Pregnancy Forum - Blood Tests?

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Q: Blood Tests?

asked by: annarella on August 10th, 2005

Experienced User

Hi,
i just wanted to know if theres a difference between italy (where I live) and england when it comes to which blood tests are done when u are pregnant.
Basically, I got a list of tests to be done by the gyno, most are normal tests (white /red blood cells, blood sugar, iron etc etc), and theres also tests for hiv, herpes etc, they are asking me to pay about £60 ($90) for just hiv and herpes, are these normal tests for a pregnant women??,
my mother in law is telling me that if the doc prescribed these extra tests that I should do them, but I really don't want to pay £60 to find out that I haven't got hiv or herpes (as I think i'd have noticed if I had these).

Anyway any replies would be helpful
thanx
xxxx

Replies(2)

Rasberry Ripple

replied on August 10th, 2005

Experienced User

Both hiv and herpes can cause problems in pregnancy and natural childbirth (not c-section). As I understand it, you should take every precausion to ensure that there are no hidden problems that you are unaware of. I believe that every pregnant mother has the same tests and that they are just part of the course.

I also doubt whether you would notice either. Hiv can stay hidden for a number of years, and herpes can also never be detected without undergoing tests.

My advice would be to pay the money and get checked out. You are talking about a little life and although I doubt you will be forced to take the tests, I would strongly recommend that you do.

I hope everything goes well for you.
Xx

christa33us

replied on August 10th, 2005

Experienced User

I know you asked for someone to answer in london but those are test you have to have here in america as well. They have to make sure you don't have herpes cause if you did when you have your baby vaginally it can pass on to the baby and cause all kinds of health problems like blindness, defects in brain, death, and respitory problems. I knew a girl who has herpes and had to have her kids c-section cause she was having an outbreak at the time of birth.
And hiv can be transmitted as well. So they need to know what to prepare for, for you and the baby.

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