Routine blood tests

Routine blood tests in pregnancy

Blood tests recommended by 10 weeks:

Full blood count and ferritin (iron) level – checks for anaemia (low haemoglobin) or low platelet levels
Blood group and antibody screen – specifically looking at the rhesus factor. We also check for red cell antibodies (important in case women need a blood transfusion).
Rubella immunity - tells us if you are immune to rubella (German measles). You should be immune if you have had an MMR vaccination or a rubella vaccination in childhood or if you have had the infection in the past.
Syphilis - checks for a sexually transmitted infection that is very damaging to your developing baby – we recommend you have this checked in every pregnancy as problems can then be treated before your baby is born.
Hepatitis B - an infection that affects your liver. It can be caught in a number of ways and can have serious long-term consequences for you and possibly for your baby. It is recommended that you are tested for Hepatitis B in each pregnancy.
HIV - a virus which can lead to AIDS. HIV infection can be controlled with drugs. If you are HIV positive we aim to prevent your baby becoming infected from you during pregnancy, birth or after birth.
Random blood glucose - checks the levels of sugar in your blood. If the level of sugar in your blood is high, we go on to organise a test for diabetes.
Haemoglobinopathy – checks the structure of your blood cells and whether you may have a baby with specific clotting problems.

Blood tests recommended at 28 weeks:

Full blood count – to check your iron level
Random blood glucose - checks the levels of sugar in your blood. If the level of sugar in your blood is high, we go on to organise a test for diabetes.

Top tip: Don't forget to ask for your results to be included in your notes

For independent advice on tests visit http://www.arc-uk.org/