Tests You May Need While You Are Pregnant: Brief Version

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KEY POINTS

• Getting regular checkups and tests when you need them can help you and your baby stay healthy. Many kinds of tests may be done during your pregnancy.
• Common tests include blood, urine, and pelvic exams.
• Other tests and scans can look for birth defects and the health of your baby.
• You may need other tests if you have a health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

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While you are pregnant, you need regular checkups and some tests. Some tests are for all pregnant women. Other tests are done only as needed.

Be sure to keep all of your appointments. Talk to your healthcare provider about any problems you may have. Get the care you need.

What tests are done for every pregnant woman?

Some tests are done only once. Others are done more often or at each visit.

Your healthcare provider will:

• Test a sample of urine or blood to see if you are pregnant at your first visit
• Give you a physical exam. This may include a breast exam and a pelvic exam.
• Do a Pap test
• Figure out how long you have been pregnant. He or she will also check how big the baby is and the baby’s position in your uterus (womb).
• Check for infections
• Test your urine for bacteria, protein, sugar, and other chemicals
• Measure the top of your uterus to check the baby's growth

Your healthcare provider will also do blood tests to check for:

• Your blood type, Rh factor, and sometimes problems related to your Rh factor
• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Whether you have had German measles or chickenpox

What other tests may be needed?

Your healthcare provider may also:

• Test the placenta for some kinds of birth defects, which is called chorionic villus sampling, or CVS
• Test the fluid in the bag of waters for some kinds of birth defects, which is called amniocentesis
• Use ultrasound to look at the baby, your uterus, and your pelvis
• Test your blood to check for some kinds of birth defects

Sometimes you may need other tests such as:

• An amniocentesis to see how the baby's lungs are doing near the end of your pregnancy
• Blood tests to find out about how well your blood clots, or to see how well your liver works
• Tests measuring the baby's heartbeat and movements

Getting checkups and tests can help you and your baby stay healthy.