During the first trimester, which of the following assessments is critical for a pregnant woman?

Correct option is D

Ans. (d) Sol. Measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels is critical during the first trimester. hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy, and its levels can help confirm the pregnancy and assess the health of the early pregnancy. It is often used in conjunction with other tests to monitor pregnancy progression.
· Option (a): The glucose tolerance test is typically performed later in pregnancy, usually around the 24th to 28th week, to screen for gestational diabetes, not during the first trimester.
· Option (b): Fetal heart rate monitoring is generally done later in pregnancy, particularly in the second or third trimester, as the fetus' heart rate becomes more detectable at that stage.
· Option (c): Ultrasound for fetal anomaly is usually performed later in pregnancy (often in the second trimester), although an early ultrasound may be done to confirm the pregnancy and check for any early issues. However, it is not as critical as hCG testing in the first trimester.