Lottie
New Member
While this may take the form of screening for birth defects, antenatal testing also includes tests for maternal anaemia, Syphilis, Rubella immunity and toxoplasmosis status. Most clinics do blood tests for evidence of hepatitis and antenatal testing for HIV positivity is becoming much more widespread. The mother's blood group is always determined and if she is rhesus negative her blood will be tested for rhesus antibodies. If the latter are present they could cause anaemia and jaundice in the baby. And if they are not present she will be given one or two injections of anti D during pregnancy and, if the baby's cord blood turns out to be Rhesus positive, after delivery so as to prevent her from developing rhesus antibodies. Anti D works by destroying any fetal cells that may leak into the maternal bloodstream before they can spark off an immune response.
Blood tests for Down's Syndrome (the Bart's Test or Triple Test) and Spina Bifida (the measurement of a substance called alpha fetoprotein) are screening tests and if they are positive do no more than indicate a somewhat increased risk of abnormality and the possible need for further testing by ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis for a firm diagnosis. It is worth pointing out that the vast majority of these further tests turn out to be negative and for that reason a positive screening test should not be taken as a cause for despair.
While most women have no qualms about accepting routine antenatal blood tests, it is perhaps useful to stop and consider fully the implications of any test before going ahead with it. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to ask for time to discuss them with your midwife or your doctor. You should never be pressurized into having any tests if you have any doubts about their significance or interpretation.
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Blood tests for Down's Syndrome (the Bart's Test or Triple Test) and Spina Bifida (the measurement of a substance called alpha fetoprotein) are screening tests and if they are positive do no more than indicate a somewhat increased risk of abnormality and the possible need for further testing by ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis for a firm diagnosis. It is worth pointing out that the vast majority of these further tests turn out to be negative and for that reason a positive screening test should not be taken as a cause for despair.
While most women have no qualms about accepting routine antenatal blood tests, it is perhaps useful to stop and consider fully the implications of any test before going ahead with it. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to ask for time to discuss them with your midwife or your doctor. You should never be pressurized into having any tests if you have any doubts about their significance or interpretation.
Link