Here Are All the Screenings You Should Get During Pregnancy

Your medical needs change during pregnancy because you’re now caring for two. Understanding pregnancy screenings can seem a bit daunting, but knowing which tests to expect can bring peace of mind and ensure a healthy start for both of you.

At Trusted Women’s Health Center, we believe staying informed is essential during pregnancy. Drawing upon nearly two decades of experience as an OB/GYN, our caring physician, Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD, leads a team of compassionate women’s health specialists in providing exemplary and highly attentive care in our Kendall and Miami, Florida, offices.

Pregnancy screenings are one of the most crucial aspects of your prenatal care because they help us monitor your health and your baby’s development. In addition, screenings can identify potential problems early so we can treat them immediately and guide you through a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

In this blog, we dive into the essential tests that help ensure the best outcomes for both you and your baby.

Early pregnancy tests

When we first confirm your pregnancy, we recommend lab tests. These include:

Complete blood count

A complete blood count determines how many red and white blood cells and platelets you have in your blood. This test can help identify problems like anemia and blood clotting disorders.

Blood type and Rh factor

Blood type identifies type A, B, O, or other blood types. The Rh factor test looks at proteins sometimes occurring on red blood cells. Women who have this protein are Rh positive, those without it are Rh negative.

Incompatibilities can occur between mom and baby in terms of Rh factor. For example, if your baby is Rh positive but you’re Rh negative, your immune system can create antibodies that fight the Rh factor. This can harm your baby’s red blood cells.

In a first pregnancy, Rh incompatibility rarely leads to serious complications. But in subsequent pregnancies, it can be very dangerous. We use the Rh screening test to identify this potential problem early. If you have Rh incompatibility, you may need RhoGAM® injections to prevent problems.

Urinalysis and urine culture

Urinalysis and urine culture involve peeing in a cup. We test your urine for indicators of signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, dehydration, and other problems like kidney disease or preeclampsia.

STD tests

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests check for syphilis and may also screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea based on your age and risk factors.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis affects the liver. This virus may pass to your baby during pregnancy and could cause complications like fetal growth restriction, high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy, and premature birth. We screen for hepatitis B and C during pregnancy.

Rubella

If you get rubella, aka German measles, while pregnant, it could cause birth defects in your baby. The rubella test checks for indicators of prior rubella infection or previous vaccination. In either case, you’re immune to the disease.

If you’re not immune, it’s important to be extra cautious and avoid people with the disease, as it’s highly contagious. If you get rubella while pregnant, your baby has an 85% chance of getting the infection too. It could lead to birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

You can’t get a rubella vaccination while pregnant. So, we recommend having the vaccination at least a month before you start trying to conceive.

If you develop rubella while pregnant, we help guide you through your pregnancy as safely as possible. We also recommend having the vaccine after having your baby.

Second and third trimester tests

In later pregnancy you need tests including:

Blood glucose screening

Blood glucose screening checks for gestational diabetes. This condition can lead to high blood pressure during pregnancy, high birth weight, increased risk of birth injuries, and other complications. But it’s manageable once diagnosed.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) testing

Although rare, women with GBS can pass the infection to their baby during birth. It could be fatal, so if you test positive for GBS, we give you intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor to protect your baby.

Ultrasounds

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends ultrasound screening at 18-22 weeks gestation. Ultrasounds can check your baby’s heart rate and screen for some genetic disorders, ectopic pregnancy, and multiples (twins or triplets). You may need additional ultrasounds during pregnancy based on your risk factors.

While we covered some of the highlights here, you may need other tests during pregnancy too. Your health and your baby’s health are our top priorities. To ensure you receive all the necessary screenings and personalized care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at 786-360-4334 or connect with our team online to book your appointment now.