Routine Tests - Pregnancy

Blood tests

Complete blood count
This test screens for anemia, which is very common during pregnancy. Anemia may be due to low iron levels, or can be an inherited form, such as thalassemia.

Blood type

This test will determine your blood type

as well as show if you are Rhesus positive (Rh+) or negative (Rh-). If you are Rh- you will usually receive a medication called rhogam after medical procedures such as amniocentesis, or if you have vaginal bleeding. You will usually get an extra dose at around 28 weeks.

Antibody screen

This test determines whether you have antibodies that could cross the placenta and cause the baby to become anemic.

Hepatitis B

This test will identify women who are actively infectious with hepatitis B, a viral liver disease that can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy and labor.

HIV

This test will identify women who have been infected with the HIV retrovirus.

Rubella

This blood test determines whether you are immune to rubella. If you are not, you will usually get vaccinated right after delivery. You cannot have the vaccine during pregnancy.

Syphilis

Syphilis does not always cause symptoms but can cause serious problems for the fetus.

Urine test

This test looks for extra sugar or protein in your urine, and for signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Extra protein can be a sign of kidney disease extra sugar may indicate diabetes. UTls will be treated with antibiotics to prevent a serious kidney infection, which can cause pregnancy complications.

Cervical smear

Unless you have had one recently, you may have a cervical smear (PAP smear).

Blood pressure

Blood pressure usually falls at the beginning of pregnancy. Women with high blood pressure or blood pressure at the high end of normal early in pregnancy are at increased risk of having blood pressure problems later.

Weight

This baseline value will let your care provider calculate how much weight you have gained as your pregnancy progresses, and guide how much weight you need to gain during the pregnancy.

If your are uncertain as to whether you have had chicken pox, a blood test will let you know whether you should stay away from people with this infectious disease while you are pregnant. If you are not immune, and do happen to be exposed, there is treatment to prevent severe chicken pox during pregnancy. If you are African American, Hispanic, or of mediterranean , descent you will have tests for blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, which are more common in these groups.

Last but not least, you will be given your due date at this appointment (some times called the EDC - estimated date of confinement). Your due date is based on your last menstrual period. Even if you think you know the date you conceived, your last menstrual period is usually the most accurate way to estimate your due date. The exception occurs when you don't remember when your last period was or if you have very irregular periods. In this case, an early ultrasound will be the most accurate way to date your pregnancy. Don't get too attached to your due date remember, it is only an estimate.

Usually your care provider will see you again in 4-6 weeks to review your test results and discuss first trimester screening results. However, your doctor should call you before your second visit if any of the results are abnormal.


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