Tests During Pregnancy: Trimester Wise Complete Guide [2024]

• Price
• Purpose
• Procedure
• First Trimester
• Second Trimester
• Third Trimester

So, you have just found out you are pregnant and are ready to start preparing for a safe pregnancy for you and your baby. Your doctor might have told you to undergo several tests during pregnancy. These may include urine & blood tests and ultrasound scans.

The total duration of pregnancy is usually divided into three phases of three months each, and there are tests to be done in each of these ‘trimesters’. The prices are variable depending on the type of test. One can also avail in-home sample collection for most blood and urine samples.

Tests During Pregnancy: Trimester Wise test List

First Trimester (Week 1- Week12)	Second Trimester (Week 13- Week 26)	Third Trimester (Week 27- Week 40)
Beta HCG	GTT (Glucose tolerance test)	USG Scan
Antenatal screening	USG Level 2 Scan	HIV Screening
Test for vitamin D levels	Urine test for preeclampsia	Group B Streptococcus Test
Double marker test	Quadruple test or Triple marker test	Blood test to check for anemia (Iron profile)
Ultrasound NT Scan	Amniocentesis/ NIPT	Doppler Pregnancy
Early Pregnancy USG	CVS (chorionic villus sampling)	Fetal Echo

Pregnancy Tests’ Details in Brief

Also Known As	Pregnancy Tests
Purpose	To assess the health of both the mother and the developing baby
Preparation	Fasting is preferred for most tests
Reporting Time	8 to 24 Hrs (for most tests)
Cost	Variable

Pregnancy Tests Price

The Pregnancy tests’ price depends on the number of tests included, diagnostic centre and city.

Lab	Antenatal Screening	Double Marker Test	Iron profile
Dr Lal Path labs	Rs 1400	Rs 2350	Rs 550
Thyrocare	Rs 2500 (~approx)	Rs 1200 (City-based)	Rs 500
Metropolis Healthcare	Rs 2900	Rs 2500 (City-based)	Rs 500( City-based )
SRL Diagnostics	Rs 1500	Rs 2400 (City-based)	Rs 1200
Redcliffe Labs	Rs 999	Rs 2000	Rs 275
Vijaya Diagnostics	Rs 1800 (~approx)	Rs 2200 (City-based)	Rs 700

Cost in different cities

The table below lists the prices of some important pregnancy tests in different cities. You can click on the ‘price’ to get the list of diagnostic centers with their price and discount in the mentioned city.

City	Antenatal screening	Double marker test	Doppler Pregnancy USG	Ultrasound NT Scan	USG Level 2 Scan
Delhi	Rs 1500 to Rs 3700	Rs 1200 to Rs 2150	Rs 1625 to Rs 3600	Rs1200 to Rs 3200	Rs 1600 to Rs 3500
Mumbai	Rs 900 to Rs1790	Rs 1299 to Rs 2150	Rs 1350 to Rs 1750	Rs 1500 to Rs 2500	Rs 1890 to Rs 2700
Bangalore	Rs 1000 to Rs 3600	Rs 1246 to Rs 2240	Rs 1400 to Rs 2300	Rs 1400 to Rs 1700	Rs 1890 to Rs 2900
Hyderabad	Rs 900 to Rs 2800	Rs 760 to Rs 2464	Rs 1440 to Rs 2080	Rs 700 to Rs 1600	Rs 1440 to Rs 3000
Gurgaon	Rs 900 to Rs 1900	Rs 1560 to Rs 2600	Rs 1440 to Rs 3500	Rs 1600 to Rs 3500	Rs 1900 to Rs 3500
Chennai	Rs 900 to Rs 1500	Rs 1246 to Rs 2150	Rs 1600 to Rs 2000	Rs 1400 to Rs 1600	Rs 1890 to Rs 2100
Kolkata	Rs 900 to Rs 1400	Rs 1299 to Rs 2000	__	__

Why are these tests important during pregnancy?

