Blood tests
Blood tests are an essential part of prenatal care, as they can detect a wide range of conditions that could affect the mother or baby. These tests include but are not limited to:
- Blood type and Rh factor: Blood type and Rh factor testing are performed during the first prenatal visit. Knowing a woman’s blood type is important for identifying any potential blood incompatibilities that could cause problems for future pregnancies. Women who are Rh-negative will need additional testing and possibly treatment to prevent Rh incompatibility issues impacting the ability to successfully carry pregnancies in the future.
- Anemia: Anemia is a common condition in pregnancy and can lead to complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Blood tests are used to check for anemia and ensure that the mother is getting enough iron.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STI testing is important to prevent the spread of infections to the baby during delivery. Testing is typically performed at the first prenatal visit, and again later in pregnancy for women who are at higher risk.
- Gestational diabetes (Oral Glucose Tolerance): Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Blood tests are used to screen for gestational diabetes, which can lead to complications for both the mother and baby if left untreated.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are non-invasive imaging testing that use sound waves to create images of the developing fetus. Ultrasound is typically performed at various points throughout pregnancy to monitor fetal growth and development and check for any potential issues. During an ultrasound, the technician will measure the fetus, check for abnormalities, and determine the baby’s sex (if requested). Some of the key ultrasound tests include:
- First-trimester ultrasound: This ultrasound is typically performed between weeks 6 and 12 of pregnancy and is used to confirm viability of the pregnancy, check for multiple pregnancies, and estimate the due date.
- Anatomy scan: The anatomy scan is typically performed between weeks 18 and 20 and is used to check for any structural abnormalities in the fetus.
- Growth ultrasound: Growth ultrasounds are typically performed later in pregnancy as needed to check on the baby’s size and ensure that the baby is growing at a healthy rate.
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a relatively new screening test that can detect genetic abnormalities in the developing fetus. NIPT is typically offered to women who are at higher risk of having a baby with a genetic condition, such as women who are over 35 or who have a family history of genetic disorders. NIPT is a simple blood test that screens for conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. It is important to note that NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. If NIPT detects a potential issue, further testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Group B strep (GBS) testing
Group B strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the vagina and rectum. While GBS is harmless in most adults, it can cause serious infections in newborns if passed to the baby during delivery. GBS testing is typically performed during the third trimester of pregnancy to determine if the mother is carrying the bacteria. If the mother tests positive, she will receive antibiotics during labor to prevent the transmission of GBS to the baby.
Fetal monitoring
Fetal monitoring is a critical part of prenatal care and is typically performed during the third trimester of pregnancy. Fetal monitoring can be done in two ways: non-stress test (NST) and contraction stress test (CST).
- Non-stress test (NST): An NST is a simple test that involves placing a fetal heart rate monitor on the mother’s belly. The monitor measures the baby’s heart rate in response to the baby’s movements. An NST is typically performed weekly in the third trimester for women who have high-risk pregnancies or who have experienced complications in the past.
- Contraction stress test (CST): A CST is typically performed if an NST is abnormal or if there are concerns about the baby’s well-being. During a CST, the mother is given a medication to stimulate contractions, and the fetal heart rate is monitored in response to the contractions.
Other tests
In addition to the tests and screenings listed above, there are several other tests that may be performed during prenatal care, depending on the mother’s individual circumstances. Some of these tests include:
- Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that involves removing a small sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus. The fluid is tested for genetic abnormalities, neural tube defects, and other conditions.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): CVS is a diagnostic test that involves removing a small sample of placental tissue. The tissue is tested for genetic abnormalities and other conditions.
- Cervical length measurement: Cervical length measurement is typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy to check for the risk of preterm labor.
In conclusion, prenatal care is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child. The tests and screenings outlined in this blog post are critical for detecting potential issues early on and ensuring that any necessary interventions are taken to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to work with your healthcare provider to develop a prenatal care plan that meets your individual needs and ensures the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.
If you’re looking for high-quality prenatal care and support, Real Options Obria Medical Clinics is a great resource to consider. We offer a wide range of services to support women throughout pregnancy and beyond, including prenatal care, Well Woman Care, childbirth education classes, and much more! Our team of experienced healthcare providers is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to every patient. Schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient locations today:
400 30th St #401
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-9998
801 Brewster Ave Unit 210
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-9115
1671 The Alameda #101
San Jose, CA
(408) 978-9310
12 N White Rd
San Jose, CA
(408) 272-5577
33523 Western Ave.
Union City, CA 94857
(510) 487-4357