What to expect during prenatal testing
- Posted on: Feb 14 2021
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you may be overwhelmed by all the appointments and advice promoting a happy, healthy pregnancy. Your prenatal care journey will include routine prenatal testing as well as genetic screening and testing. Here, we take a closer look at some of the tests you can expect during your pregnancy.
Prenatal testing is one of the ways your care team will determine and monitor the well-being of you and your baby. Your first prenatal visit will consist of a thorough physical and pelvic exam. If you haven’t had a recent Pap smear, you will have one to check for abnormal cervical cells. A sample of vaginal fluids will be taken to screen for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. HIV testing is considered a normal and routine part of the prenatal screening process.
At this appointment, your care team will collect blood to test for blood type and Rh status and do a complete blood count. A urine sample will be collected starting at this visit and at all future visits to test you for potential urinary tract infections and to monitor the levels of sugar and protein in your urine. Increased levels of sugar or protein could be a sign of problems.
You’ll also discuss your family’s medical history at your first appointment to determine whether you would be a candidate for early prenatal diagnostic testing or genetic counseling. While genetic testing is optional, you will be made aware of all of your options so you can make an informed decision.
At your 28th week visit, you will have labs drawn to screen for anemia as well as a glucose tolerate test to screen for gestational diabetes.
During your 36th week visit, you will have a vaginal culture to test for Group B Strep bacteria. If you test positive for this, you will need antibiotics when you go into labor.
Prenatal testing is done to promote healthy pregnancies and to stay on top of any concerns that may arise. To book an appointment, call 602-494-5050 (Paradise Valley) or 602-468-3912 (Biltmore).
Posted in: Prenatal