What are the bloods taken by my Midwife at the booking appointment for?
Once you have self-referred to your Midwife, you are usually contacted between 8 to 10 weeks with an appointment for your ‘Booking’.
You may have bloods taken at this appointment or arrangements made for them to be taken on an alternative day.
So what are the blood tests for?
You will be offered screening for infections; HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B. Ideally these will be taken before 10 weeks. This is recommended as the earlier you are aware of infection the sooner treatment can start and therefore reduce the risk of the baby being infected. If you are already aware that you have one of these infections, you will be seen by Specialists to plan your care during pregnancy. It is your choice if you have these infection-screening bloods, but is recommended.
HIV affects and weakens your Immune system and if not treated can develop into Acquired Immune Deficiency ( AIDS). If it is not treated it can be passed onto your baby either during the pregnancy/birth or through breastfeeding.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver. If you already have Hepatitis B, you will be under a Specialist. Your baby’s risk of developing Hepatitis B will greatly reduce with a course of vaccinations in their first year. Hepatitis B can be passed on through bodily fluids/blood i.e. sexual intercourse or sharing of needles that are infected with Hep B.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, caught from contact with someone who has a sore from Syphilis. It can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. If treated early it will reduce the risk of it being passed onto your baby.
Blood test for anaemia (iron deficiency). Your blood will be tested at your booking appointment and again a 28/40. If you are anaemic, you may not have enough healthy red blood cells to ensure enough oxygen is getting to your tissues and is common in pregnancy. It can cause fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath. If you are found to be anaemic, you will be advised to start iron supplements and you can boost your intake by eating more iron rich foods.
Blood Group and Rhesus Status – This blood test is to determine your blood group and if your Rhesus Status is positive or negative. If you are Rhesus Negative you may be offered injections during the pregnancy to prevent your body developing antibodies. More information regarding this is accessible following this link Antenatal checks and tests – NHS (www.nhs.uk). However; women who are Rhesus Negative will also be offered a Maternal blood test (Cell Free DNA- cffDNA) to determine Fetal Rhesus status. This is offered at 16/40 to determine the baby’s blood group.
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia are inherited blood disorders that can be passed from parents to baby. These blood disorders can cause anaemia and infections and will need specialist care. At the time of your Midwife booking, you will be asked to complete a Family Origin Questionnaire to determine if you are more likely have a chance of carrying the genes.
Gestational Diabetes – (High blood sugar levels during pregnancy). If you are more at risk of developing Gestational Diabetes you will be offered a Glucose Tolerance Test between 24- 28 weeks of pregnancy.
This is an overview of the blood tests required and more information will be available to you when you meet your midwife/complete your booking or you may like to have a look at the website highlighted previously for further information.
Debra Hamilton Rose