Prenatal Testing

As part of good prenatal care, our staff recommends certain tests to detect infections and other conditions in pregnancy. 

• Maternal Serum Screening for Birth Defects
• Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
• HIV and Pregnancy
• Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening
• Rh Factor in Pregnancy

First Visit:

CBC - this test will check for anemia and other factors.

Blood Type and RH – A pregnant woman who is Rh negative may need to receive a blood product called anti-D immune globulin (Rhogam). This prevents the breakdown of your baby’s red blood cells, a serious condition which causes hemolytic disease.

Antibody Screen - this test will check for red blood cell antibodies.

Syphilis - a sexually transmitted disease which can cause birth defects.

Hepatitis B – if the mother has this viral infection of the liver there is an increased chance that without treatment the baby will be infected. The baby can be treated at birth to prevent infection in most cases.

Rubella (German Measles) - this infection can lead to severe birth defects. If a woman is not immune, a vaccine can be given to her after the baby is born.

Pap Smear - this is a screening test for cervical cancer.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea - these are screening cultures that can detect sexually transmitted diseases that can potentially be harmful to you and your baby if not treated.

Urinalysis - this is a screening test for urinary tract infection and culture.

TSH - This is a screening test for thyroid disease.

28-Week Visit:

Glucose Screen - to check for diabetes in pregnancy.

Blood Count - to recheck for anemia.

Antibody Screen - if you are RH negative, administration of Rhogam.

35-37 Week Visit:

Group B Strep Culture - Group B strep is common bacteria found in many women's vaginas that could infect the baby.

Recommended:

HIV - This blood test screens for AIDS. You can have HIV for years and not have any symptoms. If you have HIV, even without symptoms, there is a 1 in 4 chance you could pass it to your baby. There is treatment available during pregnancy that can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to the baby.

Optional:

AFP Quad - this blood test is done between 15 to 18 weeks of pregnancy to detect increased risk of having a baby with certain birth defects, such as an open neural tube defect (spina bifida) or Down syndrome.

Cystic Fibrosis - This is a screening test for cystic fibrosis.

NT – this is a blood test which shows if you are at increased risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome of Trisomy 18 (chromosomal disorders).