If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you may have many questions about prenatal tests and what you can expect during your appointments with your healthcare provider. In this blog post, we will look at:
- what prenatal tests are
- why prenatal tests are needed
- what to expect during your first prenatal visit
- the prenatal testing schedule for the prenatal period.
What are Prenatal Tests?
Prenatal care involves regular checkups with your primary care doctor, nurse, or midwife to monitor your and your baby’s health. These checkups can help detect and treat potential problems early on and prepare you for labor and delivery.
One of the most important aspects of prenatal care is prenatal testing. Prenatal tests check for certain conditions or abnormalities that may affect you or your baby. Some prenatal tests are routine and recommended for all pregnant women, while others are optional or based on your health situation.
Prenatal tests are divided into two main categories:
- Screening tests can tell you the likelihood or chance that your baby has a certain condition. They cannot diagnose a condition but can help you decide whether to have further testing. Screening tests usually involve a blood sample, a urine sample, or an ultrasound scan.
- Diagnostic tests can confirm or rule out a condition fairly accurately. They can range from sample blood tests to sampling of tissue or fluid from the placenta, the amniotic sac, or the umbilical cord.
Why Are Prenatal Tests Needed?
Your healthcare provider does prenatal tests to ensure both you and your baby are healthy. Here are some of the things that the tests are checking:
- Your blood type and Rhesus (Rh) factor – to avoid complications that can arise if they’re different from your baby’s blood type.
- Infections or diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, rubella, or toxoplasmosis.
- Genetic or chromosomal disorders that can cause congenital disabilities or developmental problems.
- Neural tube defects that affect the brain or spinal cord, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
- Other physical abnormalities or growth problems that may require special care or treatment.
- Complications that may affect your pregnancy or delivery, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placenta previa.
- (Ideally) iron-deficiency anemia, which may increase your risk of delivering preterm or your baby having a low birth weight, among other problems.
What to Expect During Your First Prenatal Visit
Your first prenatal visit is usually the most extensive and exciting one! Typically, it happens between six and 15 weeks of your pregnancy, depending on when you find out you’re pregnant and when you schedule your appointment.
During this visit, you’ll have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your medical history, family history, lifestyle, and any concerns or questions you may have.
In addition, you’ll undergo several tests that will help make sure both you and your little one are healthy and well. These include:
- A urine test to confirm the pregnancy and check for infections, protein, and glucose.
- A physical exam (pelvic exam, breast exam, and, if needed, a Pap test).
- The blood tests we mentioned earlier to check your blood type, Rh factor, hemoglobin, and other indicators of your and your baby’s health.
- Confirmation of your due date based on your last menstrual cycle.
- An ultrasound scan that can also be used to confirm your due date and the number and location of your baby or babies, measure the size of your uterus, and look for any abnormalities.
This first visit is also an opportunity to learn more about:
- The types and timing of prenatal tests your doctor recommends or offers to you, as well as the benefits, risks, and limitations of each test.
- Lifestyle factors (for example, diet, exercise, weight gain) that may affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health.
- Signs and symptoms during pregnancy to expect in each trimester, and how to cope with common discomforts and challenges.
- Your options for prenatal care, labor and delivery, pain relief, breastfeeding, and how to care for your newborn – which you may need reminding about even if this is your second or third pregnancy!
What is the Prenatal Testing Schedule and How Many Prenatal Visits Will I Have?
Your journey through prenatal testing and the number of visits will be uniquely tailored to you, your baby’s health, and your preferences. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect for your prenatal appointment schedule:
First trimester (weeks 1 to 12)
One prenatal visit every four weeks, plus one blood test and an ultrasound scan.
Second trimester (weeks 13 to 27)
One prenatal visit every four weeks, plus one or more tests, such as the quadruple blood test, an ultrasound scan, and glucose screening (but when higher risk factors are present, the glucose test may be done earlier). During this time we recommend you get the TDAP booster, which will help protect your baby from whooping cough until six months of age.
Third trimester (weeks 28 to 40)
As you get closer to your due date, the visits become more frequent, with weekly visits starting between 35-36 weeks. Further evaluation of anemia and infections is performed via blood tests. Then, around 36 weeks, we do a vaginal swab to check for the bacteria Group B strep. If detected, we can give you antibiotics while you’re in labor to help keep the baby from having a problem with infection.
Additional sonograms may also be needed during this time to evaluate the position and/or size of the baby.
In total, plan for around 10 to 12 prenatal visits throughout your pregnancy, although other visits may be needed depending on your unique situation and your provider’s recommendations.
Prenatal Care with Stella Mattina – Centered on Women’s Health
You and your baby deserve the best care and health. That’s why prenatal testing is an important part of your prenatal care, especially during your first visit.
At Stella Mattina, we specialize in providing comprehensive medical services for all women. So, we’ll keep an expert eye on your and your baby’s health, and find and fix any issues early. But we’ll also discuss any concerns you have as a woman both before and after your big day, and help you with any issues that arise.
However, your prenatal visits are important. You’ll learn more about your pregnancy and the baby growing in your womb and have the prenatal tests that are so important for a successful pregnancy!
Contact us today and let’s talk about your needs.
Dr. Krum is currently in practice in Arlington, TX. He received his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University, then attended UTMB Galveston for medical school, finishing in 1986, completing his residency there in 1990. Providing a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care, he specializes in the treatment of endometriosis and robotic surgery. He arranges his schedule so that same-day appointments are usually available.