What routine tests should I expect to have, and when are they done?
- First Office Visit: Blood type, complete blood count, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, rubella, HIV, urine culture, cystic fibrosis carrier screening, ultrasound. Optional: Familial dysautonomia carrier screening for those of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage to test for Tay-Sachs and Canavan’s diseases.
- Quad Screen (AFP)*: Screening for Down syndrome, spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Done between 15 and 20 weeks. Not necessary with sequential screening.
- Ultrasound: Done between 18 and 20 weeks.
- Glucose Test: Screening for gestational diabetes. Done between 24 and 28 weeks.
- Group B Streptococcus: Done at 36 weeks.