After your pregnancy is confirmed, your gynecologist prescribes different kinds of tests depending on your body, your medical history or family history to check both your and your baby’s well being and diagnose against risk for any abnormalities.

There are diagnostic tests like Amniocentesis: In the mother’s womb, the fetus floats in the amniotic fluid that contains the blood cells of the fetus. The test of the amniotic fluid called Amniocentesis is performed to check for Down’s syndrome and spina bifida at 14-18 weeks but it fails to determine all kinds of defects. It also helps to determine the sex of the baby.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): The chorionic villi are sampled at about 10 weeks to diagnose abnormalities like chromosomal, metabolic or genetic defects in the fetus

Fetal blood sampling: Blood cells are obtained from the fetus after 20 weeks of conception to check for chromosomal diseases and anemia.

Between 15 and 18 weeks of your pregnancy a Quadruple (Bart’s) test is performed

Screening tests like ultrasounds to keep in check the baby’s development within the womb of the mother. They also help to determine the delivery date of your baby.

Screening tests also include maternal blood tests. The blood cells are taken from your body and tested. They might be AFP (alphafetoprotein) test, which includes Double test, Triple test or the Triple-Plus test.

Not all tests are required for every expecting mother. Consult your gynecologist and understand why the test is being done, as the doctor is your best friend during Pregnancy.