Pregnancy Investigations

Pregnancy investigations

Pregnancy test

A pregnancy test is used to determine if a woman is pregnant. It is usually performed when a health professional or a woman suspects she is pregnant, or before using clinical services that may interfere with a pregnancy. This is done by analysing a sample of urine or blood for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

For more information, see Pregnancy Test.

Obstetric ultrasound

Some women will realise they are pregnant if they experience symptoms such as frequent urination, nausea (morning sickness), and a late period. However, pregnancy can be confirmed using a urine test available at pharmacies. An obstetric ultrasound may also be used to diagnose pregnancy and to estimate a due date.

For more information, see Obstetric Ultrasound.

Tool: Pregnancy due date

Pregnancy Due Date
Enter the date of the FIRST day of your last menstrual cycle.
Last Menstrual date:

Expected Due Date:	+/- 2 weeks

This information will be collected for educational purposes, however it will remain anonymous.

Amniocentesis

Pregnancy investigations are procedures used to diagnose complications or foetal abnormalities. Amniocentesis involves inserting a needle into the uterus to withdraw a sample of amniotic fluid.

For more information, see Amniocentesis.

Patient experience: Sarah tests her foetus's DNA and her will

If the baby is discovered to have a severe disability, through an amniocentesis, parents can choose whether they would like to continue or terminate the pregnancy. Sarah found this investigation not only tested her baby's DNA but also her strength to stand for what she believes in.

For more information, see Patient experience: Sarah tests her foetus's DNA and her will.

More information

For more information about pregnancy, including preconception advice, stages of pregnancy, investigations, complications, living with pregnancy and birth, see Pregnancy.