During pregnancy, most patients will have several tests that help direct the care provided to both mother and baby(ies). Dr. Teresa Harper, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, discusses six common tests during pregnancy and why they are conducted.
She emphasizes that the purpose of these tests is to monitor the mother’s health, detect any potential issues, and ensure the well-being of both mother and baby(ies).
“Discussing these tests with your healthcare provider and following their recommendations for prenatal care is extremely important for the best outcome,” she said.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) counts the number of different types of cells in the mother’s blood and helps determine whether there is a problem with clotting or anemia.
2. Blood Type and Rh Factor test establishes the mother’s blood type and Rh Factor. Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus can cause serious complications if left untreated.
3. Urinalysis and Urine Culture check for signs of infection or protein in the mother’s urine to detect urinary tract infections and preeclampsia (high blood pressure).
4. Specific Diseases or Infections such as rubella, hepatitis B and C, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and tuberculosis if detected and treated can reduce pregnancy complications.
5. Glucose tolerance test is performed to measure the mother’s response to sugar to screen for pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. For most women diagnosed, the blood sugar usually returns to its typical level soon after the baby is born.
6. First and second trimester prenatal screening tests are a combination of ultrasound and maternal blood testing to assess the risk for common genetic conditions and some birth defects.
As with most things, knowledge is key. Allowing your healthcare provider to get a full picture of you and your baby’s(ies’) health will enable them to carefully manage your plan of care to help prevent complications or minimize risks along the way.
