Being pregnant can be an exciting time. I remember ‘nesting’ and being so busy planning for my baby’s room, wardrobe, and other fun baby things. But did you know there is also a timeline for testing during the three trimesters of pregnancy? Check out this useful infographic to see what tests to expect.
Routine prenatal care throughout your pregnancy is essential for monitoring both your health and your baby’s development. The specific tests and screenings you’ll receive will vary depending on your trimester, but here’s a general overview of what to expect:
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
Initial visit: This comprehensive visit will involve a complete physical exam, pelvic exam, urine test, and blood test. The blood test checks for anemia, blood type and Rh factor, immunity to certain infections, and baseline health markers.
Dating ultrasound: This ultrasound determines your due date, confirms the number of fetuses, and assesses early fetal development.
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- Genetic screening: Optional blood tests like the nuchal translucency (NT) scan or combined first-trimester screen can assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
- Anomaly scan: This detailed ultrasound, typically performed around 20 weeks, examines your baby’s anatomy and organs for any potential abnormalities.
- Group B strep test: This swab test, done around 35-37 weeks, checks for the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria in your vagina. If positive, you’ll receive antibiotics during labor to prevent the bacteria from infecting your baby.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
- Regular prenatal checkups: These involve monitoring your weight, blood pressure, and urine for signs of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
- Non-stress test (NST): This painless test measures your baby’s heart rate variability in response to movement.
- Biophysical profile (BPP): This combines an NST with an ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume and fetal breathing and movement.
Additional tests:
- Amniocentesis: This invasive procedure extracts amniotic fluid to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities. It’s typically recommended for high-risk pregnancies.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Similar to amniocentesis, CVS extracts placental tissue for chromosomal analysis. It’s done earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis.
Remember, this is just a general overview, and your individual prenatal testing schedule may vary based on your doctor’s recommendations and your specific health needs. Always discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