The main purpose of any prenatal test is to evaluate the health of the mother and the developing fetus. The tests can help determine –

Aspects related to maternal health

• The period of pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes
• Gestational Hypertension
• Any nutrient deficiencies like vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, etc
• Thyroid diseases
• Infections like Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis B, etc
• Risk of preeclampsia

Aspects related to baby’s health

• The chances of any  chromosomal abnormality such as  Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome (trisomy 18), Patau’s syndrome (trisomy 13), Turner’s Syndrome
• Congenital heart disease in the baby
• Risk of infections
• Assess if the overall growth and development of all internal organs of the baby is normal

Preparation

Overnight fasting may be preferred for a few tests. Please follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider.

Procedure

The blood tests are fairly simple. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-

1. A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
2. The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
3. The site is cleaned with spirit.
4. A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
5. The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
6. Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
7. A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.

For Urine Tests

In case of urine tests, you will be given a container to collect your urine sample. You are advised to wipe the area clean before you collect the sample. The container has markings, and you should fill the container to the appropriate levels as directed.

For USG Scans

The ultrasound scans can be performed through the abdomen or vagina (transvaginal). The procedure for the scan is as follows:

• The transabdominal scan is similar to the normal abdominal ultrasound and is done on the lower abdomen of the pregnant woman.
• The gel is applied to the lower abdominal area, and the sonographer will move the transducer on the skin.
• In most cases, the scan is done by moving the transducer over the skin, and the image of the developing child will appear on the screen. However, if that does not happen, then the vaginal scan has to be done.
• The images on the screen are enough to identify the risk of abnormalities in the developing baby.
• A small, lubricated ultrasound probe is gently inserted into your vagina if your scan is done transvaginally. The probe may be a little uncomfortable but usually isn’t painful. Scans done this way can give more detailed pictures because the probe is closer to your uterus.

The entire procedure usually takes about 20-40 minutes.

Risks

It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-

• Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
• Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
• Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
• Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.

Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.

The collection of urine samples and ultrasounds do not pose any risk.

Should I Take Any Precautions Before Or During The Test?

Tests should be done at trusted and reputed labs only. There is a host of disreputable pregnancy clinics that don’t follow the accepted safety and hygiene standards. We at BookmeriLab ensure you get access to the best facility in your city. We recommend that you keep an eye out for the clinics actively promoting the new 3D and 4D ultrasounds.

Tests During Pregnancy: First Trimester

The following tests are recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Antenatal Screening

ANC test includes blood and urine tests done in the first trimester of pregnancy to evaluate the health of the mother and the developing baby.

• Beta HCG test – To confirm the pregnancy and determine the gestation period
• Blood group & Rhesus (Rh) factor– It helps identify the blood group in case blood is needed at any time. The RH factor compatibility between the mother and child is crucial. RH-negative mothers bearing an RH-positive child can face complications like hemolytic disease of the Unborn. In this, the mother’s body produces antibodies against the baby’s blood.
• Anaemia Screening – The growing fetus needs iron which puts pregnant women at a higher risk for anemia
• Blood sugar– High blood sugar can mean gestational (developed due to pregnancy) diabetes which poses some risks and may need regular monitoring.
• Hepatitis B Screening– Hepatitis B can transmit from mother to baby and is an important test in pregnancy. The Hepatitis virus attacks the liver.
• Thyroid Profile for a thyroid screening– TSH levels are usually lower during pregnancy. Higher levels can mean an underactive thyroid. If left untreated it can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications.
• HIV Test– Since HIV can pass from mother to child through the placenta, this test is important to identify the risk to the baby and prevent transmission.
• TORCH tests for German measles (Rubella), syphilis, CMV (Cytomegalovirus), HSV (Herpes simplex virus), and toxoplasmosis.

Test for vitamin D levels

Vitamin D test measures the amount of Vitamin D in the blood. Newborn’s vitamin D levels are largely dependent on maternal vitamin D status. Consequently, infants of mothers with or at high risk of vitamin D deficiency are also at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Double marker test during pregnancy

The Double Marker Test is a blood test that measures the levels of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) along with PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein). The doctor may recommend this test between week 9 and week 14 of pregnancy. This test will give you early information about the chances of your baby being born with certain disorders such as Edwards syndrome and Down syndrome.

If the fetus has a risk of Edward’s or Down syndrome, the pregnant mother will have high levels of HCG and low levels of PAPP-A.

