Once the pregnancy has been confirmed, it is time to check the state of the body. Many women do not complain of any ailments, but a blood test allows us to determine whether there is a fight against pathogenic germs in the body. Sometimes, illnesses do not make themselves known and the blood test results make it clear that treatment should be implemented. Indications for a blood test - in addition to pregnancy - are problems with the skin, concentration, hair loss, brittle nails and fainting. These symptoms can even signal the onset of anaemia. It is therefore not worth underestimating the blood tests, as they provide a clear indication of the state of our organism.

Blood tests should be carried out several times. After the first visit to the gynaecologist, it is advisable to carry out a blood group test, an Rh factor test, a blood count and an OGTT (glucose load) test - in the case of women who have suffered from gestational diabetes or vascular disease. Some doctors recommend a test for HIV, HCV, syphilis, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus after the first visit. After the second visit, doctors recommend a blood morgology and a PAPPA test, which is not mandatory.
Many doctors recommend that the blood count be repeated after 16 weeks of pregnancy, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, after 30 weeks of pregnancy and after 32 weeks of pregnancy. At 26 weeks of pregnancy, a glucose load test is recommended to rule out or confirm gestational diabetes. In the middle of the third trimester, it is recommended to repeat tests for HIV and toxoplasmosis.

Blood tests will accompany the pregnant woman practically throughout her pregnancy. Tests to be performed include:

• Blood group determination - this is an extremely important test that allows us to determine unequivocally what blood group the patient has. This information can be useful during childbirth should a blood transfusion be necessary. The blood typing test is performed once in a lifetime. The basic blood groups that can be identified are A, B, 0, AB.
• Rh factordetermination - the Rh factor may be associated by the mother-to-be with a serological conflict. The Rh factor is nothing more than an extra antigen on the blood, expertly designated as D. The Rh factor is present in almost 85% of the population! However, its determination also plays a key role - firstly, in the possible treatment of a serological conflict between mother and child, and secondly, in the event of a possible blood transfusion during childbirth. The administration of Rh-negative blood to a person who is Rh-positive (and vice versa) can lead to serious complications and even death.
• Complete blood count - a test that allows us to determine what condition our body is in. A complete blood count allows us to determine whether the blood parameters comply with generally accepted norms. Significant deviations from the norm may indicate an ongoing disease state. During a blood count, parameters such as: number of leukocytes, number of erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit - important in determining whether the patient is anaemic, MCV - an indicator of the average volume of a blood cell, MCH - the average haemoglobin content of a blood cell, MCHC - the average haemoglobin concentration, platelet levels, concentration of the factors RDW - SD and RDW - CV allowing determination of the size of erythrocytes, GCFW - an indicator of platelet anisocytosis, P - LCR percentage of large platelets. In addition, the concentration of lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophilia, immature granulocytes is determined.
• Blood glucose concentration - this test will be repeated several times during pregnancy. The blood glucose test, allows to exclude or confirm the development of gestational diabetes.
• Women with hypertension or confirmed vascular disease should, after their first visit to the gynaecologist, have an OGTT test, i.e. a 75 g glucose load test, which involves drawing blood before the ingestion of glucose and after the ingestion of a glucose solution.
• TSH determination - although many women do not suffer from a thyroid disorder, hyper- or hypothyroidism can occur during pregnancy. It is important to remember that the norms for TSH concentrations in pregnancy are much lower than those for a non-pregnant woman. If the TSH level deviates from the norm, the doctor will decide on further treatment.
• During pregnancy, every pregnant woman must have HIV, HCV and syphilis tested in her blood. These tests are extremely important because of the possibility of treatment during pregnancy. Importantly - the test results are necessary during admission to the emergency room of the hospital!

Additional - recommended tests are:

• Test for IgM, IgG for toxoplasmosis - toxoplasmosis is a dangerous disease that we can contract by preparing infected meat, not taking care of the hygiene of knives/cutting boards, during contact with the ground, or when changing litter from an infected cat. Toxoplasmosis is dangerous for the child, hence it is worth having a test and taking possible treatment.
• Rubella - if the woman has had rubella or has been vaccinated, she has the necessary set of antibodies to fight the disease. Unfortunately, if the woman has not been vaccinated or has not had the disease, there is a risk of infection, which can be dangerous for the baby.
• CMV - cytomegalovirus is a disease that can cause numerous malformations in the baby. It is worth checking the level of antibodies against cytomegalovirus to avoid problems during pregnancy.
• PAPPA test and beta HCG for cryptor - these are additional tests, included in the prenatal tests, to exclude the risk of trisomy in the child.