If you are planning on taking a Medichecks test with us while pregnant, it is important to know that some biomarker readings can be affected depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
If you are unsure about whether a test is right for you, we recommend you contact your doctor before ordering.
Please see below for biomarker changes in your second trimester.
For changes in your first trimester, click here.
For changes in your third trimester, click here.
Second trimester (13-26 weeks)
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the following biomarkers increase (compared to your first trimester):
- Progesterone (now produced by placenta to continue supporting foetal development)
- Oestrogen
- Prolactin
- White blood cell count (due to increased blood volume and a heightened immune response while your body adapts to pregnancy)
- Lipoprotein(a) (metabolic changes during pregnancy are needed to adequately support parent and foetus. Lp(a) increases support this)
- Cholesterol and triglycerides (in response to hormone changes and for increased foetal energy supply).
- hs-CRP (mildly increases – there is a slight inflammatory response during pregnancy)
The following biomarkers may decrease:
- Haemoglobin (this is due to an increase in blood volume, will seem lower due to dilution)
- Creatinine
- Urea (kidney function increases during pregnancy to ensure waste products are cleared efficiently, and therefore both creatinine and urea are decreased. You’ll also have increased blood volume which dilutes creatinine and urea.)
The following biomarkers will stabilise:
- Beta-hCG (the placenta is now fully formed and producing progesterone, and so this is not needed in such large quantities)
- Thyroid levels (TSH likely to return to pre-pregnancy levels)
- LH and FSH will remain low
These changes are expected and normal. However, if you have any concerns about your blood test results, we recommend you seek medical advice for further guidance.
Will I get specific reference ranges for my test?
Our laboratories are unable to provide pregnancy-specific reference ranges. The reporting doctor will refer to some Perinatology reference ranges, or those from Gloucestershire University Hospital Trust.
If you purchased your test before you knew you were pregnant, you can still cancel your test within 30 days of purchase. Please contact our Customer Care Team if you need further help or information.
Please click here for information on taking our tests in your third trimester.
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