Pregnancy 

👶 Pregnancy Journey Guide: Before, During & After Pregnancy Tests and Scans

🌸 Introduction

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey — but every stage needs proper care and regular health check-ups.
Many expecting mothers often ask:

“What tests and scans should I take before, during, and after pregnancy? And what’s the purpose of each?”

Here’s a simple guide from Vinayaga Physio Clinic, Salem, to help you understand all important medical checks step-by-step.

🩺 Before Pregnancy (Pre-Conception Stage)

Before planning for pregnancy, it’s good to check that both parents are healthy and ready for safe conception. These tests help prevent complications later.

Test Purpose 

Blood Group & Rh Typing To identify Rh incompatibility (important for baby’s safety).

Hemoglobin & CBC Detects anemia or infection.

Blood Sugar (FBS, PPBS, HbA1c) To rule out diabetes before pregnancy.

Thyroid Function (T3, T4, TSH) Thyroid imbalance can affect ovulation and baby growth.

Rubella, Hepatitis B, HIV, VDRL Screening for infections that can affect baby health.

Vitamin D & B12 Levels Corrects deficiencies for healthy conception.

Pelvic Ultrasound Checks uterus and ovary condition (fibroids, cysts, PCOD).

Semen Analysis (for husband) Evaluates sperm health if conception is delayed.

💬 Tip:
Healthy mother and father = healthy baby!
Take these checks 3–6 months before conception.

🤰 During Pregnancy

🌼 First Trimester (0 – 12 Weeks)

Goal: Confirm pregnancy and check early baby growth.

Test / Scan Purpose

Urine Pregnancy Test To confirm pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy Scan (6–8 weeks) Confirms baby heartbeat & number of embryos.

Blood Group & Rh Typing (if not done earlier) To plan anti-D injection if Rh negative.

Routine Blood Tests 

(CBC, Sugar, Thyroid, HIV, VDRL, Hepatitis B) Basic maternal screening.

Urine Routine Test Detects infection or protein in urine.

NT Scan (11–13 weeks) Screens for genetic or chromosomal conditions.

Dual Marker Test Combined with NT scan for genetic screening.

🌷 Second Trimester (13 – 28 Weeks)

Goal: Monitor baby’s growth and mother’s health.

Test / Scan Purpose

Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks) Checks baby organs, limbs, and brain development.

Triple / Quadruple Marker Test Detects genetic conditions if required.

Blood Sugar Test (24–28 weeks) Screens for gestational diabetes.

Hemoglobin & Urine Check To prevent anemia and infection.

Anti-D Injection (Rh negative mothers) Prevents Rh incompatibility complications.

🌸 Third Trimester (29 – 40 Weeks)

Goal: Check baby position, growth, and delivery readiness.

Test / Scan Purpose

Growth Scan (32–34 weeks) Measures baby weight, placenta position, and amniotic fluid.

Doppler Scan Evaluates baby’s blood circulation (if needed).

CBC, Sugar & Urine Test (Repeat) Final maternal check before delivery.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Test Detects infection risk.

NST / CTG (Non-Stress Test) Monitors baby’s heart rate and movement pattern.

👩‍🍼 After Delivery (Postpartum Period)

After childbirth, both mother and baby need proper follow-up and gentle recovery support.

Test / Check Purpose

Mother’s Hemoglobin & BP Check Detects anemia or high BP.

Thyroid Test (after 6 weeks) Checks for postpartum thyroid issues.

Sugar Test (for GDM mothers) Ensures blood sugar returns to normal.

Pelvic Ultrasound / Checkup (6 weeks post-delivery) Confirms uterus recovery and healing.

Baby’s Newborn Screening Detects early thyroid or metabolic issues.

Vaccination Schedule BCG, OPV, Hepatitis B, etc.

Postnatal Physiotherapy Check Strengthens pelvic floor, reduces back pain, and improves posture.

💪 Why Physiotherapy After Delivery Is Important

Many new mothers experience:

• Back & neck pain (especially after C-section or long labor)

• Belly bulge or abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)

• Pelvic floor weakness causing urinary leakage

• Multiple joint pain

👩‍⚕️ Postnatal physiotherapy helps restore strength, improve posture, and prevent long-term complications.

💬 From Vinayaga Physio Clinic

At Vinayaga Physio Clinic, we support women before and after delivery with:
✅ Safe antenatal & postnatal exercise guidance
✅ Back and neck pain treatment
✅ Pelvic floor strengthening & abdominal recovery

📍 86-B/205, Ambalavana Swamy Koil Street, Gugai, Salem – 636006
📞 Contact: Vinayaga Physio Clinic
💬 Healthy Mother = Healthy Family

#PregnancyCare #PrenatalTests #PostnatalRecovery #VinayagaPhysioClinic