Maternal Health First - A Brief on Serum HCG and ANA Tests

Discussions about women and their child health are beyond any doubt, one of the most crucial topics. Even today, many women experience a spectrum of reproductive health challenges, such as maternal mortality, abnormal pregnancy, premature deliveries and issues that considerably affect them and their fetus's health and well-being. 

Therefore, screening tests for women’s health, particularly during early pregnancy, such as the hCG Beta Specific Serum test and ANA test are powerful tools to identify risks and diseases before they become malignant.

What is the hCG Beta Serum Test?

Serum beta HCG test measures the levels of hCG hormone in the body and helps in early detection of pregnancy, as well as in monitoring its progression. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during gestation by the cells surrounding the growing embryo. 

These cells later form the placenta, which produces and releases hCG into the blood and urine, which serves as the first indicator of pregnancy. hCG hormone along with estrogen and progesterone thickens the uterine lining and helps sustain and support the fetus during pregnancy. hCG levels fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, starting slow, rising towards the end of the first trimester and eventually declining the rest of the pregnancy.

Apart from confirming pregnancy, the hCG beta serum test also helps in ascertaining any complexities during pregnancy, such as Ectopic (tubal) or Molar Pregnancy, diagnosing a miscarriage, uterine tumour, or detecting issues with the mother’s health or the developing fetus such as Down Syndrome, congenital disorders, etc. Abnormal hCG levels further necessitate additional tests to ensure maternal and fetal well-being. Among these tests is the ANA Test.

What is the ANA Test?

Typically, antibodies are proteins released by the immune system that attach themselves to antigens and foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and toxins and remove them from the body. However, sometimes the immune system can mistake the body’s own healthy tissues for foreign invaders, causing antinuclear antibodies to target the cell’s nucleus. The Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Test identifies autoantibodies and helps in diagnosing autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome etc.

When it comes to natal healthcare, the presence of ANA may indicate an underlying autoimmune disorder that can affect the development of the placenta and could even lead to recurrent miscarriages. To detect disorders and suggest further treatment, doctors recommend ANA profile test (which can be ordered online at a reasonable price).

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a woman. However, complications and a lack of awareness about those complications can have a significant impact on maternal and fetal well-being. Early detection and appropriate care contribute a lot towards safer pregnancies and the health of the mother and her baby.