The complete blood count (CBC) test is a comprehensive test used to evaluate your overall health & detect a variety of disorders, including anemia, infection and many other diseases.
It is blood test that measures the number and size of different cells in your blood. Some of the components are:-
1. Red blood cell: Carry oxygen from your lungs to rest of your body.
2. White blood cells: Fights infection and other diseases.
3. Platelets: Stops bleeding by helping your blood to clot.
4. Hemoglobin: This is the oxygen carrying protein in RBC’s
5. Hematocrit: This measures the proportion of red cells in your blood.
Each of these components provide valuable information about your health & helps your doctor to diagnose various conditions.
You may need a CBC test during the early months or go for first-trimester blood tests to get a comprehensive outlook on your health. The CBC test is then repeated in 24-28 weeks or during the second trimester to monitor the changes in the blood components. Your doctor may ask for a CBC test before your delivery to check your haemoglobin levels and platelet counts to avoid complications during delivery.
Monitoring health during pregnancy is important to determine the growth and well-being of the fetus and mother. This makes the CBC test more critical during pregnancy. Here are the reasons why CBC is necessary during pregnancy.
● Iron levels are likely to be low during pregnancy, so it is important to have pregnancy anaemia blood tests.
● The CBC test offers crucial information about changes in blood components, which helps detect potential health issues or abnormalities in the fetus.
● A CBC test measures key elements such as hematocrit levels, platelet count, haemoglobin, white blood cells, and red blood cells, which play a crucial role in a healthy pregnancy.
● It is possible to identify specific health conditions such as anaemia, bleeding disorders and infections with the results of CBC tests.
● Monitoring the blood components through CBC tests helps your healthcare provider offer the proper treatment and improve the well-being of the baby and the mother.
As you know, your body undergoes various changes as you're pregnant with your baby. Your blood components change during your pregnancy. The following are the blood components that change during pregnancy.
It is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. It is common for the blood volume to increase during pregnancy to support the growing fetus. So, you may have lower levels of hematocrit values during pregnancy. CBC tests can help determine hematocrit levels during pregnancy.
This blood component helps transport oxygen to different parts of the body through blood. There may be low haemoglobin levels during pregnancy. Very low haemoglobin levels result in anaemia in pregnant women. A CBC test is undergone at regular intervals to detect anaemia during pregnancy.
Platelets are a critical blood component responsible for blood clotting. A rapid platelet decrease is a sign of a significant health issue and requires immediate medical intervention. A CBC test helps measure the platelet count during pregnancy.
Due to high immunity levels, your WBC count may increase during pregnancy. However, an abnormal WBC count clearly indicates infection or other underlying health issues.
Your CBC test results can indicate if you are suffering from anaemia, infections, or blood clotting disorders. It is important that you monitor your health during pregnancy. Regular CBC tests ensure the well-being of you and your baby. Prenatal care with CBC tests helps assess your health condition and prevent complications during pregnancy. It also helps identify specific medical issues during pregnancy.
CBC tests are to be conducted at regular intervals throughout pregnancy. A CBC test is necessary during the initial weeks of pregnancy, say 6-8 weeks. You will be asked for repeated CBC tests during 28 weeks of pregnancy to assess your health condition.
Your healthcare provider will insert a needle to draw your blood sample from your arm. You may feel a sting or pinch when the needle is inserted into your arm. After the withdrawal of the blood, a bandage is placed. There is a chance of bruises developing on the puncture site. Some may experience fainting or lightheadedness due to the CBC test. You can continue your normal activities immediately after the test.
The CBC test results indicate red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count. They are useful in diagnosing conditions such as anaemia, leukaemia, infection, and others.
You may not need to prepare before a CBC test. You can eat, drink, and take medicines before your CBC test.
