Pregnancy planning is an important and crucial moment that requires all kinds of examinations to reduce the risk of complications during gestation and childbirth. A blood test for antibodies during pregnancy is just such a diagnostic method. Before conception, it is important to determine the presence of antibodies to the rubella virus and other TORCH infections, to clarify the blood groups and Rh factors of the spouses. The results will determine the need for activities aimed at the normal growth and development of the baby.
Antibodies to TORCH infections
This group of diseases includes:
- rubella;
- cytomegalovirus;
- herpetic infection;
- toxoplasmosis.
These infections are especially dangerous during the period of bearing a baby. Infection of a woman in the first trimester leads to congenital deformities,developmental anomalies and spontaneous abortions. Experts recommend taking a blood test for antibodies during pregnancy during the first 12 weeks, and preferably even during the planning period.
Infection with herpes simplex can lead to polyhydramnios, abortion, miscarriage, intrauterine infection, prematurity. If a woman becomes infected for the first time, then the risk that the baby will become infected reaches 50%.
Infection with toxoplasmosis is most dangerous for a baby in the third trimester. If the mother fell ill in the first and second, the risk of the disease in the child reaches 25%, in the third - up to 90%. Rubella infection during the first 4 months of intrauterine life leads to fetal death, the development of macro- or microcephaly, the appearance of Gregg's triad.
Cytomegalovirus is dangerous by damage to the brain of a child, the development of cerebral palsy, pathologies of the auditory and visual analyzer.
The Pregnancy Antibody Blood Test evaluates the levels of immunoglobulins G and M. These are the most important diagnostic criteria.
Transcript
During the period of bearing a child, the results of the study may be in the form of the following options:
- IgG and IgM were not detected. This means that the mother has never met with such infections, which means that infection can occur during the period of bearing the baby. Research is repeated every month.
- IgG and IgM detected. The result indicates a recent case of infection. It is necessary to conduct an additional blood test for antibody titers during pregnancy.
- IgG detected, IgM not detected. This is a good option for both mother and child. Talks about a long-term infection.
- IgG not detected, IgM detected. Indicates a recent infection and requires additional diagnostic manipulations.
Deciphering the result is not done by the laboratory assistant, but by the specialist who sent the woman for examination. Based on the indicators, a further scheme for managing pregnancy is determined.
Allogeneic antibodies
This type of antibody appears in Rh-conflict mother and child. A specific antigen, the Rh factor, can be found on human erythrocytes. If it exists, such blood is called Rh-positive, in the absence - Rh-negative.
If a woman does not have a Rh factor, and the child inherited it from the father, the mother's body perceives the baby's Rh factor as a foreign body and produces antibodies against the child's red blood cells. During the first pregnancy, such a process is just beginning and most often does not entail serious consequences, but during subsequent gestations it manifests itself more aggressively. Thus, the Rhesus conflict develops.
The primary response of the mother's body is manifested by the production of IgM. They have a large molecular weight, which means they cannot penetrate the placental barrier. Secondary sensitization takes place in the form of the development of a significantthe amount of low molecular weight IgG that can enter the fetus.
Diagnosis of Rhesus conflict
A blood test for Rh antibodies during pregnancy has the following features:
- If spouses are Rh negative, no testing required.
- If the mother is Rh-negative, and the father has Rh-positive blood, the determination of the Rh antibody titer should occur in dynamics throughout the pregnancy (monthly).
- Knowledge of previous antibody titers will determine the presence of sensitization of the body.
- IgM are not dangerous for the baby, and the presence of IgG indicates the need to clarify the titer indicators and constant careful monitoring of the course of pregnancy.
Risk factors and possible complications
Women with a history of late induced abortions, blood transfusions, recurrent miscarriage, pathological births and ectopic pregnancies are at high risk of developing an Rh conflict.
As a result of the severe course of the conflict, hemolytic disease of the newborn develops, which is accompanied by the following complications:
- birth of a dead baby;
- encephalopathy;
- Hypertrophy of the liver and spleen;
- nuclear jaundice;
- delayed normal development;
- liver failure.
There are preventive measures in the development of Rhesus conflict. In the absence of Rhfactor in a woman during her first pregnancy, she is given anti-D gamma globulin. A blood test for antibodies during pregnancy is carried out at each subsequent episode of gestation, determining the titer indicators. The norm does not require additional administration of gamma globulin; with elevated rates, it is administered several times according to a certain scheme.
Group antibodies
Few people know that the problem can be not only the difference in Rh factors, but also different blood types of spouses. Group conflict is less aggressive towards the child than Rhesus incompatibility. There are no preventive measures to prevent the development of such a condition.
A blood test for group antibodies during pregnancy is required in the following cases:
- Miscarriage;
- pathological childbirth history;
- development of placental abruption during previous pregnancies and childbirth;
- blood transfusion;
- history of abortion.
Antiphospholipid antibodies
Phospholipids are called fats that make up the membranes of body cells. A person cannot produce them on his own, but he can also do without them. These substances are a structural material, participate in blood clotting, restore damaged cell walls, and support the functioning of the nervous system.
When antiphospholipid antibodies appear during pregnancy, the destruction of fats and the development of antiphospholipid syndrome occur. The primary syndrome is asymptomatic,the body recovers quickly. Secondary is more aggressive and is fraught with the development of thrombosis. As a result, the risk of heart attack, thromboembolism, stroke, damage to the main vessels increases.
For pregnant women, the development of APS is accompanied by a high risk:
- miscarriages;
- stillbirths;
- fetal hypoxia;
- congenital anomalies;
- premature placental abruption.
Diagnostic features
A blood test for antibodies during pregnancy, the interpretation of which is carried out by the doctor leading the woman, is considered mandatory in the following cases:
- recurrent miscarriage;
- presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- constant headache;
- thrombocytopenia;
- presence of renal or hepatic pathology.
Blood is taken to determine the indicators of antibodies to cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine. A significant amount of antibodies is not a direct confirmation of the development of APS. The doctor takes into account the brightness of clinical signs and anamnesis data. A high titer indicates the need to prescribe antiplatelet agents (drugs that stop the processes of thrombosis).
How to take a blood test for antibodies during pregnancy
In order for the diagnostic results to be correct, it is necessary to properly prepare for the collection of material. For 2-3 days, give up drinks containing caffeine, soda, spicy, fried, pickled foods. Taking a blood test forantibodies during pregnancy on an empty stomach.
If possible, you should stop taking medication. If this is not possible, inform the laboratory which means are being used. Hyperthermia and the period after significant physical exertion are contraindications for diagnostics.
After receiving the results, the obstetrician-gynecologist who leads the pregnant woman deals with their decoding. Evaluation of indicators determines the need for additional studies and correction. Any self-medication and unprofessional interpretation of the results are not allowed, as they can cost the life of the mother and her unborn baby.
