Antenatal Checks and Tests
During your pregnancy, you'll be offered a range of tests, including blood tests and ultrasound baby scans. These tests are designed to help make your pregnancy safer, check and assess the development and wellbeing of you and your baby, and screen for particular conditions.
You don't have to have any of the tests. However, it's important to understand the purpose of all tests so that you can make an informed decision about whether to have them.
Weight and height checks in pregnancy
You will be weighed at your booking appointment, but you won't be weighed regularly during your pregnancy. Your height and weight are used to calculate your BMI (body mass index). Women who are overweight for their height are at increased risk of problems during pregnancy – you can find out more about being overweight when you get pregnant.
Most women put on 10-12.5kg (22-28lb) in pregnancy, most of it after they are 20 weeks pregnant. Much of the extra weight is due to the baby growing, but your body also stores fat for making breast milk after the birth. During your pregnancy, it's important to eat the right foods and do regular exercise.
Antenatal urine tests
You'll be asked to give a urine sample at your antenatal appointments. Your urine is checked for several things, including protein or albumin. If this is found in your urine, it may mean that you have an infection that needs to be treated.
Blood pressure tests in pregancy
Your blood pressure will be taken at every antenatal visit. A rise in blood pressure later in pregnancy could be a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension. It's very common for your blood pressure to be lower in the middle of your pregnancy than at other times. This isn't a problem, but it may make you feel lightheaded if you get up quickly. Talk to your midwife if you're concerned about it. Find out more about high blood pressure and pregnancy.
Blood tests in pregnancy
As part of your antenatal care you'll be offered several blood tests. Some are offered to all women, and some are only offered if you might be at risk of a particular infection or condition. All the tests are done to make your pregnancy safer or to check that the baby is healthy, but you don't have to have them if you don't want to.
Talk to your midwife or doctor and give yourself enough time to make your decision. They will also give you written information about the tests. Below is an outline of all the tests that can be offered.
The blood tests you may be offered include:
- blood group
- rhesus disease
- anaemia
- diabetes