Pregnancy Blood Test​

Full Blood Count (FBC):
The FBC helps assess overall health during pregnancy and detect conditions like anaemia:

• Red Blood Cells (RBC): Low RBC levels can indicate anaemia, which is common in pregnancy and leads to fatigue.

• White Blood Cells (WBC): High WBC levels may signal an infection or inflammation.

• Haemoglobin (Hb): Low haemoglobin suggests anaemia, which can cause weakness and tiredness.

• Haematocrit: Low levels may point to anaemia, while high levels can suggest dehydration.

• Platelets: Abnormal levels may affect clotting, which is important for safe delivery.

 

Kidney Function Test:

• Creatinine: High creatinine levels may indicate kidney stress or dysfunction during pregnancy.

• eGFR: A low eGFR suggests reduced kidney function, which can be a pregnancy-related concern.

• Urea: Elevated urea levels may signal kidney issues or dehydration, requiring attention during pregnancy.

​

Liver Function Test:

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): High ALT levels could indicate liver stress, which should be monitored in pregnancy.

• Albumin: Low levels may suggest liver or kidney issues, which can affect pregnancy.

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Elevated ALP levels can indicate liver or bile duct issues.

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): High levels may signal liver or muscle damage, requiring further investigation.

• Bilirubin: High bilirubin levels can lead to jaundice, indicating liver issues.

• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Elevated levels may suggest liver stress, especially due to alcohol use or pregnancy complications.

• Globulin: Low or high levels can signal liver, kidney, or immune system issues.

• Total Protein: Abnormal levels may suggest liver, kidney, or nutritional concerns during pregnancy.

 

Bone and Heart Health:

• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Elevated levels may indicate complications like preeclampsia or tissue damage during pregnancy.

• Creatine Kinase (CK): High CK levels can signal muscle or heart issues, important for monitoring maternal health.

• Calcium: Essential for bone health; abnormal levels can impact both mother and baby.

• Sodium: Sodium balance is critical during pregnancy to prevent complications like high blood pressure.

• Uric Acid: High levels can indicate a risk for preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related conditions.

 

Lipid Profile:

• Total Cholesterol: Monitoring cholesterol is important for assessing cardiovascular health during pregnancy.

• HDL & LDL Cholesterol: High LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and low HDL ("good" cholesterol) can increase the risk of heart disease during pregnancy.

• Triglycerides: Elevated triglyceride levels may suggest gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications.

​

Thyroid Function Test:

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Abnormal TSH levels can indicate thyroid imbalances, which can affect pregnancy and fetal development.

• Free Thyroxine (FT4): Low or high FT4 levels can indicate thyroid dysfunction, which can impact energy and metabolism during pregnancy.

 

Vitamins:

• Vitamin D: Low levels can increase the risk of complications like preeclampsia and affect bone health.

• Vitamin B12: Low levels can cause anaemia and neurological issues, which are important to monitor during pregnancy.

• Vitamin B9 (Folate): Crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the baby and anaemia in the mother.

 

HbA1c: Measures long-term blood sugar control and it helps to monitor for gestational diabetes, which can affect both the mother and baby.