DNA are those affecting the number of chromosomes: Down syndrome, Edwards' syndrome, Patau's syndrome, and those related to the sex chromosomes.

This non-invasive test is being increasingly used due to its simplicity and lack of risk for both the fetus and the mother. In addition, the number of invasive tests performed, such as amniocentesis, has been greatly reduced.

For more information on fetal DNA blood testing, you can continue reading here: Non-invasive prenatal test in maternal blood.

However, it should be noted that fetal DNA testing in maternal blood is not covered by Social Security or private health insurance. Therefore, women who wish to have it done will have to pay the price.

Triple screening

First trimester combined screening, also known as triple screening, is a biochemical test that is now routinely performed on all pregnant women to determine the risk of congenital abnormalities in the baby.

This estimate is made from the following parameters that the gynecologist obtains from the first-trimester blood test and ultrasound:

  • The nuchal fold or nuchal translucency
  • Biochemical markers: pregnancy-associated placental protein (PAPP-A) and free beta-hCG.
  • Mother's age, weight, number of fetuses, etc.

The values obtained are compared with tables made according to a pattern of normality in relation to the week of pregnancy.

Depending on the risk index (RI) obtained in the triple screening, it will be necessary or not to perform other invasive diagnostic tests in order to rule out chromosomal alterations.

IR ≥ 1 in 50
there is a risk of chromosomopathies. An amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling will be necessary to confirm the result.
IR 1 in 50 - 1 in 250
medium risk. It is recommended to test maternal blood for fetal DNA and, depending on the result, to perform invasive or non-invasive prenatal testing.
IR < 1 in 250
the risk is very low.

Once the triple screening test is passed and the pregnancy is over 12 weeks, the risk of miscarriage is much lower and the woman feels more relaxed.

Second trimester of pregnancy

From the 15th week of pregnancy, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-hCG, and estriol (E3) values are determined in maternal blood for double or triple biochemical screening.

These parameters are indicators of possible structural abnormalities in the fetus, especially neural tube closure defects:

High AFP values
indicate multiple pregnancy or presence of spina bifida or anencephaly in the fetus.
Low AFP values
are indicative of trisomies on chromosomes 21 or 18.
Low free or unconjugated estriol values
the presence of alterations in chromosomes 13, 18 or 21 may be suspected.

To generalize the units of these measurements and avoid variations according to gestational age, they are measured in MoM (multiples of the median). A normal result is considered when the values are between 0.5 and 2.5 MoM. The normal value is 1 MoM, so the greater the distance from this value, the worse the result.

Problems in fetal development are suspected when the AFP and beta-hCG values are less than 0.4 or greater than 2.5, and the estriol value is less than 0.5.

Morphological ultrasound

The second trimester ultrasound, also known as a morphological ultrasound, should be performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.

It is one of the most important ultrasounds of the entire pregnancy and its objectives are the following:

  • Perform a complete morphological examination of the fetus.
  • Determine male or female sex.
  • Perform biometry: measure the head, abdomen and femur, etc. to check for proper fetal development.
  • Study of the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.
  • Study of the heart and circulation through the uterine arteries.

With the results of this ultrasound and biochemical screening, the gynecologist will determine the need for further prenatal testing such as those discussed below.

Chorionic biopsy

Chorionic villus sampling consists of obtaining chorionic villi from the placenta vaginally or transabdominally in order to karyotype the fetal cells.

It is an invasive prenatal test but serves to confirm the diagnosis of biochemical screening or fetal DNA testing. It has also been possible to identify false positives or negatives from the above tests.

The advantage of chorion biopsy is that it can be performed before amniocentesis, between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation. However, it is a more difficult technique that involves more risks.

For more information about this prenatal diagnostic test, you can continue reading here: What is chorionic villus sampling?

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is an invasive prenatal test that involves the extraction of a sample of amniotic fluid through the mother's abdominal wall using a fine needle and ultrasound monitoring.

The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells, which can be analyzed as well during chorionic biopsy to identify possible genetic alterations.

Amniocentesis is generally performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation in women of advanced maternal age, with a history of children with chromosomopathies, at risk of transmitting inherited genetic diseases, or when the triple screening values have been altered.

If you are interested in reading more about this topic, we recommend the following post: What is amniocentesis?

Third trimester of pregnancy

Between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, the woman will need to have a third trimester ultrasound to check the following parameters:

  • Identify fetal vitality and statics.
  • Check the growth of the fetus and its position.
  • Determine the volume of amniotic fluid and diagnose possible alterations.
  • Visualize the placenta and check its location.
  • Observe the umbilical cord and check that it does not encircle the baby's neck.

This ultrasound can provide information regarding the delivery: when it will be, how it will be, the precautions to be taken by the woman, etc.

