Pregnancy Progress Blood Test

Description

The early stages of a pregnancy can be such an intense time, especially if you have been through the rollercoaster of IVF, if it is your first pregnancy or if you have suffered miscarriage.

This early stage is called the first trimester and is the period of 12 weeks from the first day of your last period. There are significant physical and hormonal changes during this time, and your baby grows faster than at any other stage of pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage is higher in the first three months and so many women want reassurance that their pregnancy is progressing as it should in the early stages.

This Pregnancy Progress Blood Test is a quantitative test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which means that it measures the actual levels of hCG in your blood. (HCG is made in the cells of the placenta (the organ that surrounds your baby), and it rises rapidly in the early stages of pregnancy, peaking at around 10 or 11 weeks. Levels will double every 48 – 72 hours in a healthy pregnancy.)

This test also measures your progesterone levels which prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening it. Your progesterone levels should typically stay elevated throughout your pregnancy.

This test is for you if:

• you want to check the progress of your early pregnancy
• you want reassurance about your pregnancy after experiencing recurrent miscarriages
• you want to check your hormone levels during pregnancy
• you’ve been advised to take this test by your fertility specialist

Please remember though, these tests are not a substitute for seeing your doctor. Our doctors will interpret your results based on the information you have provided, but will not diagnose, consult or provide any treatment. You will be advised to see your doctor for any necessary follow-up action.