What to Expect from Your Prenatal TestsBeing pregnant can be one of the most exciting experiences in your life, but it can also feel scary if you don’t know what to expect. The following is a brief explanation of what to expect from your prenatal doctor visits.
Initial Blood AnalysisAn initial blood analysis is done on all pregnant patients which is essential in helping to determine possible risks for the baby. Usually on your first visit the blood is drawn and checked for blood typing (Rh factor), antibody screening (which can effect a baby’s growth and chance of survival), anemia and infections that may be transmitted to the fetus. These are German measles (rubella), hepatitis B, syphilis, and AIDS. The results are usually discussed with the patient on the next doctor visit, unless, of course, there is a significant issue that needs immediate attention.
Routine TestingPatients are asked to come in every four weeks for their regular prenatal appointment. As they approach their due date, the visits narrow to two week intervals and then every week during the last month. The main purpose for these visits is to gather five simple, but critical, pieces of information to help the physicians in helping the mother and baby to have the best possible outcome. These five things are blood pressure, weight, baby movement, and heartbeat, baby growth, and urine check. The urine is checked for any spillage of protein or sugar.
Neural Defects or Downs TestingBetween 16-19 weeks, a couple has the option of getting a blood test from the mother’s blood to test for neural tube defects or downs syndrome. This test looks at the levels of four specific proteins in the mother’s blood and the results are tabulated in a ratio for the risks of neural tube defects or downs. For example, the results may say 1 in 1,000 or 1, in 5,000 or 1 in 100.
This test is just a screening test and sometimes is not accurate, especially if it says the risk is higher than expected. But it is accurate if the test is negative or normal. If a result suggests a higher than normal risk, then an ultrasound and possible amniocentesis is offered to find out for sure if there might be a problem with the baby regarding neural tube defects or downs syndrome. One must understand that downs and neural tube defects (spina bifida and others) cannot be corrected. They are permanent. Thus, the purpose for testing is either to prepare for the child’s defects, to know things are fine, or to terminate the pregnancy prior to 20 weeks.
Diabetes TestingAt or near 28 weeks is the time to screen for diabetes in pregnancy. This is done by having a pre-measured glucose load of 50 gms (either in a sugar drink or a bag of jelly beans) and then checking your blood sugar level an hour after consuming the glucose. The cut off is 140 for your blood glucose level. If you fail this initial screening test, then a 3-hour test is measured. If you fail more than two out of four results, then you have gestational diabetes and are treated either by a dietary measure or insulin in order to maintain normal sugar level, thus diminishing risks and complications to the mother and baby.
Group B Streptococcus TestingAround 36 weeks, a patient will be screened for Group B Streptococcus. This is a bacteria that some women carry in the vaginal area that can be passed to the baby during the labor and delivery process. In certain instances, the bacteria can cause severe newborn infection or death. It is not an infection to the mother and is part of what is called the "normal flora" or bacteria that we carry. Thus, eradication of such bacteria is difficult and the key is in treating the mother when in labor to decrease the amount of bacteria at that time and the risk of passing it on to the baby.
If you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, or what to expect from your prenatal tests, please feel free to call our office at 557-2900.
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