May 2, 2022
By Dr. Inna Russell, OB-GYN
During pregnancy, certain lab tests are recommended for all women. Although most women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, routine tests can help detect possible problems. Your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) might recommend additional tests depending on your medical history, family history, ethnic background, or previous test results. The sooner a problem is found, the sooner it can be managed.
Tests Done Early in Pregnancy
Different tests are given early in a pregnancy versus in the later trimesters. Several routine lab tests are done early in pregnancy, including
- complete blood count (CBC)
- blood type and Rh factor
- urinalysis
- urine culture
What does a complete blood count test for?
A CBC counts the number of different types of cells that make up your blood. The number of red blood cells can show whether you have a certain type of anemia. The number of white blood cells can show how many disease-fighting cells are in your blood. The number of platelets can reveal whether you have a problem with blood clotting.
Will I be tested for blood type?
Yes, during the first trimester of pregnancy you will have a blood test to find out your blood type, such as type A or type B. Also, your blood will be tested for the Rh factor.
What is the Rh factor?
The Rh factor is a protein that can be found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood cells have this protein, you are Rh positive. If your blood cells do not have this protein, you are Rh negative.
Why is it important to know your Rh status?
If a woman is Rh negative and her fetus is Rh positive, the woman’s body can make antibodies against the Rh factor. These antibodies can damage the fetus’s red blood cells. This usually does not cause problems in a first pregnancy, when the body makes only a small number of antibodies. But it can cause issues in a later pregnancy.
What will happen if I am Rh negative?
If you are Rh negative, you may be given medication during pregnancy to help prevent the development of Rh antibodies. If you are Rh negative and have already made a certain number of Rh antibodies, you might need special tests and monitoring throughout pregnancy. Your baby also may need treatment after birth.
What is a urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a test of your urine for:
- red blood cells, to see if you have a urinary tract disease
- white blood cells, to see if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- glucose, because high levels of blood sugar can be a sign of diabetes
This test also measures the amount of protein in your blood, which can be compared to levels later in pregnancy. High protein levels may signal preeclampsia, a serious complication that can occur later in pregnancy or after the baby is born.
What is a urine culture?
This test looks for bacteria in your urine, which can be a sign of a UTI. Sometimes UTIs do not cause symptoms. Your urine will be tested early in pregnancy and later in pregnancy. If the test shows bacteria in your urine, you will be treated with antibiotics. After you finish treatment, you may have a repeat test to see if the bacteria are gone.
What other tests should I expect early in pregnancy?
In addition to these routine tests, pregnant women typically are tested early in pregnancy for specific diseases and infections that can affect you and your baby, including:
- rubella
- hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- tuberculosis (TB)
At Clark Just for Women Health Solutions, our team of OB-GYNs is here to walk you through these tests and others you may need to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Call us at 812-280-7063 to schedule an appointment.