What Tests and Ultrasounds Are Done During Pregnancy in India?

Finding out that you’re pregnant is definitely a wonderful thing, but at the same time, every pregnant woman has only one question: What tests and scans do I need during pregnancy? Knowing pregnancy tests month wise in India and pregnancy scans timeline is essential to keep the mother and baby healthy during pregnancy. Following the right Pregnancy Care Tips and attending scheduled prenatal appointments can help ensure timely monitoring throughout pregnancy. 

Antenatal care is essential to monitor the growth of the baby and any complications during pregnancy to ensure safe passage through each trimester of pregnancy.

First Visit: What to Do Immediately

Once the pregnancy is confirmed, it is important to schedule your first antenatal appointment. In most cases, during the antenatal appointment, the doctor will carry out basic medical checks and advise on the need for blood tests, urine tests, thyroid tests and hemoglobin tests.

In most cases, the doctor may also perform an early ultrasound scan to confirm the pregnancy and determine the gestational age of the fetus.

Doctors will also advise on the need for nutritional and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, a fetal medicine specialist may be involved to provide advanced assessment of fetal growth and development. 

Month-by-Month Pregnancy Scans Timeline

A typical pregnancy check-up schedule:

At 6-8 weeks, an ultrasound is done to confirm the presence of a heartbeat and pregnancy location.

At 11-13 weeks, the NT scan is done. The Nuchal Translucency scan is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and is sometimes done in conjunction with a blood test for a dual marker.

At 18-22 weeks, the anomaly scan test is done. This is a detailed scan to check for development of organs, spine, brain, and heart.

At 24-28 weeks, a glucose test is done to detect gestational diabetes.

In the third trimester, a growth scan is done to monitor fetal weight, presentation, and levels of amniotic fluid.

Supplements During Pregnancy

Doctors usually recommend folic acid during early pregnancy, followed by iron, calcium, and vitamin D supplements to help in fetal and maternal development.

What Symptoms Are Normal vs Urgent

Common symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and cramping. In severe cases of bleeding, abdominal pain, and vomiting, immediate medical care is required. 

What to Track During Pregnancy

Monitoring weight gain, fetal movements after 28 weeks of pregnancy and symptoms can help doctors monitor pregnancy progress more effectively.

Receiving care at a pregnancy care hospital or a holistic maternity hospital can help expectant mothers access comprehensive pregnancy monitoring and support throughout every stage of their journey.