Table of Contents
Part I: Medical Tests during Pregnancy
Medical tests during pregnancy can be an important part of your prenatal care. Every test provides your doctor with information so he or she can plan the best care for you and your baby. Tests described in this book can help assure you that you both are doing well and anything that might need to be done, can be done.
Many tests are routine tests that every pregnant woman has. Some special tests are done if your doctor thinks he or she could learn more about your health or your babys health from them.
The first test you will probably have is a pregnancy test. This may be done by you at home, or it may be done in a doctors office. Home pregnancy-test kits are very accurate today.
Once you know youre pregnant, a lot of tests will be done at your first or second visit with your doctor. These tests tell your doctor how healthy you are at this time and whether he or she needs to caution you about certain things to avoid or to watch out for. Some tests are repeated during pregnancy, if necessary.
Every test is important, so participate with your doctor in having them. Keep your appointments for tests, and always check with your doctors office about test results.
Tests before Pregnancy
Your doctor may conduct some tests
before you get pregnant, depending on your current medical problems and your family history. These various tests are done to assess your health before pregnancy. If a condition or disease is found that needs to be treated before you get pregnant, it can be done without risk to a developing baby. Some tests you may have include:
a physical exam, including a pelvic examto determine your reproductive health before pregnancy
Pap smearan early screening test for cervical cancer
breast exam
mammogram, if you are at least 35
rubella titerto check for immunity against rubella
blood typeto determine your blood type (A, B, AB or O)
Rh-factorto determine if you are Rh-negative
a test for hepatitis-B antibodiesto see if you have ever been exposed to hepatitis-B
screening tests for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
HIV/AIDS testto determine if you have HIV or AIDS; it is not done routinely (the test cannot be done without your knowledge and permission)
cystic fibrosis screeningto determine whether there is a risk of delivering a child with CF; the screening test uses a blood sample or a saliva sample
tests for immunity to various childhood diseases, such as measles and mumps (vaccinations can be done before pregnancy)
Tests for Pregnancy-Related Problems and Situations
Hormone levels may be done before you try to get pregnant. These tests measure the levels of various hormones involved in getting pregnant. Hormones that may be measured include luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin level.
Ask your doctor to test you for thrombophilia if you have a family history of the disorder.
You should also have a test if you have artificial heart valves, a history of rheumatic heart disease with current atrial fibrillation, antithrombin-III deficiency, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), homozygous factor V Leiden mutation or homozygous prothrombin G20210A mutation, or if you are on chronic anticoagulation medication for recurrent thromboembolism.
Blood tests that can be performed include the lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, AT-III antigen activity levels, fasting homocysteine levels, protein-C antigen activity levels and protein-S antigen activity levels.
A pelvic ultrasound may be done to see if female organs appear normal.
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray done with dye. Contrast dye is injected through the cervix to examine the Fallopian tubes and lining of the uterus. The cervix, uterus and tubes can be examined to see if female organs are normal.
Another test, called a laparoscopy, may also be done. It is a surgical procedure that can be used to examine the uterus, tubes and ovaries. Laparoscopy is done by placing a small telescope (an endoscope) through a -inch incision under the bellybutton (umbilicus). A camera is attached to the laparoscope so pelvic organs can be seen on a screen; they can also be recorded on video and pictures can be taken. A laparoscopy may be done before pregnancy to look for endometriosis, adhesions (scar tissue), cysts on the ovaries or abnormalities of the uterus, such as fibroids.
Hysteroscopy is similar to laparoscopy; a scope is placed through the vagina and cervix to look inside the uterus. A camera is used so pictures can be taken and/or a video can be recorded. The test may be done before pregnancy to look for and to treat fibroids, adhesions or a uterine septum (membrane dividing the uterine cavity).
Tests during the 1st Trimester
Medical tests are important in your prenatal care. These tests can help reassure you that your baby is doing well as it develops, and any necessary actions can be taken. Test results help the doctor determine what treatments may be necessary during this pregnancy or what actions might be taken before another pregnancy is attempted.
The Pregnancy Test
The first challenge of pregnancy may be figuring out if you really are pregnant! Before you buy a home pregnancy test or go to your doctors office to have a pregnancy test, look for the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, which include:
missed menstrual period
nausea, with or without vomiting
fatigue
breast changes and breast tenderness
frequent urination
new sensitivity or feelings in your pelvic area
metallic taste in your mouth
If you think youre pregnant, take an at-home pregnancy test. Keep the following in mind.
Sometimes a woman misses a period because of stress, excessive physical exertion or dieting, and is not pregnant.
Pregnancy tests have become increasingly sensitive and can show positive results even before you miss a menstrual period.
Most tests are positive 7 to 10 days after you conceive!
Most doctors recommend you wait until you miss your period before having a test to save you money and emotional energy.
Home tests are so accurate now that your doctor may rely on them as an initial screening for pregnancy.
Your doctor may ask you to do a home pregnancy test when you miss a period to help determine if you are pregnant before you go to the office.
If the test is positive, contact your doctors office to make your first prenatal appointment.
Routine Tests Done at Every Visit
When you go to prenatal visits, you are weighed, your blood pressure is checked and you may be asked to provide a urine sample. These three simple tests provide a great deal of information.
Pregnancy Tests Can Be Disappointing and Rewarding
Amy hadnt used contraception for a year and wanted very much to get pregnant. She was getting discouraged. Dave and Amy were tired of people telling them to relax and it will happen. They had done a lot of home pregnancy testsmore than 10 in the last few months.
