Pregnancy Tests: What Tests Are Done and When?

Miracles Healthcare September 10, 2026 ·12 writeups ·joined Dec 2025

11 min read

Pregnancy Tests: What Tests Are Done and When?

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it also comes with many health checkups and tests designed to protect the health of both the mother and baby. From confirming pregnancy to monitoring fetal growth and screening for possible complications, pregnancy tests play a very important role throughout all three trimesters.

Knowing what tests are done during pregnancy and when they are done can help expecting mothers prepare for their antenatal appointments and understand why each test is recommended. While the exact schedule may vary depending on your health, age, pregnancy history, and your doctor’s recommendations, most women undergo a combination of blood tests, urine tests, ultrasounds, and other screenings during pregnancy. In this blog, we will discuss different tests during all trimesters of pregnancy.

Different Types of Pregnancy Test

First Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test is usually taken after a missed period or when pregnancy symptoms appear. A urine pregnancy test detects hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy. A doctor may also recommend a blood test for early confirmation. Once pregnancy is confirmed, an antenatal consultation helps determine the due date and plan further tests.

Dr. Sadhna Sharma, top-rated Gynaecologist in Gurgaon at Miracles Healthcare, says: “If you suspect you are pregnant, taking a pregnancy test after a missed period and consulting your gynaecologist early can help ensure timely antenatal care and appropriate testing.”

First Trimester Pregnancy Tests

The first trimester generally covers weeks 1 to 13 of pregnancy. Early testing helps assess the mother's health and identify potential risks at an early stage.

Blood Tests

Your doctor may recommend pregnancy test with blood during first trimester of pregnancy, including:

Complete blood count (CBC) to check haemoglobin and other blood parameters
Blood group and Rh factor testing
Blood sugar testing
Thyroid function tests when indicated
Screening for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis
Other tests based on your medical history and risk factors

These tests provide important information about your overall health and help doctors identify conditions that may need monitoring or treatment during pregnancy.

Urine Test

A routine urine examination may be performed during pregnancy to check for signs of urinary infection, protein, glucose, or other abnormalities. Pregnancy test using urine is commonly repeated during antenatal visits depending on individual needs.

Dr. Sadhna says, “Regular urine tests are important during pregnancy because they help detect infections and other abnormalities early, supporting timely care for both mother and baby.”

Early Pregnancy Ultrasound

An ultrasound during pregnancy allows doctors to assess the location of the pregnancy, fetal development, and gestational age. An early ultrasound may also help determine whether the pregnancy is progressing as expected.

First-Trimester Screening

Depending on your pregnancy and your doctor's advice, first-trimester screening may include a combination of ultrasound and blood tests to assess the risk of certain chromosomal conditions.

The nuchal translucency (NT) scan, usually performed around 11 to 13+6 weeks, measures the fluid at the back of the baby's neck. It is often combined with maternal blood tests as part of first-trimester screening.

Second Trimester Pregnancy Tests

The second trimester usually extends from weeks 14 to 27. Second trimester prenatal screening focus on monitoring the baby's development and screening for certain maternal and fetal conditions.

Anomaly Scan

The anomaly scan, also known as the level-II ultrasound or detailed fetal scan, is generally performed around 18 to 22 weeks. It examines the baby's anatomy and development in detail.

The scan can assess structures such as the brain, heart, spine, abdomen, kidneys, and limbs. It is an important part of routine prenatal care, although no ultrasound can detect every possible condition.

Blood Sugar Testing

Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy even when a woman has no obvious symptoms. Therefore, glucose screening is commonly performed during the second trimester, often between 24 and 28 weeks.

Your doctor may recommend a glucose challenge or oral glucose tolerance test depending on local clinical practice and individual risk factors.

Repeat Blood and Urine Tests

Your healthcare provider may repeat haemoglobin, urine, blood sugar, or other investigations when required. These tests help monitor maternal health and identify problems such as anaemia, urinary infection, or abnormal blood sugar levels.

Third Trimester Pregnancy Tests

The third trimester begins around week 28 and continues until delivery. During this period, testing focuses on maternal wellbeing, fetal growth, and preparation for childbirth.

Growth Ultrasound

Dr. Sadhna says, “Third-trimester ultrasounds are advised based on the mother’s and baby’s individual needs, rather than as a routine scan for every pregnancy. In this scan, we assess fetal growth, amniotic fluid, placental position, or other pregnancy-related factors.

Not every woman requires repeated ultrasound scans. The frequency depends on the pregnancy and clinical indications.

Fetal Wellbeing Tests

When medically indicated, doctors may recommend tests such as a non-stress test (NST), biophysical profile, or Doppler assessment. These tests can provide information about fetal wellbeing and blood flow.

Group B Streptococcus Screening

In some countries and healthcare settings, screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is performed during late pregnancy, usually around 35 to 37 weeks. Recommendations may vary based on local guidelines and individual circumstances.

Dr. Sadhna Sharma says, “GBS screening is usually considered in late pregnancy, and the need for testing should be guided by your doctor and the applicable pregnancy care guidelines.”

Pre-Delivery Blood Tests

Closer to delivery, your doctor may recommend blood tests to assess haemoglobin, blood group information, or other parameters needed for safe delivery and anaesthesia planning when applicable.

How Often Should You Have Pregnancy Tests?

There is no single pregnancy test schedule that is suitable for every woman. A low-risk pregnancy may require routine investigations at specific stages, while a high-risk pregnancy may require additional monitoring.

Factors that can influence the testing schedule include:

Maternal age
Previous pregnancy complications
Diabetes or high blood pressure
Thyroid disorders
Multiple pregnancy
Abnormal ultrasound findings
Previous miscarriage or preterm birth
Family history of genetic conditions
Other maternal or fetal risk factors

Your obstetrician can create an individual pregnancy test and antenatal care schedule based on your health and pregnancy.

Why Are Pregnancy Tests Important?

Pregnancy tests are not simply routine procedures. They help healthcare professionals monitor changes that may not cause noticeable symptoms. Early identification of conditions such as

Anaemia
Gestational diabetes
Infections
High blood pressure
Fetal growth concerns

can allow timely management.

It is also important to remember that not every pregnant woman needs every available test. Your doctor will recommend investigations based on medical guidelines, your pregnancy stage, and your individual risk factors.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor?

Routine antenatal appointments are essential even if you feel healthy. However, consult a gynaecologist near you immediately if you experience symptoms such as

Vaginal bleeding
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Severe headache
Vision changes
Swelling with other concerning symptoms
Leaking of fluid, or reduced fetal movements later in pregnancy.

Conclusion

Understanding when pregnancy tests are done can make antenatal care less confusing and help you stay prepared throughout your pregnancy. However, it is important to remember that the exact schedule of pregnancy tests may differ from one pregnancy to another, so it is important to follow your obstetrician's recommendations rather than comparing your testing schedule with someone else's.

Planning your pregnancy or looking for expert antenatal care? Consult an experienced gynaecologist near you at Miracles Healthcare to understand which pregnancy tests are appropriate for you and when they should be performed.

Miracles Healthcare is a leading maternity hospital in Gurgaon, serving families with comprehensive healthcare since 2002. With a team of 50+ experienced female gynaecologists, advanced techniques, modern infrastructure, a Level 3 NICU, and multispeciality support, the hospital provides comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.