Testing 1-2-3

The prenatal tests you may receive and what they mean

    
Test
Screening for illnesses (HIV, hepatitis B, etc.)

Who needs it, when is it performed?
All; early in pregnancy. Repeated if mother is exposed to an illness.

What's Involved?
A blood sample is drawn and examined.

What does it reveal?
Whether mother has been exposed to a disease or illness.

Potential harm to fetus?
None.

What's next? Follow-up:
Mother is treated to prevent transmission to fetus at birth.
       
Test
Blood pressure

Who needs it, when is it performed?
All; at every visit.

What's Involved?
Blood pressure is measured.

What does it reveal?
A sudden rise can signal complications.

Potential harm to fetus?
None.

What's next? Follow-up:
Additional testing may be needed.

Test
Urinalysis

Who needs it, when is it performed?
All; at every visit.

What's Involved?
A urine sample is collected and examined.

What does it reveal?
Protein can signal preeclampsia; glucose can signal gestational diabetes.

Potential harm to fetus?
None.

What's next? Follow-up:
High levels of protein or glucose require further testing (see blood-sugar test)