The lab tests that your provider will do during your pregnancy require that you give both blood and urine. Your urine will be checked to rule out infections or possible kidney problems. Your blood will be checked to determine your blood type and to see if you are anemic; whether you are immune to rubella; and whether you have been exposed to hepatitis B or syphilis. With your consent, your blood can also be tested for HIV. Any of these infections could influence the development and growth of your baby. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV and syphilis is key to minimizing your baby's risk.
Your physical examination will begin with a weight check and blood pressure measurement. This will happen at each of your visits, along with providing a urine sample. Other checks that your provider will probably do at each visit include measuring your uterus, and listening to or looking at your baby's heartbeat. During other exams your provider may listen to your heart and lungs, examine your breasts to rule out lumps, check the shape of your pelvis, and do a pap of your cervix to rule out cervical precancer and cancer. She may also suggest cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia, or other infections that can be present without you having symptoms. These can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
Your urine will be checked to rule out infection needing antibiotics. It will also be tested for excessive protein, which warns your provider that you may have a kidney problem.
A Serum Screen, sometimes called a Triple Screen blood test may be offered to you between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of your age or pregnancy risk. A tube of your blood is drawn and three values are measured: AFP, maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein; HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin or pregnancy hormone; and unconjugated estriol. Your risk of carrying a baby with a neural tube or abdominal wall defect, Down syndrome, or Trisomy 18 is estimated from these levels in conjunction with your age. This is not a firm diagnosis, but does let your provider know that you may need further testing. It’s important to keep in mind that a questionable Triple Screen result does not necessarily indicate a problem with your baby.
Glucose screening is done to check for diabetes. You will be asked to consume a 50-gram glucose drink and then you'll give a blood sample an hour later. If the results are higher than normal, a three-hour test is then given. Approximately 15% of women who have an abnormal screening test will actually have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can usually be controlled by diet. Occasionally insulin is required to control sugar levels.