Pre Natal Testing

BLOOD TEST:    

Blood Type - The blood is checked for ABO blood type.

Rh factor - It is checked with the blood whether it is positive or negative for Rh factor.

Glucose Levels - The blood test is used to measure the body's ability to metabolize sugar and screen for gestational diabetes.

Iron Levels - The blood test will determine if you have iron deficiencies in your blood.

Hemoglobin Levels - The blood test will identify the level of hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying power of your red blood cells. The expected level is between 12 to 14 grams. A treatment for anemia will be prescribed if your level falls below 10 grams.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases - A blood test is used to determine whether you have any of the sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, or HIV.

Rubella (German measles) - The results of the blood test will determine if you have antibodies for rubella and whether or not you are immune.

Toxoplasmosis - The results of the blood test will determine if you have the toxoplasmosis infection as this may cross the placenta and may infect the fetus.

PATERNITY TESTING:

Prenatal (before your child’s birth) DNA testing:

Amniocentesis: This test is performed in the second trimester, anywhere from the 14th-20th week of pregnancy. During this procedure, the doctor uses ultrasound to guide a thin needle into your uterus, through your abdomen which draws the fluid which is tested.

URINE TEST:

Sugars - Sugar test is done to test the consistent levels of sugar (glucose).

Protein - Protein test found in your urine indicates a problem in kidney function such as an infection.

Ketones - Ketones are observed in urine when your body is breaking down fats instead of carbohydrates for energy.

Bacteria - Bacteria test is done to identify the load of bacteria in your urine which is a sign of a urinary tract infection.

ULTRASOUND:

Ultrasound may be performed at any point during pregnancy, and the results are seen immediately on a monitor during the procedure. Transvaginal scans may be used early in pregnancy to diagnose potential ectopic or molar pregnancies.

FIRST TRIMESTER:

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) - This testing can be done earlier in pregnancy from the 10th-13th week. A doctor's consent is needed to do this procedure for paternity testing.

First Trimester Screen - The First Trimester Screen is a new, optional noninvasive evaluation that combines a maternal blood screening test with an ultrasound evaluation of the fetus to identify risk for specific chromosomal abnormalities, including Down’s syndrome Trisomy-21 and Trisomy-18.

SECOND TRIMESTER:

In the second trimester a variety of test is performed to confirm the health condition of the mother and the baby, these test include

  • Amniocentesis

  • Cordocentesis - Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)

  • Maternal Serum Alpha - Fetoprotein Screening (MSAFP)

  • Quad Screen

  • Triple Screen Test - Multiple Marker Screen

THIRD TRIMESTER:

In the third trimester the following tests are done

  • Biophysical Profile (BPP)

  • Fetal Non-Stress Test (NST)

  • Glucose Challenge Screening & Glucose Tolerance Test (NST)