Having a baby is a life-changing experience. But pregnancy and birth are major medical events, and pregnant women need routine tests to make sure they — and their babies — stay as healthy as possible.
Board-certified OB/GYN Bola Sogade, MD, and our obstetrics team at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries in Forsyth, Georgia, offer comprehensive prenatal care and testing for moms-to-be.
All of the tests you need can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help. We work with you to monitor your health and your baby’s development throughout your pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon, here’s what you need to know about medical screening during pregnancy.
There are a handful of routine tests and screenings that all pregnant women need. From bloodwork to ultrasounds, these tests are designed to monitor your health and your baby’s development from conception to birth.
While every woman and every pregnancy are different, here are some of the most common tests you can expect.
At all of your prenatal appointments, we perform a series of simple tests to track your health and your baby’s growth. We measure your weight, blood pressure, and belly circumference. We also check your baby’s heartbeat and monitor results to ensure you and your baby are as healthy as possible as your pregnancy progresses.
We do a handful of blood tests during pregnancy. A complete blood count (CBC) is a test that counts the number of cells in your blood. It evaluates your immune system and screens for anemia.
We also use blood testing to identify your blood type and your Rh factor. If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, your body may create antibodies that damage your baby’s red blood cells.
Urinalysis is urine testing. We may do several urinalysis tests during your pregnancy, depending on your health needs. We check for urinary tract infection, other urinary tract diseases, glucose levels, and more with urine screenings.
We may also use blood tests or urine tests to screen for sexually-transmitted diseases. These tests may check for hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and/or chlamydia.
Glucose screening measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. High blood sugar can be a sign of gestational diabetes, which may make your pregnancy higher risk.
You may only need one glucose test during pregnancy, typically between weeks 24 and 28. You drink a special sugar beverage, wait an hour, then have your blood taken. If your blood sugar is elevated, you may need additional testing to confirm your results.
Most women have a few ultrasounds during pregnancy. Ultrasounds use sound waves to generate images of your baby and to monitor your baby’s development.
At ultrasound appointments, we check your baby’s growth and identify their sex if you want to know. If you’re interested in a 3D ultrasound, ask our team. With 3D ultrasounds, you can see detailed, 3D images of your baby before they’re born.
Other tests are available for pregnant women, including genetic testing and birth defect testing.
Many of these additional tests are optional and may or may not be recommended based on your health and the family history of both you and your partner. We can help you decide if you would benefit from optional screenings.
The tests and screenings you need during pregnancy vary based on your situation, and our team is here to help. If you’re newly pregnant or you have questions about the tests you need while you’re pregnant, schedule an appointment at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries.
Call our office at 478-772-3780 or book an appointment online now.
