Welcome to our comprehensive page about testing in pregnancy. Our doctors are all board certified and keep up to date on the newest recommendations for testing in pregnancy. Here are some of the testing we encourage and/or offer in pregnancy.
Routine Pregnancy Labs
At your first visit, likely in the first trimester of your pregnancy, we will perform the following routine labs:
- Complete blood count
- Blood type and antibody screening
- Syphilis testing
- HIV testing
- Hepatitis testing
- Rubella antibody testing
- Urine culture
- Chlamydia testing
These tests help us identify any medical conditions and concerns as soon as possible and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Optional Genetic and Carrier Screening:
We also offer optional genetic screening for conditions like Downs Syndrome, as well as carrier screening for diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
For more information about these tests, click here
Monthly and Weekly Testing
At each visit during your pregnancy we will perform routine assessments including blood pressure, weight, fetal heart tones and urinalysis. We encourage you to make sure you plan to leave a urine sample at every visit in pregnancy as this helps us check your kidney function and assess your risk for complications such as pre-eclampsia.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is offered at the beginning of pregnancy to diagnose pregnancy and confirm the estimated due date. A second ultrasound is done at the middle of pregnancy. This ultrasound looks at the complete anatomy of your baby and placenta. More ultrasounds may be recommended in your pregnancy to monitor or assess potential health concerns during your pregnancy.
For more information on ultrasound click here
Screening for Gestational Diabetes
Screening for gestational diabetes is recommended for all pregnant women. This screening is done at 26-28 wks of pregnancy and can assess your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. This involves a glucose challenge test, where you will drink a sugary solution, followed by a blood test to measure your glucose levels. If your test shows higher than normal blood sugar levels you may be asked to do a glucose tolerance test as follow up. This is a three hour test that measures your blood sugar in hour intervals after drinking a sugar drink. Detecting gestational diabetes in pregnancy is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Group B Strep
Group B Strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can be present in a woman’s body without causing any symptoms, but it can pose a risk to the newborn during childbirth. Testing typically occurs around the 36th week of pregnancy. It involves a simple swab of the external vagina and rectum. Identifying GBS allows us to take appropriate measures during delivery, such as administering antibiotics during labor, to prevent transmission of the bacteria to the baby during delivery.
Testing in High-Risk Pregnancy
For pregnancies considered high-risk due to pre-existing medical conditions or complications that arise during gestation, specialized testing may be required. Our team is experienced in managing high-risk pregnancies and offers a range of advanced tests and monitoring, including:
Non-Stress Tests (NSTs)
NSTs are used to assess your baby’s heart rate and movements to ensure they are receiving enough oxygen and nutrients in the womb.
Special Ultrasounds: High-resolution ultrasounds can provide detailed information about your baby’s growth and development, as well as assess the health of the placenta and amniotic fluid.
Biophysical Profile (BPP): BPP use ultrasound to evaluate various aspects of your baby’s well-being, such as fetal breathing, movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid levels.
Our goal is to provide personalized care and support tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We are dedicated to ensuring that you and your baby receive the highest level of care and attention throughout your pregnancy, from routine screenings to advanced testing in high-risk situations. If you have any questions or concerns about testing during your pregnancy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your health and the health of your baby are our top priorities.
