- Tel: 020 8546 7711
As part of your antenatal care you'll be offered several blood tests. Some are offered to all women, and some are offered only if you might be at risk of a particular infection or inherited 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.
Your blood will be tested to see whether it is rhesus negative or positive. If you are rhesus negative, this isn't usually a concern for a first pregnancy, but it may affect the next baby if you get pregnant again.
People who are rhesus positive have a substance known as D antigen on the surface of their red blood cells. Rhesus negative people do not. A rhesus negative woman can carry a baby who is rhesus positive if the baby's father is rhesus positive. During the birth, the mother can produce antibodies against the baby if small amounts of the baby's blood enter her bloodstream. This usually does not affect the existing pregnancy, but the woman can become sensitised. This means that her immune response will be quicker and much greater if she gets pregnant with a rhesus positive baby again. The antibodies she produces can cross the placenta and may result in a condition called haemolytic disease of the newborn, which can lead to anaemia and jaundice in the baby.
Therefore, all women who are rhesus negative are offered a prophylactic Anti-D injection, between 28-30 weeks of pregnancy. Anti-D injection can reduce the risk of sensitisation. Following the birth of the baby, the rhesus factor of the baby is checked and if the baby is rhesus positive then the mother will be offered another injection of Anti-D.
If there are any incidents during the pregnancy which could result in fetal blood entering the mother’s circulation, then additional Anti-D may be offered at this time. This could include if any vaginal bleeding occurs or any abdominal trauma. In this situation please contact DAU or triage urgently.
All women are offered a blood test to find out if they are anaemic. If the test shows that you are anaemic you will be recommended to take an iron supplement.
We also test for serious inherited blood disorders, which affect the haemoglobin. This is a part of the blood that carries the oxygen around the body. People who have these conditions will need specialist care. However, it is possible for some people to be ‘carriers’ and not be aware of their status, as they are fit and healthy and do not have the disorder. But if a carrier was to have a baby with someone who is also a carrier then it is possible that their baby could inherit a disorder. Therefore, if a mum is a carrier, dad will be offered a test too.
You'll be offered tests for:.
Please, be aware that we only test once in pregnancy. It is possible to acquire these infections at any point in the pregnancy, therefore, if you or your partner are involved in ‘risky’ behavior, please discuss this with your midwife. Please, refer to the booklet ‘ Screening Tests for you and your Baby’ for more details and discuss with your midwife.