 |
Blood type and RH with antibody screening:
This test determines the mother's blood RH type and antibody factor. If the mother's blood type is RH negative and her partner's is RH positive, special monitoring of the fetus is necessary to check for RH incompatibility.
Rubella titer: This test checks the level of antibodies to the German measles virus that are present in your blood. If a woman becomes infected with German measles (rubella) during her pregnancy, her developing fetus could be at risk.
Syphilis screen: This test checks for the presence of syphilis infection. If present, treatment can be initiated so that the fetus is not harmed.
HIV screen: This test checks for the AIDS virus. If a woman is found to have HIV infection, she can be treated during pregnancy, which will reduce the chances of her passing the virus to her unborn child.
Pap smear: This test checks for abnormal cervical cells, which could indicate cervical cancer.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia cultures: Both of these infections, if present in the mother, must be treated to prevent infection of the baby at birth.
Urinalysis: This test examines the urine for the presence of bacteria, sugar or protein. It will be performed at each prenatal visit.
|
|
|
| Subsequent prenatal visits are usually shorter than the initial visit. This is what you can expect:
Mother's weight will be recorded. Experts believe that a sensible and safe weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds.
Blood pressure measurement will be recorded. Sudden rises in blood pressure can indicate complications during pregnancy.
Urine testing will be performed and recorded. Urine is checked for the presence of sugar and protein. Sugar in the urine could indicate gestational diabetes and the presence of protein could indicate toxemia, a pregnancy complication.
Your physician or midwife will measure the height of the uterus. As the baby grows, the fundus or top of the uterus begins to rise in the abdomen. By comparing the monthly or weekly measurements, your physician or midwife can evaluate the overall growth of the baby. Toward the later part of your pregnancy, your physician or midwife will check the baby's positioning by feeling around your abdomen and identifying different parts of the baby's body. (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
 |
