Screening in Pregnancy Kendal

By  Verona Hall Independent midwife Supernanny Expert 02/01/2008

Haemoglobin

Haemoglobin is a test to detect iron anaemia and indicates the need for vitamin and mineral supplementation during pregnancy. Blood is taken in early pregnancy and then repeated at 32 weeks. This test is recommended for all pregnant women.

Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Trait

Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia are inherited disorders of haemoglobin evident in the mother’s and father’s blood. In pregnancies where both parents are carriers, the newborn baby may be anaemic. Sickle Cell testing should be performed on women of African, Indian and Mediterranean group.

Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is a viral infection, which can exert harmful effects on the developing foetus in the first half of pregnancy. Screening is undertaken to assess the mother’s immunity to the virus. If there is no immunity to the virus, then a Rubella vaccination will be offered during the postnatal period.

VDRL (Syphilis)

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease which is now extremely uncommon. However, it is still routine to offer screening to everyone in the UK.

Tay Sachs Screening

Tay Sachs is an inherited condition of fat metabolism. It is a recessive gene and if both parents are carriers, then the baby may be affected. Tay Sachs is more common in Ashkenazi Jewish families. A test can be performed on either parent’s blood before or during pregnancy. If the mother and father are carriers then an amniocentesis is advised to check the baby.

Blood Group and Rhesus Antibody Screening

Blood is grouped and the presence of antibodies is assessed. The majority of antibodies are harmless, but a minority, particularly the Rhesus type may affect the foetus. If the mother is Rhesus Negative, the antibody screening will be repeated later in pregnancy. Women, who are Rhesus Negative will be offered an Anti-D immunoglobulin injection at 28 and 34 weeks in order to prevent Rhesus immunization. The injection may be repeated after birth, if the baby’s blood, taken from the placenta is Rhesus Positive.

Hepatitis (Australian Antigen)

The Hepatitis virus may affect the mother’s liver and cause jaundice. Women who are carriers of this virus may transmit the infection to the baby. Screening for Hepatitis is routine.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection probably acquired from eating uncooked meat or from exposure to infected cat faeces. Infection during pregnancy is rare, but the effect on the baby can be serious. Toxoplasma antibodies will indicate when the infection was acquired. Infection before the pregnancy does not affect the baby. Screening for Toxoplasmosis is not routine in Britain.

HIV Test in Pregnancy

It is recommended that all mothers consider an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody test as part of their routine antenatal care. There are advantages to mother and baby of knowing HIV status. HIV is spread through unprotected sexual intercourse or needle injury. The H...

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