What are the recommended screening tests for pregnant women during their first antenatal visit?

During the first antenatal (booking) appointment, the recommended screening tests for pregnant women include:

• Measurement of height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI) to assess risk factors such as venous thromboembolism and pre-eclampsia ³.
• Blood tests to check full blood count, blood group, and rhesus D status ¹,³.
• Screening for infectious diseases including HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B as part of the NHS infectious diseases in pregnancy screening programme ¹,³.
• Screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia according to the NHS sickle cell and thalassaemia screening programme ¹,³.
• Discussion and offer of the NHS fetal anomaly screening programme, including the option of an early ultrasound scan between 11+2 and 14+1 weeks for gestational age, multiple pregnancy, and chromosomal abnormalities screening ³.
• Blood pressure measurement and urine dipstick testing for proteinuria to assess for hypertension and pre-eclampsia risk ¹,³.
• Assessment of risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and gestational diabetes, with referral for further testing or specialist care if indicated ¹,³.
• Discussion about mental health screening and other social factors such as domestic abuse and female genital mutilation (FGM) ¹,³.

Women should be informed that they have the right to accept or decline any part of the screening programmes offered ¹,³.