Blood count during pregnancy: everything you need to know

La blood count It is an essential test in pregnancy monitoring, as it offers a broad overview of the health status of the pregnant woman. This test allows the detection of various conditions that can affect both the mother and the baby, including: anemia one of the most common conditions that can be diagnosed through blood count.

What is blood count and why is it important?

A blood count is a blood test that allows us to know the quantity and quality of the Red blood cells, white blood cells y platelets, providing relevant indicators of the mother's overall health. An adequate balance of these elements is crucial during pregnancy to ensure that both the mother and the fetus receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients.

La anemia This is one of the biggest concerns during pregnancy. If the blood count detects a low red blood cell count or low hemoglobin levels, the patient is likely to suffer from anemia, which could complicate the pregnancy and affect the growth of the fetus.

In addition to anemia, blood count can also detect other conditions such as infections e inflammations by analyzing the number and type of white blood cells. An excessive white blood cell count could be a sign of an infection in the body that requires immediate medical attention.

How is blood count performed?

The procedure for performing a blood count is quite simple and does not present any risk for either the mother or the fetus. The test is carried out by extracting a small blood sample, which is analyzed in a laboratory to obtain the results. Since it does not require prior preparation, the patient does not need to fast or follow any special instructions before undergoing this test. The procedure consists of the following:

• The health care professional uses a needle to draw blood from a vein in the patient's arm, placing the sample into a test tube.
• This process takes less than five minutes and may cause only mild discomfort when the needle is inserted.

When should blood count be performed?

It is advisable to perform blood counts at three key moments during pregnancy:

1. Beginning of pregnancy: to establish a baseline on the mother's overall health.
2. Beginning of the second trimester: to evaluate the presence of possible deficiencies or emerging problems, such as iron deficiency anemia.
3. Beginning of the third trimester: to check maternal health, especially with regard to hemoglobin, red and white blood cell levels, ensuring that the mother is in optimal condition for delivery.

What does blood count detect during pregnancy?

Blood counts can detect the following important aspects:

• Anemia: Low levels of hemoglobin or red blood cells are detected, which may require iron treatment to prevent complications such as premature birth or low birth weight.
• Infections: An increase in white blood cells can be a sign of an infection. Early detection allows for proper treatment to avoid risky complications.
• Problems of coagulation: Platelet count is essential to assess blood clotting capacity, which is especially important at the time of delivery.

Is a blood count sufficient to determine if I am pregnant?

No, the blood count is not a test that confirms pregnancy. Although it can show changes in the blood due to the transformations that the body undergoes during pregnancy, to know for sure if you are pregnant, it is recommended to perform a blood test. immunological pregnancy test or an exam of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)These tests are more specific to confirm a pregnancy diagnosis.

However, the alterations detected through blood count are essential to detect health problems associated with pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or síndrome de Down, in combination with other screening and diagnostic tests.

What other tests complement blood counts in pregnancy monitoring?

During pregnancy, it is common for health professionals to recommend other tests and analyses in addition to the blood count to provide a more complete check on the health of the mother and the baby. Some of these tests include:

• Urine analysis: It allows to check kidney function and detect possible urinary infections, which are common during pregnancy.
• Glucose test (O'Sullivan test): Performed between weeks 24 and 28, this test assesses the body's ability to process sugar and detects possible signs of gestational diabetes.
• Prenatal screening for Down syndrome: It includes a blood test and an ultrasound to determine the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.

These tests, together with blood count, are part of the standard monitoring protocol during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

Blood counts are essential for prenatal monitoring, as they allow for the quick and easy identification of any abnormalities in the mother's health, contributing to a healthy pregnancy and the delivery of a baby in optimal condition.