Trimester Guide to Prenatal Tests

Being pregnant is like a race to get everything done. You need a name, nursery, baby shower, clothes, clean house, toys etc. and you need to have everything ready is a matter of months. One thing that you should not neglect is you and your baby's health. You doctor should go over different tests with you during visits, some are optional and you need to determine if it is a good idea to have them. But if you are anything like I was, once you left that first appointment, you are so overwhelmed that you can't remember what the doc said. So here is a quick overview to refresh you memory. But remember you should consult your partner and doctor about all the decisions.

1st Trimester
These tests include routine pap smears, blood work to determine rH status and check for anemia, syphilis, rubella, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV. Also your doc will test your urine to check for urinary tract infections. Some of the screening tests to screen your baby for illness include those for Down's syndrome and carrier screening to determine if your baby is at risk for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell and Tay-Sachs. You need to determine early on if you are interested in any of the screening tests as they are usually completed in weeks 9 through 13.

2nd Trimester
You will continue to have your urine tested at each visit for signs of preeclampsia and UTI's. During your 24-28th week, you will be given a test to check for gestational diabetes and you will probably have you rH factor screened again. If you opted for some of the screenings for chromosomal abnormalities, you will have a follow up test conducted around 15 weeks. Lastly, you can opt for amniocentesis which will check more in depth for chromosomal abnormalities and certain genetic disorders. It is during this trimester that you are able to find out the gender of your baby through an ultrasound. This ultrasound also lets your doctor to check on the growth rate of your little one's bones and organs.

3rd Trimester
Again, you urine will be continually examined for certain conditions. Additionally, your doc should test your for Group B Strep, a common infection treated by antibiotics during labor. Other tests include a re-test for gestational diabetes, anemia and STD's if you are at risk. You may also have ultrasounds to check the placement of your placenta. You doc should continue to monitor your baby's heart rate throughout your pregnancy and conduct periodic ultrasounds to check on your little one.

Some of the testing is mandatory to ensure the health and safety of mother and baby, but some of the testing is optional and may not be covered by insurance so if you are interested you should check on your coverage and potential costs of tests. If you have any questions about potential tests, talk to you doctor, he is there to answer all your questions and help you determine what is best for you.