Diagnostic tests - do I need them?

By BRIGITTE ROZARIO

Nuchal fold, Bart's test, amniocentesis, cordocentesis, chorionic villus sampling – for those who are or have been pregnant, these names will sound familiar. They are the names of diagnostic tests for pregnant women. Some pregnant women are recommended to go for these tests.

Not everybody needs to though.

Basically these are tests you undergo to detect abnormalities and disorders in the foetus.

If you're pregnant right now and reading this, don't panic. If your doctor hasn't recommended these tests for you, it's not because he's negligent. These tests come with risks and are only conducted if your obstetrician / gynaecologist thinks you need them.
 

Before getting pregnant, you should check for diabetes, thyroid problems and infections which you may not have had proper immunisation for such as hepatitis, rubella and HIV. For hepatitis and rubella, it's best to vaccinate before you get pregnant if you've not had your shots.

Thalassaemia

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Gunasegaran PT Rajan says, “In the Malaysian context, before couples get pregnant they should test for thalassaemia because it is more common here. The woman should go for the test to find out if she is a carrier. If her results are negative then it doesn't matter if her husband is a carrier or not. If she is positive then the husband would also need to test if he is a carrier.”