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Pregnancy tests and Antenatal Checklist
1️⃣ First Trimester (0–13 Weeks)
Essential Medical Tests
- Pregnancy confirmation
- Urine pregnancy test
- Early ultrasound (dating scan, location of pregnancy, heartbeat)
- Baseline blood investigations
- Hemoglobin, complete blood count
- Blood group & Rh typing
- Blood sugar (fasting or random)
- Thyroid function test (TSH)
- Infection screening:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Syphilis
- Rubella immunity (if required)
- Genetic & chromosomal screening (11–13 weeks)
- Nuchal translucency (NT) scan
- Dual-marker blood test
- Optional NIPT for high-risk mothers
Antenatal Care Checklist
- Start folic acid supplementation (400–600 mcg daily)
- Begin iron and calcium only if advised
- Manage nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
- Avoid:
- Alcohol, smoking, harmful drugs
- Radiation exposure and unsafe medications
- First doctor visit & complete medical history
- Identify high-risk factors:
- Age >35 years
- Diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease
- Previous miscarriage or cesarean
2️⃣ Second Trimester (14–27 Weeks)
Essential Medical Tests
- Anomaly scan (18–22 weeks)
Detailed structural examination of fetal organs.
- Maternal serum screening
- Triple marker / Quadruple marker test
- Detects risk of Down syndrome, neural tube defects.
- Gestational diabetes screening (24–28 weeks)
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
- Routine monitoring
- Blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Urine protein & sugar
- Hemoglobin recheck (if anemia suspected)
Antenatal Care Checklist
- Start iron and calcium supplements regularly
- Balanced diet rich in:
- Protein
- Iron
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Moderate pregnancy-safe exercise & walking
- Feel first fetal movements (quickening)
- Education on:
- Warning signs (bleeding, swelling, severe pain)
- Importance of regular antenatal visits
3️⃣ Third Trimester (28–40 Weeks)
Essential Medical Tests
- Growth ultrasound & Doppler study
- Fetal growth, placenta, amniotic fluid, blood flow
- Repeat laboratory tests
- Hemoglobin
- Blood sugar (if diabetic/high risk)
- Urine protein
- Fetal well-being monitoring
- Non-stress test (NST)
- Biophysical profile (if required)
- Infection screening (late pregnancy)
- Group B Streptococcus (in some settings)
Antenatal Care Checklist
- Monitor fetal movements daily
- Watch for danger signs:
- Severe headache
- Swelling of face/hands
- Reduced baby movement
- Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- Continue iron, calcium, and nutrition
- Birth preparedness:
- Choose hospital & doctor
- Arrange transport & finances
- Prepare maternity bag
- Plan breastfeeding support
- Counseling on:
- Normal delivery vs cesarean
- Labor pain management
- Newborn care & vaccination
