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What to Expect during Your Visits with Us

Initial Prenatal Blood Work

• At the first visit, blood tests are performed on all obstetric patients. These tests are: CBC, blood group and Rh type, antibody screen, rubella, a syphilis screening test, hepatitis screen and HIV.
• The CBC measures the hemoglobin ("blood count") and various cell counts, which provide information on iron stores and infections.
• The blood typing will reveal your blood type and Rh status. If you are Rh negative, you will receive an injection of Rhogam at 28 weeks and again after you deliver.
• The antibody screen is done to detect unusual antibodies that may have arisen during a prior pregnancy or from a blood transfusion.
• The rubella test (German measles) is an antibody test to determine if you are protected from rubella.
• The RPR is a test for exposure to syphilis.
• The HbsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) is a test that detects recent or old Hepatitis B infections.
• The HIV test is a test for AIDS. The CDC currently recommends that all pregnant women have this test done.

Other Screening Tests Done at Your First Visit

• Pap Smear.
• Cultures for certain pelvic infections that may cause problems during the pregnancy.
• Initial vaginal sonogram—this checks to see how far along your pregnancy is.

Lab offered between 15–20 weeks

• Quad Marker Screen—a blood test that measures 4 hormones in your blood. It is a test for certain birth defects, mainly neural tube defects and Downs Syndrome. It is an optional test. It is recommended, however, especially in women over 35 years of age.

Sonogram between 21–22 weeks

• At approximately 21–22 weeks, a basic anatomy sonogram will be done. This is done to check the anatomy of the baby. This sonogram will look at the major organ systems, measurements to check fetal growth and sometimes we might be able to see the sex of the baby!

Labs done between 24–28 weeks

• Diabetes Screening—a blood test done to test for gestational diabetes. A sample of your blood is drawn 1 hour after drinking a sweet drink called Glucola.
• CBC (complete blood count)—to check your blood count for anemia. If anemia is present, you will be started on iron tablets.
• Rhogam injection will be given at 28 weeks if your blood type is Rh negative.

Labs done between 35–37 weeks

• CBC—this is again to check to make sure that you are not anemic before your delivery.
• GBS (Group Beta Strep)—this is a vaginal culture that screens for group B strep bacteria. This is a natural bacteria found in your intestinal tract. Sometimes, it travels out of the rectum and into the vagina or bladder. If the screen is positive, you will be treated with an antibiotic while you are in labor.