Pregnancy Involves Many Tests

Throughout the course of a pregnancy, an expecting mother will have many tests. They fall into the following categories:
  • pregnancy test - the first test
  • routine, non-invasive tests - these occur during each visit to the obstetrician's office
    • blood pressure
    • urine glucose/protein
    • fetal heartbeat
  • blood sampling tests - usually done once at various times during pregnancy
  • swab tests - usually done once at various times during pregnancy
    • Pap smear - to check for STDs, various bacteria (varies according to the laws of each state)
    • Group B streptococcus screening
  • ultrasound - done at least one time during pregnancy
  • tests done under special circumstances
Let's look at the various tests to see how they work and what they can tell us about the developing baby.