If something is flagged during pregnancy, antenatal monitoring helps guide next steps. This may include repeat tests, additional scans, or specialist review. Flagged results do not automatically mean a diagnosis. Ongoing antenatal care supports careful monitoring, clear explanations, and informed decision-making throughout pregnancy.
Hearing that something has been “flagged” during pregnancy can feel unsettling. Whether it comes from a blood test, scan, or routine check, many people immediately worry that something is wrong.
At Bloom Women’s Health, our team of Obstetricians Brisbane supports women through these moments with clear explanations and a structured approach to antenatal monitoring. This article explains what antenatal monitoring involves, why things are sometimes flagged, and what usually happens next.
What Does “Flagged” Mean in Antenatal Care?
In antenatal care, a flagged result simply means that something falls outside the typical range and needs closer review. This can relate to blood test results, ultrasound findings, growth measurements, or symptoms discussed during an appointment.
A flagged result does not automatically mean a diagnosis. In many cases, it indicates the need for further information, repeat testing, or additional monitoring to better understand what is happening.
Common Reasons Something May Be Flagged
Antenatal monitoring is designed to pick up changes early. Some common reasons a result may be flagged include:
- Blood test results that are slightly outside the expected range
- Ultrasound findings that need follow-up
- Changes in growth patterns
- Blood pressure or glucose readings that need closer observation
- Symptoms that warrant further assessment
These findings are considered alongside your medical history, stage of pregnancy, and overall wellbeing.
What Happens After a Result Is Flagged?
If something is flagged, your care team will usually talk through the result with you and explain what it means in your specific situation. Next steps may include:
- Repeating a test or scan
- Additional imaging or blood tests
- More frequent antenatal appointments
- Referral to a specialist if required
These steps are part of careful antenatal monitoring and are intended to provide clarity and reassurance, not to create alarm.
This process typically occurs within ongoing antenatal care, where information is reviewed over time rather than based on a single result.
Why Monitoring Often Involves More Than One Test
Many antenatal findings are best understood by looking at trends rather than one isolated result. This is why monitoring may involve repeat testing or follow-up scans.
For example, a single growth measurement may prompt a follow-up scan to see how things progress. In many cases, subsequent results are reassuring and no further action is needed.
How Antenatal Monitoring Supports Decision-Making
Antenatal monitoring helps guide care decisions throughout pregnancy. When something is flagged, monitoring allows your care team to:
- Identify whether a finding is temporary or ongoing
- Adjust appointment schedules if needed
- Provide timely referrals when appropriate
- Support planning for later stages of pregnancy
This approach helps ensure decisions are informed by accurate, up-to-date information rather than assumptions.
Emotional Impact of Flagged Results
It is common to feel anxious or unsettled after hearing that something needs further review. Many people describe this period as one of uncertainty, particularly while waiting for follow-up appointments or results.
Antenatal care is designed to support both physical and emotional wellbeing. Having access to experienced Obstetricians Brisbane allows space to ask questions, understand options, and feel supported while monitoring continues.
How Antenatal Monitoring Connects to Labour and Delivery Planning
In some cases, antenatal monitoring can influence planning for later pregnancy and birth. This does not mean plans are fixed early on. Instead, monitoring helps your care team adapt recommendations as pregnancy progresses.
You may find it helpful to understand how antenatal findings can shape later discussions by reading about labour and delivery and how care plans are adjusted when circumstances change.
Common Questions About Flagged Results
Does a flagged result mean something is wrong?
No. A flagged result means further assessment is needed. Many flagged findings resolve or are clarified with additional monitoring.
Will I need extra appointments?
Sometimes. Additional appointments or tests may be recommended to monitor changes over time.
Can I ask questions or request explanations?
Yes. Understanding what is happening is an important part of antenatal care. Your obstetrician can explain results and next steps clearly.
Will this affect my birth plan?
Not always. Some findings have no impact on labour and delivery. Others may influence planning, depending on how things progress.
Ongoing Care, Not One-Off Results
Antenatal monitoring is about ongoing care rather than reacting to a single result. Flagged findings are reviewed within the broader context of your pregnancy, ensuring decisions are thoughtful and supported.
If you have concerns about antenatal monitoring or a recent result, your care team can guide you through what it means and what to expect next, helping you move forward with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
