Future mothers give a lot of tests: a biochemical and general blood test for pregnancy, antibodies, a general urine test, a vaginal smear, ultrasound and others. The analysis of blood during pregnancy is given when a woman is put on the register and its results give an idea of the work of the organs of the future mother. They will show what micronutrients are needed for the future mother.
Analysis of blood during pregnancy and its interpretation
Based on the results, the doctor makes a transcript of the blood test. In pregnant women, the level of hormones that affect the content of many different components in the blood changes in the blood. Perhaps a decrease or a slight increase in glucose levels, which is associated with the hormonal activity of the placenta. The volume of circulating blood increases and this leads to a decrease in the level of hematocrit and hemoglobin, and may lead to an increase in ESR. The number of leukocytes, conditioned by the restructuring of the immune system, may increase. Evaluation of biochemical indicators is important for the diagnosis of pathologies in pregnant women.
Consider the main indicators of biochemical analysis of blood during pregnancy:
- total protein - characterizes the protein metabolism, which reflects the amount of proteins in the blood. In pregnancy, this figure may decrease (55-65 g / l instead of 63-83 g / l). The protein rises when the blood is thickened and dehydrated due to fluid loss;
- lipids (fats) . Cholesterol is the most important indicator of lipid metabolism. During pregnancy, a physiological increase in the cholesterol index (from 3.15-5.8 to 6.0-6.2 mmol / l) is possible, explained by an increase in the formation of endogenous (produced by the liver) cholesterol, necessary for constructing fetal and placental vessels;
- glucose is a component of vital activity and a source of energy in the cells of the body. In pregnant women, a decrease in glucose (3.5-4.0 mmol / L at a rate of 3.9-5.8 mmol / l) is possible because of the need for a growing fetus in glucose. Increased glucose is possible with gestational diabetes (diabetes of pregnant women). Therefore, all pregnant women at 24-28 weeks are recommended to conduct a blood glucose test.
- alanine aminotransferase (ALT) - a norm up to 32 U / l. Aspartate aminotransferase (ACT) - norm up to 30 U / l. A slight increase in the indices is characteristic for gestosis of medium and mild severity. The increase in ALT (100 IU / L) and AST (160 IU / L) is typical for severe gestosis and shows that the liver does not withstand the load;
- elevated bilirubin level (more than 3,4-17,2) - the index of jaundice;
- in pregnant women, a decrease in creatinine (up to 35-70 μmol / L) at a rate of 53-97 μmol / L is possible.
Very important is the content of various trace elements:
- reduction in iron levels in pregnant women (below 8.95 - 30.4 μmol / l) is a hidden indicator of iron deficiency anemia, characteristic of expectant mothers;
- elevated sodium level (above 136-145 mmol / l) is possible with toxicosis;
- decrease in the level of potassium (below 3.5-5.5) characterizes renal failure and drug overdose;
- calcium deficiency (below 2.20 - 2.55) is possible during pregnancy, which can be explained by the baby's need for bone formation. If the level of calcium decreases, then it should be filled with medication;
- an increase in the content of phosphorus in the blood (more than 1.0-1.4 mmol / l) indicates an overdose of vitamin D, kidney failure.
Biochemical analysis of blood during pregnancy is carried out twice: when put on the register and at 30 weeks, if not needed more often. Blood is taken from the veins on an empty stomach in the morning.
Indicators that need to be investigated, the doctor determines for each mom individually.