Tests Throughout Your Pregnancy
The sometimes nerve-wracking, at-home pregnancy test has finally confirmed what you’ve been waiting for… you’re pregnant! The hoping and wishing for this gift has come to an end, however, the testing has just begun. Throughout your pregnancy, your obstetrician will perform a variety of tests on you to ensure that your pregnancy is running smoothly. Listed below are some of the tests you can expect during this beautiful journey they call “pregnancy”.
First Trimester
There are two major first trimester screening that will be performed:
- Ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT) - Nuchal translucency screening uses an ultrasound test to examine the area at the back of the fetal neck for an increase of fluid.
- Maternal Serum (Blood) Tests - The blood tests measure two substances found in the blood of all pregnant women and can help determine if there are any chromosomal abnormalities.
Second Trimester
Second trimester screening tests include an amniocentesis procedure.
An amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus to diagnose chromosomal disorders and open neural tube defects (ONTDs) such as spina bifida. An amniocentesis is generally offered who are at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities, such as women who are over age 35, or those who have had an abnormal maternal serum screening test.
Another test that is performed during your second trimester is a glucose tolerance test. A glucose tolerance test, usually conducted in the 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, measures levels of sugar (glucose) in the mother’s blood. Abnormal glucose levels may indicate gestational diabetes.
Additionally, an ultrasound scan can also be performed during this period.
For the second trimester the tests can help confirm pregnancy dates, determine the number of fetuses, assist in such tests as an amniocentesis, examine the fetal anatomy, and observe fetal behavior.
Third Trimester
Group B Strep Tests are generally performed during the last trimester of pregnancy. A woman with a GBS infection can pass the bacteria to her newborn during delivery. Most babies with GBS do not have problems but, rarely, can become sick or even have major health problems. If cultures are positive, mothers may be treated with antibiotics during labor to ensure harmless delivery.
Fetal Kick Count
Fetal Kick Count is the best way to monitor your baby’s health is by counting his/her movements. Healthy babies are active, although some perfectly normal newborns may sleep as long as 60 minutes.
