At our practice, ensuring the health and safety of expectant mothers and their babies begins with comprehensive antenatal screening. Early and thorough testing helps you and your care team manage risks and foster a healthy pregnancy.

Initial Screening (at Booking Visit or Prior)

Many of these tests may be performed by your General Practitioner before your first visit with us:

• Full Blood Count (FBC): Assesses overall health, looking for anemia or other blood concerns.
• Blood Group, Rh Type C Antibodies: Determines blood compatibility and screens for immune reactions.
• Rubella Serology: Checks immunity status against rubella.
• Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis Serology: Screens for important infectious diseases affecting pregnancy.
• Thyroid Function Test: Assesses thyroid hormone levels which can impact pregnancy outcomes.
• Serum Vitamin D Levels: Monitors vitamin D for healthy bone and immune development.
• Midstream Urine Culture: Detects urinary tract infections that may cause complications.

Screening for Chromosomal Conditions

Down’s Syndrome, Trisomy 13 C Trisomy 18 Screening:

• Maternal serum blood test at 11 weeks gestation.
• Nuchal translucency ultrasound at 12 weeks (measures fluid behind the baby’s neck).
• Sensitivity:
  • Age alone: 30%
  • With nuchal translucency: 90%

This combination greatly improves detection, ensuring early diagnosis and management options.

Key Pregnancy Milestone Tests

• Foetal Anomaly Scan (19–20 weeks): Comprehensive ultrasound to check your baby’s development. You will be referred to a specialized ultrasound clinic for this assessment.
• Glucose Tolerance Test (24–28 weeks): Screens for gestational diabetes. Also includes repeat FBC and antibody screening.

Special Considerations

• Rh Negative Mothers: If your blood group is Rh negative, you’ll be offered anti-D injections (with your consent) at 28 and 34 weeks to protect your baby from Rh incompatibility.
• Group B Streptococcus Screening: At 36 weeks, a vaginal swab screens for Group B Strep bacteria. If positive, you’ll receive intravenous antibiotics during labour to prevent infection to your newborn.

Your safety and peace of mind is our priorities. Every screening is designed to provide timely information and lays the foundation for safe, supported motherhood. Please bring all test reports and your antenatal card to every visit so we can monitor your progress closely and address any questions along the way.