O'Sullivan test

The O'Sullivan test is a test to determine the blood glucose level and diagnose whether a woman has gestational diabetes.

It is done in all pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, although if there are risk factors it should be done earlier.

In case of a positive result (glucose ≥ 140 mg/dl or 7.8 mmol/L), the woman will have to have a second glucose overload test to confirm the diagnosis.

You can read more about this topic here: What is gestational diabetes?

Fetal monitoring

Three to four weeks prior to the due date, the woman will need to have weekly visits to check fetal well-being.

This is known as antepartum fetal monitoring(AFM) and consists of recording the fetal heartbeat, and the rhythm and intensity of the mother's contractions.

Once 40 weeks gestation has been reached if labor does not move naturally, the physician will indicate whether it is necessary to induce labor or schedule a cesarean section at the most appropriate time.

FAQs from users

How many times is it advisable to visit a prenatal visit during a pregnancy?

By Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

According to the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO), women with a pregnancy that progresses without complications should go to the prenatal consultation with the following periodicity:

  • Up to week 36: every 4-6 weeks.
  • From week 37 to week 40: every 1-2 weeks.
  • After week 40: 1 to 3 times a week.

What is combined first-trimester screening?

By Óscar Oviedo Moreno M.D. (gynecologist).

The triple screening does not represent a diagnosis but is a statistical test based on biochemical markers present in maternal blood that establishes a risk index.

It does not provide information on the actual condition of the baby but is based on a simple calculation of probabilities.
Read more

What tests can be performed during pregnancy to detect abnormalities in the fetus?

By Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

The most important tests to know that the pregnancy is progressing correctly and that the fetus is in good health are, firstly, the 12-week ultrasound and the triple screening, and secondly, the 20-week morphological ultrasound.

It is also important to highlight amniocentesis in women who present risk factors, since it is the only test that ensures 100% that the fetus has no genetic alterations.

Is it necessary to have any vaccinations during pregnancy?

By Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

Only in the event that the gynecologist deems it convenient for the woman to be immunized against a disease for which she has not been previously vaccinated. It should be emphasized that only vaccines with inactivated viruses, bacterial vaccines, and toxoids, such as diphtheria, tetanus, cholera, meningococcus, pneumococcus, hepatitis, rabies, poliomyelitis, etc., can be administered during pregnancy.

Influenza vaccine should also be offered to all pregnant women during the periods of the year when they are most susceptible to infection.

In the following article, you will find more information about all the ultrasounds performed during pregnancy: Fetal ultrasound in the first, second, and third trimester.

Once 40 weeks of gestation have passed, the long-awaited moment of giving birth arrives. If you want to know all the details about childbirth, you can access the following post: What is childbirth like?

We make a great effort to provide you with the highest quality information.

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References

Control prenatal del embarazo normal. PROTOCOLOS SEGO. Progresos de Obstetricia y Ginecología 2011;54(6): 330-349

Capitán Jurado M, Cabrera Vélez R. Atención preconcepcional. La consulta preconcepcional en Atención Primaria. Evaluación de la futura gestante 2001; 11: 207-215

FAQs from users: 'How many times is it advisable to visit a prenatal visit during a pregnancy?', 'What is combined first-trimester screening?', 'What tests can be performed during pregnancy to detect abnormalities in the fetus?' and 'Is it necessary to have any vaccinations during pregnancy?'.

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Authors and contributors

 Óscar Oviedo Moreno
Óscar Oviedo Moreno
M.D.
Gynecologist
Bachelor's Degree in Medicine & Surgery from the University of Caldas (Colombia). Specialist in Internal Medicine by the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana of Bogotá. Degree standardized in Spain in 2003. Specialist in Gynecology & Obstetrics from the Complutense University of Madrid, with residence at Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos de Madrid. Expert in Reproductive Medicine and Certification in Obstetric-Gynecologic Ultrasound (levels I, II and III). More information about Óscar Oviedo Moreno
License: 282858310
 Zaira Salvador
Zaira Salvador
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Embryologist
Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology from the Technical University of Valencia (UPV). Biotechnology Degree from the National University of Ireland en Galway (NUIG) and embryologist specializing in Assisted Reproduction, with a Master's Degree in Biotechnology of Human Reproduction from the University of Valencia (UV) and the Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI) More information about Zaira Salvador
License: 3185-CV
Adapted into english by:
 Cristina  Algarra Goosman
Cristina Algarra Goosman
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Psychologist
Graduated in Psychology by the University of Valencia (UV) and specialized in Clinical Psychology by the European University Center and specific training in Infertility: Legal, Medical and Psychosocial Aspects by University of Valencia (UV) and ADEIT.
More information about Cristina Algarra Goosman
Member number: CV16874

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