Tests At Your First Prenatal Visit.

Your doctor will probably order a battery of tests during your first or second visit. These may include the following:

•    a complete blood count (CBC) to check iron stores and to check for infections
•    urinalysis and urine culture
•    a test for syphilis
•    cervical cultures, as indicated
•    rubella titers, for immunity against rubella
•    blood type
•    Rh-factor
•    a test for hepatitis-B antibodies
•    alpha-fetoprotein
•    Pap smear

The results of these tests give your doctor information he or she needs to provide the best care for you. For example, if testing shows you have never had rubella (German measles) and you never received the rubella vaccine, you know you need to avoid exposure during this pregnancy and receive the vaccine before your next pregnancy.

Later in pregnancy, your doctor may repeat some tests or order new tests. For example, the 28th week of pregnancy is the best time to pick up blood-sugar problems.

ROUTINE TESTS
At every prenatal visit, your doctor will weigh you and check your blood pressure. Simple as they are, these two tests provide a great deal of information. Not gaining enough weight, or gaining too much, can indicate problems. High blood pressure can be significant during pregnancy, especially as you near your due date. By taking your blood pressure throughout the pregnancy, your physician establishes what is normal for you. Changes in blood pressure readings alert him or her to potential problems.

As your baby grows, your doctor checks to see how much your uterus has grown since your last visit. He or she also listens to the fetal heartbeat.