Anaemia screening (Full blood count or FBC) (Recommended by NICE)
Anaemia is common in pregnancy and if you are found to be anaemic you will be given iron and folic acid tablets. If you are anaemic it can make you very tired and also make your body less able to cope with losing blood at delivery.

Blood group (Recommended by NICE)
Your blood group is tested in case you need to have a blood transfusion at any point so we can give you blood that is your type/group.

Chicken pox susceptibility (Varicella) (Additional test offered by The Prenatal Company)
Most women are immune to chicken pox having previously had the disease. It is a dangerous disease for both the mother and baby if contracted during pregnancy. If you have not had or are unsure whether you have had the disease a blood test can be done to check immunity. If you are not immune you will then know to avoid coming into contact with the disease and if you did would need to see your GP. You could also choose to be immunised after your pregnancy to protect yourself in future pregnancies.

Down's syndrome serum screening (Additional test offered by The Prenatal Company)
We offer the blood test screening for Down's Syndrome. The blood test should be taken after 14 weeks of pregnancy and before 23 weeks. 16-18 weeks is ideal. If there has been bleeding within the last seven days the sample needs to be deferred until there have been seven days clear of bleeding. Results cannot be interpreted if an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) has been attempted in this pregnancy.

Glucose (Blood sugar level) (Additional test offered by The Prenatal Company)
A blood test can be taken to check your blood sugar levels as abnormal levels may indicate diabetes. A form of diabetes called gestational diabetes can develop in pregnancy. We offer a random test at booking and further testing in the form of a mini glucose test if required.

Group B streptococcus swab (GBS) (Additional test offered by The Prenatal Company)
This is an infection which can be normally present in a woman’s vagina and will never normally cause any problems; however, it can cause problems in babies if it is not detected. GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK

Hepatitis B (Hep B surface antigen) (Recommended by NICE)
Hepatitis B is a blood borne virus that affects the liver. It is a virus which can have no symptoms or signs of illness but can still be transmitted by carriers of the disease. Babies who are at risk of transmitting the virus from their mother can be immunised at birth to prevent infection.

Hepatitis C (Antibodies) (Additional test offered by The Prenatal Company)
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus which affects the liver and its ability to function properly. There are drug treatments for hepatitis C and it can be successfully treated. As a blood born virus steps can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission from mother to baby.

HIV (HIV antibodies) (Recommended by NICE)
HIV is tested for in pregnancy because if women are found to be positive, steps can be taken to reduce transmission to the baby (i.e. elective caesarean section and bottle rather than breast feeding). Not all babies born to HIV positive mothers will be infected with the disease. Currently the transmission rate is estimated to be an infection rate of one in six babies. The Prenatal Company provides an HIV screening service.

Rhesus status (Atypical antibodies) (Recommended by NICE)
Your blood is classified as being either Rhesus positive or negative. This is absolutely nothing to worry about for you or the baby in this pregnancy, it only becomes an issue in subsequent pregnancies where it can cause anaemia in future babies. Put very simply if you are Rhesus negative and your baby is Rhesus positive the two blood types can mix and fight each other. If you are found to be rhesus negative we will provide you with further information and Anti D injections to manage this condition.

Rubella susceptibility (Recommended by NICE)
Rubella is also known as German measles; checking your susceptibility (immunity) is important in case you come into contact with rubella whilst you are pregnant. Rubella can seriously affect your baby’s sight and hearing and cause brain and heart damage in the unborn baby. If you were not immune and were in contact with the disease during pregnancy you would need to see your doctor at once for further testing. If you were found to have no immunity and had no contact you would be offered vaccination after your pregnancy to protect you in further pregnancies.

Sickle Cell and Thalassemia (Recommended by NICE)
These are inherited blood conditions that predominantly affect people who originate from Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean, but are also found in the Northern European population. It is possible for either you or your partner to be carriers but not affect the baby, however if you are both found to be carriers or either of you suffer from the disorders this can be discussed further with your doctor or midwife.

Syphilis (VDRL) (Recommended by NICE)
This is a sexually transmitted disease which can be easily treated but it should be detected as early as possible in pregnancy.

Urine cultures
One routine urine sample will be sent for testing during pregnancy to check for infection. Further samples may be required if you develop a urine infection.

ADDITIONAL TESTING FOR COMPLICATIONS IN PREGNANCY

Obstetric cholestasis blood tests
Obstetric cholestasis refers to severe itching in pregnancy and can indicate liver damage. Blood tests include liver function tests (LFT's) and a bile salt test.

Pre-eclampsia blood tests
Pre-eclampsia is high blood pressure in pregnancy which affects both the mother and baby. Screening for pre-eclampsia includes a full blood count (FBC), clotting screen, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests and uric acid.

Please note if you require additional tests for complications in pregnancy you will also require joint care with an obstetrician.