Which blood tests are done during pregnancy?

Antenatal care includes a fixed schedule of tests such as hemoglobin, blood group and Rh, thyroid (TSH), glucose/OGTT for gestational diabetes, iron studies, urine routine, and routine infection screening — the exact set and timing are decided by your obstetrician [WHO, 2016].

Do pregnancy blood tests use different reference ranges?

Some do. Values such as TSH and thyroid hormones are read against trimester-specific ranges, and glucose thresholds in pregnancy differ from those outside pregnancy [ATA, 2017]. Each test page shows the named source where trimester-specific data exists.

Are anaemia and gestational diabetes in pregnancy serious?

They are common and manageable, and catching them early is exactly what antenatal testing is designed to do. Your obstetrician will guide what happens next — that is why these results are always discussed with them rather than acted on alone.

When in pregnancy are these tests done?

Testing follows the antenatal schedule, from a first-trimester booking panel through second-trimester glucose testing to third-trimester checks. Use the trimester views to see what typically happens when.

Pregnancy blood tests, by trimester

Tests by trimester

All antenatal tests

HemoglobinHemoglobin measures the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It supplies oxygen to your body and to your baby.
TSHTSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) is a hormone from the pituitary gland in your brain. It controls how much thyroid hormone your thyroid gland makes.
Free T4 (FT4)Free T4 is the active, unbound form of thyroxine. Thyroxine is the main hormone your thyroid gland makes.
Fasting GlucoseFasting glucose measures the sugar in your blood. It is taken after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours.
OGTTThe oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) shows how your body handles a standard glucose drink. Your blood sugar is checked while fasting, then at 1 hour and 2 hours.
HbA1cHbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the past 8 to 12 weeks. It does this by measuring the share of hemoglobin with sugar attached.
Blood Group & RhThis test finds your ABO blood group. It also shows if the Rhesus (Rh) factor protein sits on the surface of your red blood cells.
FerritinFerritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and tissues. Its blood level reflects the total iron reserves in your body.
Vitamin DThis is the vitamin D test. It measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D) in your blood. This is the main form in your blood. It reflects your overall vitamin D stores.
Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 is a nutrient your body needs for nerves, red blood cells, and DNA. The vitamin B12 test measures its level in your blood.
Platelet CountPlatelet count measures the number of tiny blood cells called platelets. Platelets help your blood clot and stop bleeding.
Urine Routine & ProteinThe urine routine examination checks a urine sample for protein, glucose, blood, white cells, and other parts. The protein check looks at whether your kidneys are leaking protein.
TORCHTORCH is a group of blood tests for antibodies to certain infections. These are Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus. These infections can affect your baby's growth if you catch them in pregnancy.
HIV / HBsAg / VDRLThese are three separate blood tests offered to all pregnant women. HIV tests for the human immunodeficiency virus. HBsAg tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, a sign of hepatitis B. VDRL tests for antibodies linked with syphilis.
Double / Triple / Quadruple MarkerThese are blood tests that measure certain proteins and hormones from the placenta and baby. The results are combined with your age, weight, and pregnancy stage. Together they give a risk estimate as a number.
NT Scan Bloodwork (PAPP-A, free beta-hCG)PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) and free beta-hCG are proteins from the placenta. Their first-trimester levels are combined with the NT scan and your age. Together they give a risk estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Which blood tests are done during pregnancy?: Antenatal care includes a fixed schedule of tests such as hemoglobin, blood group and Rh, thyroid (TSH), glucose/OGTT for gestational diabetes, iron studies, urine routine, and routine infection screening — the exact set and timing are decided by your obstetrician [WHO, 2016].
Do pregnancy blood tests use different reference ranges?: Some do. Values such as TSH and thyroid hormones are read against trimester-specific ranges, and glucose thresholds in pregnancy differ from those outside pregnancy [ATA, 2017]. Each test page shows the named source where trimester-specific data exists.
Are anaemia and gestational diabetes in pregnancy serious?: They are common and manageable, and catching them early is exactly what antenatal testing is designed to do. Your obstetrician will guide what happens next — that is why these results are always discussed with them rather than acted on alone.
When in pregnancy are these tests done?: Testing follows the antenatal schedule, from a first-trimester booking panel through second-trimester glucose testing to third-trimester checks. Use the trimester views to see what typically happens when.