Blood tests doctors commonly order before and during pregnancy
This guide lists blood tests that doctors commonly order before and during pregnancy, with what each one measures and how to prepare. It is general information. Your doctor or midwife decides which tests you need and when.
Zavis shows a lab test price only where the lab or service publishes it on its own website, which 6 of the 13 it lists do. Each test page gives the listed prices with their sources.
Quick facts
Labs listed on Zavis
13
Labs listing home collection
10
Tests in this guide
10
How testing in pregnancy is arranged
Blood tests in pregnancy are usually ordered by the doctor or midwife who manages your care. Which tests you have, and when, depends on your health and history, so your own care plan may differ from the list below.
A doctor can explain what a result means for you.
Preparing for the tests
None of the 10 tests in this guide is listed as needing fasting in the Zavis test directory. Ask the lab how to prepare if you are unsure.
Finding a lab
13 labs are listed in the Zavis lab section. 10 of them say in their profiles that they offer home sample collection, where a nurse or phlebotomist visits to take the sample. Ask the lab whether it offers the tests you need before you book.
Tests doctors commonly order before or during pregnancy
What each test measures and how to prepare, from the Zavis test directory.
CBC
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
TSH
Primary screening test for thyroid function. Elevated TSH suggests hypothyroidism; low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
Vitamin D
Measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
Folate
Measures folate levels important for cell division, DNA synthesis, and pregnancy.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
AMH
Measures ovarian reserve: the remaining egg supply. Key test for fertility planning and IVF assessment.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
FSH
Measures FSH levels important for reproductive function in both men and women.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
Estradiol
Measures the primary female sex hormone, important for reproductive health and bone density.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
HIV Test
Fourth-generation HIV test detecting both antigen and antibodies for early and reliable diagnosis.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
Hepatitis B
Detects active Hepatitis B virus infection.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
Syphilis Test
Screening test for syphilis infection using VDRL or RPR methodology.
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
Frequently asked questions
Which blood tests will I have during pregnancy?
Your doctor or midwife decides which tests you need and when, based on your health and history. Tests doctors commonly order before or during pregnancy include CBC, TSH, Vitamin D, Folate, AMH, FSH, Estradiol, HIV Test, Hepatitis B and Syphilis Test.
Do pregnancy blood tests need fasting?
None of the 10 tests in this guide is listed as needing fasting in the Zavis test directory. Ask the lab how to prepare if you are unsure.
Can the sample be collected at home?
10 of the 13 labs listed on Zavis say in their profiles that they offer home sample collection. Ask the lab whether the test you need can be collected at home.
How long do blood test results take?
Turnaround depends on the lab and the test, so ask the lab when your results will be ready.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and is not medical advice. Lab details come from each lab's Zavis profile and can change, so confirm them with the lab. A doctor can advise which tests are right for you.