Lab Work at Confirmation of Pregnancy Visit
Wilmington Health Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) looks forward to helping guide you on your journey to motherhood.
The confirmation of pregnancy visit with your physician typically involves an evaluation to ensure the health of the mother and her baby. During the visit, several laboratory studies may be ordered on your behalf. Listed are the types of labs that may be ordered for the medical evaluation process:
Blood Type and Screen
This blood test determines the blood type of the mother A/B/O and if she is Rh negative or positive.
Blood typing is especially important during pregnancy to determine if a mother and her fetus are Rh compatible. In the case of incompatibility, further treatments will occur to ensure the health of the mother and her baby.
Complete Blood Count Differential (CBC w/ Diff)
This blood test identifies the number and type of red and white blood cells, the size of the mother’s red blood cells, her hematocrit, her hemoglobin, and the amount of platelets in the blood.
The significance of the CBC test during pregnancy cannot be undermined, as they assist in determining if there are any illnesses or infections in the expecting mother.
Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR)
This blood test works by detecting the antibodies that the mother’s body produces to fight the infection.
This test is used to screen the expectant mother for syphilis.
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens (HbsAg)
This blood test looks for hepatitis B surface antigens in the mother’s blood.
This test is used to find out whether the mother has a recent or long-standing infection from the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
HIV
This blood test looks for the HIV-1 antibodies in the mother’s blood.
This test is used to find out whether the mother has a recent or long-standing infection from HIV.
MMR Titer
This blood test can find out whether the mother is immune to Measles, Mumps, and German Measles (Rubella).
Urine Culture
This urine test checks for bacteria in your urine that could be causing an infection in your urinary tract. The urinary tract includes kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
This test is used to determine if the mother has developed a UTI during pregnancy, and it’s essential to catch it and treat it. UTIs are common in pregnancy and can, at times, go unnoticed. Untreated UTIs can lead to premature labor or poor labor outcomes.
Urine Drug Screen
This urine test is looking for any harmful chemicals that could impact pregnancy and could require closer evaluation during pregnancy.