Prenatal testing is an important part of your pregnancy. This includes routine prenatal tests and any other testing your doctor recommends. Both routine tests and any other special testing ensures that you and your baby get the best care possible.
Common Prenatal Tests
Initially, your blood and urine are checked for any conditions that could harm the baby, such as Hepatitis B, Syphilis or other sexually transmitted diseases. You may also be offered an HIV test. Blood tests also show whether you have antibodies for rubella and chickenpox. Both of these diseases can cause birth defects if the mother catches them during the pregnancy.
A prenatal test will also check for anemia. A person that has anemia has a low red blood cell count, which can make you feel tired and may cause a preterm delivery. Blood type is also tested, along with the mother's Rh factor. If the mother is Rh negative, she will need treatment to protect the baby from blood problems.
The urine test will check for bacteria. A small percentage of women have bacteria in their urine, which can be an indicator of a urinary tract infection. Women don't always have symptoms with urinary tract infections, and the bacteria could move up to the kidneys, where it could be a danger to both the mother and the baby. There are antibiotics that are safe for both the mother and the baby that will clear up urinary tract infections.
If there is sugar in your urine, you may have to take additional tests. Sugar in the urine indicates a potential for diabetes. The urine test also checks for protein in the urine. Protein can also indicate a urinary tract infection, which will be treated with antibiotics as needed.
Specialized Testing
If any of the routine tests come back with out-of-range readings, additional tests may be ordered to double check the results or so appropriate care can be provided. Ultrasounds are used throughout a pregnancy. These tests allow doctors to see the developing fetus and check for proper development.
Amniocentesis is a test of the fluid that surrounds your baby in the womb. This test is only given in certain circumstances, such as a pregnancy after age 35 or a pregnancy following the birth of a child with birth defects. This test can check for Spina Bifida, Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome or problems stemming from Rh incompatibility in the blood.
Prenatal genetic testing may also be done on you and other family members. This may be ordered if an amniocentesis screening shows genetic conditions in your baby.
 | Amniocentesis is a test that screens for a variety of genetic and developmental disorders in the womb. Since it is an invasive procedure, there are slight risks of injury to both mother and child. |
Heartburn and pregnancy go hand in hand. For many moms-to-be, heartburn kicks up during the first trimester and tends to get worse in the second and third trimesters. |
 | Pregnancy ultrasound is a safe test that can help to determine the health of your baby. It can also serve as an early warning system for any abnormalities. |
Down Syndrome screening isn't like tests that produce a yes or no result; it only indicates the potential for the condition, and says little about the symptoms a child will have. |
Prenatal genetic testing carries some risks, and it should only be used to screen for potential illnesses or complications. |
