Analysis of blood for antibodies during pregnancy: features of preparation, transcript and recommendations

Pregnancy planning is an important and important moment that requires conducting all kinds of examinations to reduce the risk of complications during gestation and delivery. The analysis of blood for antibodies during pregnancy is just such a method of diagnosis. Before conception, it is important to determine the presence of antibodies to the rubella virus and other TORCH infections, to clarify the blood groups and the rhesus factors of the spouses. The results will determine the need for activities aimed at normal growth and development of the baby.

Antibodies to TORCH infections

This group of diseases includes:

• rubella;
• Cytomegalovirus;
• Herpetic infection;
• Toxoplasmosis.

These infections are especially dangerous in the period of bearing the baby. Infection of a woman in the first trimester leads to congenital malformations, developmental abnormalities and spontaneous abortions. Experts recommend taking a blood test for antibodies during pregnancy for the first 12 weeks, or better even during the planning period.

Infection with simple herpes can lead to polyhydramnios, interruption of pregnancy, miscarriage, the development of intrauterine infection, prematurity. If a woman becomes infected for the first time, then the risk that the baby will become infected reaches 50%.

Infection with toxoplasmosis is most dangerous for a baby in the third trimester. If the mother is sick in the first and second, the risk of the disease in the child reaches 25%, in the third - up to 90%. Infection with rubella during the first 4 months of intrauterine life leads to fetal death, development of macro- or microcephaly, the appearance of the Gregg triad.

Cytomegalovirus is dangerous to the brain of the child, the development of cerebral palsy, pathologies of the auditory and visual analyzer.

The blood test for antibodies during pregnancy evaluates the quantitative indices of immunoglobulins G and M. These are the most important diagnostic criteria.

Explanation

During the gestation period, the results of the study can be in the form of the following options:

1. IgG and IgM were not detected. This means that the mother has never met with such infections, which means that infection can occur during the period of gestation. Studies are repeated every month.
2. IgG and IgM are detected. The result indicates a recent case of infection. It is necessary to conduct an additional blood test for antibody titers during pregnancy.
3. IgG is detected, IgM is not detected. This is a favorable option for both the mother and the child. He speaks of a long-term infection.
4. IgG is not detected, IgM is detected. Evidence of recent infection and requires additional diagnostic manipulation.

The decipherment of the result is not done by the laboratory doctor, but by the specialist who sent the woman to the examination. Based on the indicators, a further scheme of pregnancy management is determined.

Allogeneic antibodies

This type of antibody appears in the Rh-conflict of the mother and child. On human erythrocytes, there may be a specific antigen-Rh factor. If it exists, such blood is called Rh-positive, in the absence of Rh-negative.

If a woman does not have Rh factor, and the child received it by inheritance from the father, the mother's organism perceives the Rh factor of the baby as a foreign body and produces antibodies against the red blood cells of the child. At the first pregnancy, such a process only begins and most often does not entail serious consequences, but during subsequent pregnancies manifests itself more aggressively. Thus, rhesus-conflict develops.

The primary response of the mother's organism is manifested by the production of IgM. They have a large molecular mass, which means they can not penetrate the placental barrier. Secondary sensitization occurs in the form of a significant amount of low molecular weight IgG, which can penetrate the fetus.

Diagnosis of Rhesus Conflict

The analysis of blood on Rh-antibodies during pregnancy has the following features:

1. If the spouses are Rh-negative, diagnosis is not necessary.
2. If the mother is Rh-negative, and the father has Rh-positive blood, the determination of the titer of Rh antibodies should occur during the course of the pregnancy (monthly).
3. Awareness of the previous titers of antibodies will determine the presence of sensibilization of the body.
4. IgM are not dangerous for the baby, and the presence of IgG suggests the need to clarify the titer and constant monitoring of the pregnancy.

Risk factors and possible complications

The group of high risk of developing Rh-conflict includes women, who had an abnormal history of late abortions, blood transfusions, habitual miscarriages, the presence of pathological births and ectopic pregnancy.

As a result of the severe course of the conflict, hemolytic disease of the newborn develops , which is accompanied by the following complications:

• The birth of a dead baby;
• Encephalopathy;
• Hypertrophy of the liver and spleen;
• Nuclear jaundice;
• Delay in normal development;
• liver failure.

There are preventive measures in the development of Rh-conflict. In the absence of Rh factor in women during the first pregnancy, they inject anti-D gamma globulin. The analysis of blood for antibodies during pregnancy is carried out with each subsequent episode of gestation, determining the titer. The norm does not require additional administration of gamma globulin, with increased indices it is administered according to a certain scheme several times.

Group antibodies

Few people know that the problem can be not only the difference of Rh factors, but also different blood groups of spouses. The group conflict is less aggressive towards the child than the Rhesus incompatibility. There are no preventive measures to prevent the development of this condition.

The analysis of blood for group antibodies during pregnancy is mandatory in the following cases:

• Miscarriage of pregnancies;
• Pathological birth in history;
• Development of placental abruption during previous pregnancies and childbirth;
• blood transfusion;
• Abortions in the anamnesis.

Antiphospholipid antibodies

Phospholipids are the fats that make up the membranes of the body cells. Man can not produce them independently, but they can also do without them. These substances are a structural material, participate in blood coagulability, restore damaged cell walls, support the work of the nervous system.

When anti-phospholipid antibodies appear in pregnancy, fat loss and the development of antiphospholipid syndrome occur . Primary syndrome has an asymptomatic course, the body is quickly restored. Secondary is more aggressive and fraught with the development of thrombosis. As a result, the risk of heart attack, thromboembolism, stroke, and damage to the main vessels increases.

For pregnant women the development of APS is accompanied by a high risk:

• Miscarriages;
• Stillbirths;
• Hypoxia of the fetus;
• Congenital anomalies;
• Premature detachment of the placenta.

Diagnostic Features

The analysis of blood for antibodies during pregnancy, the decipherment of which is carried out by a doctor who leads a woman, is considered mandatory in the following cases:

• Habitual miscarriage;
• The presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• Constant headache;
• Thrombocytopenia;
• Presence of renal or hepatic pathology.

Blood is given for the determination of antibodies to cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine. A significant number of antibodies is not a direct confirmation of the development of APS. The doctor takes into account the brightness of clinical signs and the history of the patient. A high titer speaks about the need to prescribe antiplatelet agents (drugs that stop the processes of thrombosis).

How to take a blood test for antibodies in pregnancy

In order for the results of the diagnosis to be correct, it is necessary to properly prepare for the fence of the material. For 2-3 days to refuse drinks containing caffeine, soda, sharp, fried, pickled dishes. They give a blood test for antibodies during pregnancy on an empty stomach.

If possible, refuse to take medication. If this is not possible, tell the laboratory what means are used. Hyperthermia and the period after significant physical exertion are contraindications to the diagnosis.

After receiving the results, the obstetrician-gynecologist, who leads the pregnant woman, deciphers them. Evaluation of the indicators determines the need for additional research and correction. Any self-treatment and unprofessional interpretation of the results are not allowed, because they can cost the lives of the mother and her future baby.