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3 Tests Your OBGYN May Request During Your Pregnancy

Health & Medical Blog

Throughout the course of your pregnancy your OB-GYN may suggest or require that you have certain tests done. In most cases, these tests are done to either ensure the health and safety of you and your baby or help you find out more about your unborn baby. These tests can give you peace of mind or can help you to prepare for the future. This article will discuss three tests that your OB-GYN may request during your pregnancy. 

Testing for Chromosomal Abnormalities in Your Baby

Towards the end of your first trimester, you are offered the option of taking a blood test that will test for different chromosomal abnormalities in your baby. These abnormalities include Down syndrome (Trisomy-21), Trisomy-18, and spina bifida. The test is done simply by collecting one tube of your blood and then testing it for the different abnormalities. If the blood results come back normal, then no further testing will be done. However if the screening shows that your baby has an increased chance for these chromosomal abnormalities then you will next receive an ultrasound so that the doctors can view your baby. 

Glucose Screening and Tolerance Test 

Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy, which can put both them and their unborn child in danger. Because of this, it is required by most OB-GYNs to be tested for diabetes. You will first start off by having a glucose screening done. This test is generally done around 24-28 weeks into the pregnancy. An hour before your screening you will be required to drink a glucose drink, and then your blood glucose levels will be tested. If they are too high, then you will need to take the glucose tolerance test. This test is more detailed and requires you to have only small amounts of water for 8-14 hours before your test, and then requires glucose testing both before and after you drank your glucose drink. 

Group B Strep Test 

At around 35-37 weeks, your OB-GYN will have you take the group B strep test. It is very important that you take this test because your child can contract strep, if you have it, as they are delivered and it can be very serious for them. In order to avoid this from happening, the test will take a swab of your vaginal wall and your rectum. These swabs will then be tested for group B strep and will give you results within two days. If you do test positive for strep, then you will be required to take medication up until you deliver your baby to stop the strep from affecting your baby. 

If you have any other questions about what other tests you may need to take, consider contacting a local OB-GYN, such as Women's Healthcare of Illinois, to discuss your concerns.

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10 December 2015