Final answer:
Initial lab tests in obstetrics include monitoring basal body temperature and LH with home kits for ovulation tracking, semen analysis for fertility issues, and post-birth Apgar score assessments for newborns. Comprehensive health assessments may involve blood tests, imaging, and checks for infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laboratory Tests in Obstetrics
When monitoring fertility and pregnancy, several important tests and assessments are conducted. Taking the basal body temperature (BBT) each morning before getting out of bed is a non-invasive way to track ovulation in individuals with ovaries and a uterus. Changes in BBT can signal ovulation, which is useful for those trying to conceive. Home ovulation predictor kits can also identify the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), indicating imminent ovulation. For potential fertility issues, a semen analysis is recommended to assess sperm count, motility, and shape, as these factors can affect the ability to fertilize an egg.
In the event of pregnancy, the Apgar score is a critical immediate post-birth test that assesses a newborn's adaptation to the external environment, evaluating criteria such as heart rate and respirations.
Comprehensive investigations might include blood tests for hormonal levels, imaging of reproductive organs, or laparoscopy. Ensuring proper liver function, pancreatic enzyme levels, blood cell counts, and confirming absence of infections, including serological tests for antibodies and/or viruses, are also part of the broader healthcare checkup at the first obstetric visit.