Pregnancy tests and examinations at Maja Hospital

The list of tests and examinations in pregnancy is not the same for every pregnant woman. The gynaecologist sets it according to the week of pregnancy, age, previous pregnancies, long-term conditions and results already available. That is why this article is an overview of what is in the gynaecology and laboratory price lists of Maja Hospital, not a schedule of check-ups.

Bring all earlier results and a list of medicines and supplements you take to every examination. If your pregnancy is followed by a gynaecologist elsewhere, also bring their referral or the list of tests they requested.

The gynaecology price list of Maja Hospital includes, for following a pregnancy:

• pregnancy ultrasound, the basic ultrasound examination during pregnancy,
• expert ultrasound, a detailed ultrasound examination of the baby's development, at a time set by the gynaecologist,
• 4D ultrasound,
• CTG, monitoring of the baby's heart activity and uterine contractions.

The gynaecologist decides which examination is needed and when, according to how the pregnancy is going.

The laboratory price list includes the blood tests most often requested in pregnancy:

• complete blood count,
• blood group with Rh factor,
• glucose and OGTT, the oral glucose tolerance test,
• TSH, the hormone that shows how the thyroid is working,
• ferritin, an indicator of iron stores,
• beta HCG, the pregnancy hormone.

For blood tests you usually come in the morning, fasting. Preparation for the OGTT is different: check it by phone before coming and read the article on preparing for a blood test. Blood sampling is a separate item in the price list.

The double test is a blood test done in the first trimester of pregnancy as a screening test. The result is a risk estimate, calculated together with the gynaecologist's ultrasound findings, and it is not a diagnosis. If the estimate shows increased risk, the gynaecologist explains what it means and what the next steps are.

The gynaecologist sets the timing of the double test, and you can check the preparation and what to bring, such as the ultrasound report, by phone before coming to the laboratory.

The laboratory price list includes tests for infections that matter in pregnancy:

• the TORCH profile, which usually covers toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes viruses (check the exact composition in this laboratory by phone),
• individual tests: antibodies to toxoplasma (IgG and IgM), to rubella (IgG and IgM) and IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus,
• tests for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis (RPR and TPHA).

A positive HIV, hepatitis or syphilis test is confirmed with an additional test. The gynaecologist explains what the result means for the pregnancy.

In pregnancy the following are also often requested:

• urine test with sediment,
• urine culture, a bacteriological urine test,
• vaginal swab (bacteriological and mycological) and cervical swab.

For a urine test you usually bring the first morning urine, midstream, and the sample for culture and the swab are given before starting antibiotics, unless the doctor says otherwise. Check other sampling instructions by phone or when you arrive at the laboratory.

When there is a medical reason, the gynaecologist may also suggest:

• amniotic fluid sampling, when a small sample of amniotic fluid is taken with a thin needle through the abdomen under ultrasound guidance; before deciding, the gynaecologist explains why they suggest it and what the risks are, including a small risk of miscarriage,
• a thrombophilia panel for pregnant women, a group of blood clotting tests, when the doctor considers it necessary.

The gynaecologist does not suggest these for every pregnant woman, but when the findings or medical history give a reason.