Recommended Blood Tests When Trying to Get Pregnant
When trying to get pregnant, a comprehensive panel of blood tests should be performed including complete blood count, blood type and Rh status, rubella immunity, hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV, syphilis, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. 1, 2
Essential Blood Tests Before Conception
Basic Laboratory Tests
Infectious Disease Screening
- Rubella immunity (IgG antibody) 1, 2, 3
- Hepatitis B surface antigen 1, 2, 3
- HIV antibody test 1, 2, 3
- Syphilis serology 1, 2, 3
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening 1, 2
Metabolic and Endocrine Tests
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels 1
- Fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1C to screen for diabetes 1, 2
Additional Tests Based on Risk Factors
Genetic Screening
- Carrier screening for cystic fibrosis 1
- Carrier screening based on ethnic background (e.g., thalassemia for Southeast Asian populations) 1
- Family history assessment for genetic disorders 1
Additional Tests for High-Risk Women
- Hepatitis C antibody for women with risk factors 4
- Toxoplasmosis serology for women with significant exposure to cats or raw meat 3
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) for parents to screen for thalassemia if <80 fL 1
Importance of Preconception Testing
Early identification of medical conditions before pregnancy allows for:
- Optimization of maternal health: Managing conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders before conception improves pregnancy outcomes 1
- Prevention of congenital anomalies: Ensuring rubella immunity and adequate folic acid levels reduces risk of birth defects 1, 2
- Prevention of vertical transmission: Early identification and treatment of infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis significantly reduces transmission to the baby 1, 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delaying screening until pregnancy: Many interventions are most effective when implemented before conception 1
- Incomplete infectious disease screening: Missing HIV or hepatitis B screening can lead to missed opportunities for preventing vertical transmission 1, 2
- Overlooking thyroid function: Undiagnosed thyroid disorders can affect fertility and early pregnancy 1
- Neglecting genetic carrier screening: Certain genetic conditions have high carrier rates in specific populations 1
Timing of Testing
Blood tests should ideally be performed 3-6 months before attempting conception to allow time for any necessary interventions, such as rubella vaccination or optimization of chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders 1.
For women who are already trying to conceive, testing should be done as soon as possible, as early identification and management of conditions can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes 1, 2.