Screening Tests for Pregnancy

First Trimester

· CBC (Complete Blood Count) – to check for anemia or low iron.

· Blood Type & RH Factor – if RH negative, you will need Rhogam at 28 weeks and at birth if baby is RH positive.

· Antibody Screen – to check for antibodies against blood type.

· Rubella Immunity – if not immune to Rubella, which can cause severe fetal deformities, will need to avoid exposure especially in the first trimester, and will need post-partum vaccination.

· Syphilis – a sexually transmitted disease that can be passed on to the fetus-can cause stillbirth.

· Hep B Screen – if positive, can be transmitted to baby at birth.

· Pap Smear – routine check for cervical cancer.

· HIV Test – only done with consent-results confidential-if positive can be transmitted to baby at birth.

· Urine Drug Screen – tests for traces of alcohol or drugs in urine.

· Chlamydia & Gonorrhea – sexually transmitted diseases that can cause fetal eye infections at birth.

· Ultrasound for dates.

Second Trimester

· Triple or Quadruple Marker Screening – blood test that indicates risk for certain birth defects.

· Antibody Screen – done if RH negative.

· Diabetes Screen – done at 28 weeks to rule out gestational diabetes.

· Repeat CBC – recheck for anemia (low iron)

· 20 week Ultrasound – check for fetal anatomy.

Third Trimester

· Group B Strep – vaginal/rectal culture to check for bacteria in digestive and urinary tract; if detected, precautions will be taken to protect baby.

· Repeat CBC – if anemic.

Other tests, done according to history.

· Chicken Pox – to check for immunity; if active case at birth, fetus may develop disease.

· Cystic Fibrosis – blood tests to determine if mother or father are at risk of having a baby with this disease; not for fetal diagnosis.

· Toxoplasmosis – blood test for presence of immunity.

· Ultrasound for fluid level and position, if indicated.

· Genetic Testing - if it is determined that you may be at risk for having a baby with a genetic problem, genetic testing may be suggested.

· Amniocentesis - tests for specific genetic diseases.

· CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) - tests for chromosomal or genetic disorders.

Related Topics:

Pregnancy & Childbirth

Newborns ~ 3 months old