Combined Screening Test During Pregnancy

A second test is a combination of blood tests double marker and Ultrasound NT Scan. The nuchal Translucency Scan measures the amount of fluid collected in the back of the neck of the fetus, called the nuchal fold. This measurement can help your doctor estimate the risk of your baby having a chromosomal abnormality such as Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome (trisomy 18), trisomy 13, etc, as well as heart problems.

Other tests, especially in high-risk pregnancies include:

• alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
• urine test for albumin
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
• Amniocentesis (15 to 18 weeks)

CVS is an advanced test and doctors will usually recommend it for high-risk pregnancies.

Is The First-Trimester Screening Necessary?

Every pregnancy comes with the possibility of Down syndrome. Many parents will like to know if there are chances that their baby could suffer from the lifelong struggles that come with Down syndrome. This disorder comes from an abnormality at the chromosomal level. Babies born with Down syndrome have physical and mental impairments all their lives. Parents must prepare themselves to take additional tests, plan the course of pregnancy and prepare to care for a child who has special needs.

The screening also looks for any risk of Edwards syndrome, which is often fatal within a year of birth.

The first-trimester screening is optional. It is not a decisive test. It must be followed up by other, more invasive tests. Many parents may not want the kind of stress that comes with it so early in the pregnancy.

Tests During Pregnancy: Second Trimester

Few recommended tests may be –

• GTT (Glucose tolerance test) is done to test for gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) because the placenta makes hormones that could cause sugar to rise in the blood.This test is done towards the end of the second trimester (16 to 18 weeks) if you’ve had gestational diabetes before, and also in the third trimester (24 to 28 weeks).
• Blood pressure test for gestational hypertension – Hypertension may be induced by pregnancy, without any earlier signs of preeclampsia, like protein in the urine.
• Urine test for preeclampsia – A urine test for the presence of protein may be able to detect preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and signs of damage to liver, kidneys or other organs. It can cause blood clotting problems, seizures, and if untreated, can be fatal for the mother and infant.
• Ultrasound Level II or anomaly scan – Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound test between 18 and 20 weeks to find out how the fetus is growing, check its movements, see how the internal organs are developing, look for birth defects, find out how much amniotic fluid there is, check the cervix and measure the birth canal.
• Triple test or quadruple test can be done later in the pregnancy, usually between 15 and 20 weeks, to look for risks of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and other defects in the brain or spinal cord.

If you test positive on these tests, the doctor may recommend further tests during the pregnancy. The triple test in the second trimester is less advantageous than in the first trimester since if you test positive and decide to go for termination, the process will be more traumatic at this late stage.

Tests During Pregnancy: Third Trimester

Tests in the third trimester largely look for infections and deficiencies. Your body has been working hard for over six months, and the tests will help determine if the pregnancy is progressing normally.

In the third trimester, tests include:

• Iron profile Blood test to check for anemia
• Glucose test is done to test for gestational diabetes
• HIV and other STD tests if you are at risk
• An ultrasound to determine where the placenta is and how the baby is growing
• Group B Streptococcus Test – To test for streptococcus with rectal and vaginal swabs
• Any vaccines for flu, whooping cough or other infectious diseases doing the rounds

Pregnancy For Women Over The Age Of 35?

Women over 35 are at a greater risk of pregnancy complications. Doctors monitor them more carefully and they must take more precautions during pregnancy. Late pregnancies could lead to birth defects like Down syndrome, gestational diabetes in the mother, miscarriages, and premature birth. In such cases, the Doctor may also recommend additional tests during pregnancy.

The first trimester is a particularly vulnerable stage for women over 35. For such women, invasive tests for Down Syndrome could cause a miscarriage. Thus, the doctor recommends tests for high-risk pregnancy cases only after careful consideration and discussion with patients.

Pregnancy is a big responsibility. Speak to your doctor and find out what you must do and the things you should not do, while you begin to take responsibility for the life inside you!

How to book Pregnancy Tests?

BookmeriLab has partnered with many reputed and trusted labs all over India. You may Call our supportive Customer care executive at 08882368882. You may also forward your prescription to the same number. We will help you find the best labs near you for all tests during pregnancy at an affordable cost.

FAQs