Prenatal Testing
As part of healthy prenatal care, we recommend certain tests to detect
infections and other conditions in pregnancy. Some of these are
considered "routine testing" while others are optional.
At your first prenatal visit, we always perform the following tests:
CBC: a complete blood count. This test will check for anemia and signs of infection.
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 called hemolytic disease. Syphilis: a sexually transmitted disease. Birth defects can be prevented by treatment if found in the first half of pregnancy.
Hepatitis B: If the mother has this viral infection of the liver, there is a 90% chance that without treatment, the baby will be infected. The baby can be treated at birth to prevent infection in almost all 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 tests check for sexually transmitted infections that can be potentially harmful to you and your baby if not treated.
Urinalysis: This is a screening test for urinary tract infection.
At the 28 week visit:
Glucose screen: This test is done to detect diabetes in pregnancy. You can find more information about the test at this link.
Blood count: To recheck for anemia.
Antibody screen: If you are Rh negative, administration of Rhogam.
At the 36 week visit:
Group B Beta Strep: This is a test for a common bacteria (found in 25-30% of women's vaginas) that could cause infection of the baby at birth. If the test is positive, you will receive antibiotics in labor to prevent transmission to your newborn. (This does not make your pregnancy high-risk.)
Blood count: If you were severely anemic at 28 weeks, we will recheck your level.
Recommended testing:
HIV: This blood test screens for the virus that causes AIDS. You can have HIV for years and not know it or have any symptoms. If you have HIV, even without symptoms, there is 25% chance that you will pass it onto your baby without treatment. There is treatment available during pregnancy that will reduce the transmission risk to about 8%. We recommend that all women be tested for HIV early in pregnancy. Results of testing are confidential.
Optional testing:
AFP: The Alpha Feto-Protein or Triple Screen test is done between 15-18 weeks of pregnancy to detect an increased risk for having a baby born with certain birth defects, such as open neural tube defect (spina bifida) or Downs Syndrome. This test has a high incidence of false positives and can be done in conjunction with a sonogram to be somewhat more accurate. More information on this test is available at this link or at the Birth Center and the midwives will discuss it with you during your visits.
Umbilical Cord Blood Banking: this is the collection and storage of the baby's umbilical cord blood for possible future use. Some research suggests it could be useful if the baby later develops a disease such as leukemia. Because its usefulness has not yet been established, our general recommendation is that most families do not need to participate in this expensive procedure. If you have further questions, please discuss with your midwife or pediatrician.