During your first prenatal visit, you will leave your gynecologist’s office with a long list of tests, even if you are feeling perfectly fine. Many women consider ignoring both the tests and many of their prenatal appointments.
What tests do I have to get?
In most countries, doctors will have you do a prenatal panel of lab tests after your first visit that may include (but is not limited) to the following:
complete blood count
urinalysis
blood typing and Rh factor testing
testing for rubella, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, HIV, and other STDs [1].
In addition, you may undergo tests to check for antibodies to various infections. But they vary from region to region.
Why test for hepatitis, HIV, and other STDs?
Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent the baby from getting infected.
Why is testing for rubella done?
Rubella (sometimes called German measles) is easily spread. If your blood test shows you are not immune, avoid anyone who has the disease while you are pregnant. For rubella, though harmless for adults, can be fatal for an unborn child [1].
What information does a blood analysis provide?
A prenatal blood test checks your hemoglobin levels, which help sustain pregnancy and prevent anemia. In addition, doctors look at your levels of leukocytes and platelets; the former warns of inflammatory processes in the body, while the latter may point to a blood clotting disorder [1].
Why do I need a urine test?
During your first visit, your urine will be checked for bacteria. Up to 15 percent of pregnancies develop against the background of asymptomatic bacteriuria — a urinary tract infection. If left untreated, it can lead to complications during pregnancy, delayed development of the baby, and premature birth [2].
Why do I need to know the baby’s blood type and Rh factor?
If the mother has a negative Rh factor, and the child has a positive one, then an Rh conflict is possible. If that is the case, your doctor will explain how the issue can be successfully treated. Doctors test for blood type as a preventative measure.
