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What tests are done during pregnancy in Lithuania

Tests worth discussing with your doctor

Typical schedule of pregnancy tests

During pregnancy, a doctor or midwife (akušeris, the obstetric care provider common in Lithuania's maternity system) usually orders a complete blood count, blood type with Rh factor, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a glucose test at 24–28 weeks, a urine protein check at every visit, hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis tests early in pregnancy, and a Group B streptococcus (GBS) swab may be recommended at 35–37 weeks. The exact schedule and frequency of tests is set by the doctor supervising the pregnancy, based on how it is progressing.

Why these tests are done

Pregnancy tests serve two purposes: tracking the mother's health, which can change during pregnancy (thyroid function, glucose metabolism), and catching early any infection or condition that could affect the baby. A complete blood count checks for anemia, which is more common in pregnancy because of increased iron needs. The glucose test at 24–28 weeks screens for gestational diabetes — a form of high blood sugar that appears only during pregnancy. Blood type and Rh factor matter because if the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, the mother's immune system can react in a way that leads to newborn anemia or jaundice. Hepatitis B, C, HIV and syphilis tests are done early in pregnancy because these infections can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or delivery — catching them early allows steps that reduce the risk of transmission. The Group B strep test at 35–37 weeks shows whether the mother carries this bacterium; if so, antibiotics given during labor can protect the newborn from infection. These tests show a snapshot of your condition at one point in time and do not replace regular prenatal care — always discuss what your results mean with your doctor or midwife.

Getting tested in Lithuania

In Lithuania, prenatal tests are ordered through an obstetrician-gynecologist or a family doctor as part of standard pregnancy care. Under the compulsory health insurance system administered by the Valstybinė ligonių kasa (VLK, the National Health Insurance Fund), routine prenatal monitoring is generally covered for insured patients — check with your own care provider for the exact scope and any details specific to your situation.

When not to wait

  • Severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or a sudden gush of fluid — seek care immediately, don't wait for your next scheduled visit.
  • Severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the hands, face or legs — these can signal a blood pressure disorder and warrant urgent attention.
  • Noticeably reduced or absent fetal movement — contact your doctor or midwife right away.
  • Fever, chills, or painful urination — you may need testing sooner than your regular schedule.

When to seek care immediately

This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.

Frequently asked questions

›What tests are needed during pregnancy?

Typically a complete blood count, blood type with Rh factor, TSH, a glucose test at 24–28 weeks, a urine protein check at every visit, hepatitis B/C, HIV and syphilis tests early in pregnancy, and a GBS swab may be recommended at 35–37 weeks. Your supervising doctor sets the exact schedule.

›Are these tests free?

In Lithuania, prenatal tests are ordered through an obstetrician-gynecologist or family doctor as part of standard pregnancy care — check with your own healthcare provider for the exact coverage and payment arrangements that apply to you.

›When is the glucose tolerance test done?

This test is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes; if risk factors are present, your doctor may order it earlier.

›Why does the Rh factor matter during pregnancy?

If the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, the mother's immune system can react against the baby's red blood cells, so Rh factor is determined early in pregnancy and monitored afterward.

›Why is urine protein checked at every visit?

Elevated urine protein can be an early sign of preeclampsia, a blood pressure disorder that can occur during pregnancy, so it's checked regularly throughout.

›Who coordinates pregnancy testing?

Prenatal care and the testing schedule are coordinated by an obstetrician-gynecologist or a family doctor, depending on the care arrangement you've chosen.

Related situations

How to prepare

This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.

This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.