Medical Testing During Pregnancy |
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Diabetes in Pregnancy
Robyn’s Nest endorses good prenatal care. In the United States, good prenatal care involves routine testing. The following tests are performed in the physician’s office or outpatient setting:
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Pregnancy Test: A urine or blood pregnancy test is performed |
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Blood Pressure and Urine Testing: Blood pressure is taken each time
you go to the Obsterician or Midwife. High blood pressure could indicate signs
of pre-clampsia or general nervousness and must be monitored. Urine tests are
done each visit as well. Urine testing could reveal signs of infection, high
blood sugar or pre-clampsia. |
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Blood Tests: Blood tests are performed on the first obstetrical appointment to determine iron count, immunization to rubella (german measles), HIV or AIDS antibodies, and Rh factor. Most woman are Rh+, however, some may be Rh-, which may require a special diet. |
The following tests are performed, with your permission, and are considered special testing:
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Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening Test (MSAFP):
This is a simple blood test that identifies pregnancies at higher-than-average
risk of certain serious birth defects, such as Spina Bifida and Down
Syndrome. It is important for pregnant women to understand that it
is a screening test and, in most cases, an abnormal test result does
not indicate a problem with the baby. This test is often done between
weeks 14 and 22 of gestation. The purpose is to measure the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a substance produced by the liver of the fetus, in a mother's blood stream, providing valuable information about a developing fetus. This test cannot diagnose a birth defect - it can only indicate an increased risk. An abnormal test result simply means more testing is needed. |
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Amniocentesis: This test is usually performed at 16 or 17
weeks gestation. It tests for Down Syndrome and other genetic defects.
Using a local anesthesia and ultrasound, a needle is inserted into
the abdominal wall to take a sample of amniotic fluid. The fluid is
tested. There are some risks to having this test done. Discuss the
risks and the medical necessity of amniocentesis with your doctor. |
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CVS: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is an alternative to
Amniocentesis. This test can be done as early as 6 weeks. It tests
for Down Syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities. A needle is
inserted vaginally to collect a sample of chorionic villi and is guided
by means of ultrasound. |
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Ultrasound Scan: This is a non-invasive test that is relatively
safe during pregnancy. The ultrasound is a high frequency sound wave.
The sound bounces off the organs and in this case, the baby, to produce
a picture on a monitor or screen. The doctors use this tool to check
all the baby’s organs, limbs and the sex of the baby. |
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Glucose Testing: Sometime around the 5th month, the doctor’s office will schedule a glucose tolerance test. You will be asked to drink a soda like drink and wait a period of time before blood is drawn. This test is to detect gestational diabetes. Some woman experience gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) and require a special diet to control it where others may require insulin. This type of diabetes usually disappears shortly after birth. Should glucose testing result in a high glucose count, your doctor may schedule a 6 hour glucose tolerance test in an outpatient setting. See Diabetes in Pregnancy |
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Diabetes in Pregnancy
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Medical Testing During Pregnancy