Recommended Blood Tests and Vaccinations to Consider Before Pregnancy (or as Soon as Possible!)

Before your pregnancy, or as early on as possible, you should undergo the following blood tests to assess your overall health and help you address any imbalances. You will be asked to take the following tests:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Checking your hemoglobin levels and ensure tyou aren't anemic.
• White Blood Cell Count (WBC): To check for inflammation that may require treatment.
• Platelet Count: To assess blood clotting ability.

In addition, during the CBC, you will also be tested for thalassemia, a severe genetic disease that could impact the fetus.

Fasting Blood Sugar Measurement

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to birth defects and complications during pregnancy. It is advisable to check your blood sugar levels before pregnancy to address any issues before conception.

Blood Type and Rh Factor

The Rh factor is a protein found in red blood cells. It is present in about 85% of the population (Rh+), while 15% lack it (Rh-). If Rh- and Rh+ blood come into contact, antibodies can develop. In medical procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, childbirth, or miscarriage, antibodies can be formed in the mother's blood, which may not be problematic during the current pregnancy but could complicate future pregnancies.
This can be easily prevented through vaccination with anti-D immunoglobulin after specific medical procedures during pregnancy when experiencing heavy bleeding, abdominal trauma, or after childbirth. After birth, the baby's blood type will be checked, and if it is Rh+, the mother will receive the vaccine postpartum.

Blood Tests for CMV and Toxoplasmosis Antibodies

Even before pregnancy, it is essential to perform blood tests to check for antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) and toxoplasmosis. These are common infections, and most of the population has had them in the past (often without knowing it) and has developed antibodies. These infections can potentially harm the fetus and lead to severe birth defects.

• Toxoplasmosis: If you are found to have no antibodies to toxoplasmosis, it is recommended to avoid contact with cat feces and undercooked meat.
• CMV (Cytomegalovirus): This virus is transmitted through bodily fluids (saliva, urine, feces, blood, tears, nasal secretions, etc.) and presents symptoms similar to mild flu. It is advisable to take extra precautions when exposed to individuals with the virus during pregnancy. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and maintain distance.

Blood Tests for Childhood Diseases Antibodies and Completing Vaccinations

It is also recommended to check for chickenpox, rubella, mumps, and measles antibodies.

While most Israeli women of childbearing age were vaccinated against chickenpox, rubella, and mumps during their childhood, the measles vaccine was only added to the routine immunizations in 2008. If you don't have the suggested amount of antibodies (even if you were vaccinated in the past, or have had any of these illnesses), your doctor may suggest getting vaccinated now. You should wait about a month after receiving the vaccine getting pregnancy.