Pregnancy Tests Week by Week | Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz

Which Pregnancy Test in Which Week? A Practical Calendar

In short: The core schedule: first visit and blood tests at weeks 6-10, nuchal scan and combined test at 11-14, triple/quadruple test at 15-20 if needed, anomaly scan at 18-23, glucose tolerance test at 24-28, anti-D for Rh-negative mothers at 28, and group B strep screening at 35-37. The schedule is tailored to each pregnancy.

This practical guide summarises the core tests week by week; details are on the related topic pages. Our pregnancy week calculator shows which week you are in.

Weeks 6-10: First visit

Ultrasound to confirm location, heartbeat and gestational age
Blood group and Rh, full blood count, urinalysis
Hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis screening; rubella immunity if needed
Thyroid tests and fasting glucose

From week 10: NIPT (optional)

A highly accurate screening test analysing fetal DNA fragments in the mother's blood.

Weeks 11-14: Nuchal scan and combined test

Nuchal translucency and early anatomy are assessed and combined with a blood test to calculate chromosomal risk. Pre-eclampsia risk can also be assessed; low-dose aspirin is started for those at high risk.

Weeks 15-20: Triple or quadruple test

If the combined test was not done or further assessment is needed.

Weeks 18-23: Anomaly scan

All organ systems are examined systematically; placental position and cervical length can also be assessed.

Weeks 24-28: Glucose tolerance test

A 75 g glucose drink with fasting, 1-hour and 2-hour readings screens for gestational diabetes. The blood count is repeated.

Weeks 27-36: Whooping cough vaccine

Recommended to protect the baby in the first months. The flu vaccine can be given at any stage in season.

Week 28: Rhesus

Rh-negative mothers receive anti-D.

Weeks 28-40: Growth and wellbeing

Growth, position and amniotic fluid are monitored, with Doppler and NST when needed. Visits are every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, then weekly.

Weeks 35-37: Group B strep

A vaginal and rectal swab; if positive, antibiotics are given in labour.

Birth plan

In the final weeks, the mode of birth, the hospital and when to come in are agreed. After 40 weeks, fetal wellbeing is checked more often and induction is discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the anomaly scan done?

Usually between weeks 18 and 23, most often at 20-22 weeks.

Is the glucose test done fasting?

Yes, in the morning after at least 8 hours of fasting, without eating or smoking during the test.

Sources

T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı. Doğum Öncesi Bakım Yönetim Rehberi, 2018.
World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience, 2016.

The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.