Learn More About Your Pregnancy
Tests During Pregnancy
A number of tests are suggested for all mothers during prenatal care. Some of these tests are done with samples of blood, urine, or cells from your cervix and vagina. You will also be tested for infections such as sexually transmitted diseases. The results of these tests are used to check for potential problems for you and your baby. If something is found, many problems can be treated during pregnancy.
Blood tests
- Blood type and antibody screen—to determine your blood type and Rh factor.
- Hematocrit and hemoglobin—to check for anemia.
- Rubella—to check for signs of past infection with rubella.
- Hepatitis B.
- Syphilis.
- HIV.
- Glucose—to check for diabetes.
Urine tests
Your urine may be tested at each visit to check for the level of sugar (to identify diabetes) and protein (to identify urinary or kidney infection/preeclampsia).
Birth defect screenings
Screening tests can be performed in the first or second trimesters, such as:
- Amniocentesis—a small amount of amniotic fluid and cells are taken from the sac surrounding the baby.
- Chorionic villus sampling—a small sample of cells is taken from the placenta.
- Ultrasound.
- Carrier testing checks whether one or both parents is a carrier of certain inherited disorders.
