Essential Antenatal Blood Tests

During the first antenatal visit, your doctor will offer the following blood tests to you.

Blood Grouping

• The four main blood groups are O, A, B and AB.
• It is important to know your blood group in case a blood transfusion is needed.

Rhesus (Rh) Factor

• Rh factor is an antigen found in red blood cells. A person who possesses this factor is classified as ‘Rh positive’ and  without it as ‘Rh negative’.
• If you are Rhesus (Rh) negative, you may need to have a Rh D immunoglobulin (Anti-D) injection to safeguard the baby.

Complete blood count

• A complete blood count is a group of tests that evaluate the cells that circulate in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test can evaluate overall health and detect any conditions, such as anaemia, infections, and the chance of carrying the Thalassaemia genes.

Rubella Antibody

• Rubella infection may cause birth defects. The blood test is performed to check whether you are immune to rubella.
• If you are immune to rubella, it means you will not catch the virus even though you come into contact with it. If you are not immune to rubella, it is important that you avoid coming into contact with anyone who has rubella.

• Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can damage the liver.
• If the blood test is positive for Hepatitis B antigen, it means that you are a carrier. A mother may pass hepatitis B to the baby if the infection is active. To give a high level of protection, the baby should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine after birth and during infancy. Apart from hepatitis B vaccines, babies must be given Hepatitis  B immunoglobulin.

Syphilis

• Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. Untreated syphilis in pregnancy may result in miscarriage, preterm labour, stillbirth, or birth defects and illnesses. . Treatment with antibiotics may be necessary.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a serious disease that can damage the immune system of a person. HIV infection can spread through sexual intercourse, contact with infected blood, or from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
• HIV screening is included in routine antenatal blood tests. This enables early detection and timely treatment to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

Varicella

• Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious viral infection.
• If you have already been exposed to the virus you should be immune. However, if you have never had the infection or been immunized against it you are at an increased risk of complications from pneumonia caused by Varicella and there may be birth defects or illness in the baby.
• A blood test is performed to check if you are immune to Varicella.
• If you are not immune you should avoid close contact with patients infected with chickenpox or shingles. In case you are exposed you should seek medical advice early as treatment can offer protection against the virus.

Now that you know the importance of antenatal blood tests, the next step is learning what to expect from your first ultrasound scan and essential screenings during pregnancy.

Preparing for parenthood

Health education is an integral part in helping prepare for the delivery of a new family member so do make sure to enrol in classes for parents such as an antenatal course , paediatric first aid course and to enroll key carers on courses such as childcare and first aid for domestic helpers. Please visit our website for details.

Delivering at Matilda

Matilda International Hospital provides a seamless, single point of care throughout your pregnancy and delivery as well as providing postnatal care at home. Learn more about our Postnatal Care services. 

Our Patient Service Team will guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision on your pregnancy journey. We can arrange a private maternity tour and help with the pre-authorization with insurance companies. Please contact the Patient Service Centre at 2849 0111 if you wish to arrange a maternity tour.

Information regarding the cost of antenatal care is available here, and details about delivery with a designated obstetrician can be found here.