During your first trimester prenatal visits your doctor or midwife with use certain prenatal tests in order to identify problems, keep on top of the healthy progression of your pregnancy, and check on the well being of both you and your baby.

You can expect the most testing to be done during your very first prenatal visit. Your doctor will do a blood test for several different reasons including; test the Rh factor of your blood, check for anemia, syphilis, hepatitis B, and your immunity to German measles. The doctor will also do a pelvic exam, including a pap smear and cultures for Chlamydia and gonorrhea. A urine sample will also be taken during this visit to test for urinary tract infections.

Other testing done during the first trimester will depend your doctor, your risk factor for certain diseases, and your wishes.

A few additional tests that are possible include:

• A glucose challenge test if your doctor feels you are at an increased risk for gestational diabetes.

• Testing for your immunity to chicken pox if you are unsure if you have either had the chicken pox or been vaccinated for it.

• A skin test to determine whether you have been exposed to tuberculosis.

Genetic screening is sometimes offered. This will depend on your doctor and your risk factors for genetic and chromosomal defects. Discuss need for these tests with your doctor.

Each pregnancy is different, and each prenatal caregiver’s approach to prenatal health is different. Discuss with your doctor what you can expect at the various stages of your pregnancy. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about any particular test that is being recommended discuss your concerns with your doctor or midwife.