TESTS: ROUTINE TESTS IN PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, all women have certain routine lab tests. These tests can help your doctor detect possible problems with your health or your baby's health. Other tests depend on your medical history, family or ethnic background, or previous test results.

Tests During Pregnancy
A number of lab tests are suggested for all women early in prenatal care, including samples from your blood, urine, and cervix. You also will be tested for infections such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The results of these tests are used to find out if there are any problems. If problems are found, many can be treated during pregnancy.

Blood Tests
All blood tests may not be done at the same appointment. Some may be done early in pregnancy and some may be done later in pregnancy. Blood tests are done to check for a number of things:

· Blood type and antibody screen

· Hematocrit and hemoglobin. Rubella

· Hepatitis B virus

· Syphilis

· Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

· Glucose

Urine Test
Your urine will be tested at each prenatal visit. This test checks the levels of sugar and protein. Although the presence of sugar in the urine is normal in pregnancy, high levels could be a sign of diabetes. Protein in the urine may be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or high blood pressure that occurs in late pregnancy.

Cervical Tests
A Pap test may be done to check for changes of the cervix that could lead to cancer. A sample also may be taken from your cervix to check for certain STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydial infection.

Testing for Birth Defects
Birth defects may affect the baby's health, or his or her ability to function. Some defects can be prevented, and many can be treated or corrected with medication or surgery. Near the end of the first trimester, screening tests for some birth defects may be offered. These tests measure the level of three or four substances in your blood. The levels may be higher or lower than normal if your fetus has certain defects, such as neural tube defects or Down syndrome.

If the results of screening show a risk, a diagnostic test may be done. Diagnostic tests may include:

· Amniocentesis

· Chorionic Villus Sampling

· Ultrasound

Finally...
Some tests are given to all pregnant women to help detect problems that could pose a risk to the mother or the baby. Finding such problems early allows your doctor to treat them or to plan for any special care you may need. The goal of these tests is to help you have a healthy baby.

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