Pregnancy Screening

An ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive procedure, with studies showing no risk to the mother or fetus. An ultrasound does not involve the use of radiation.

An initial ultrasound is performed with your first obstetrical visit in order to determine your due date, placenta location and viability growth of the fetus. This ultrasound is not intended to diagnose fetal abnormalities. You will have an ultrasound at approximately 20 – 22 weeks to check the anatomy and growth of the baby and at approximately 30 – 32 weeks to determine growth and position of the baby.

Non-Invasive Cell Free DNA:

Non-Invasive Cell Free DNA is a simple blood test that checks to see if your baby is at risk for certain genetic disorders, including Down syndrome. These conditions are due to extra or missing pieces of genetic material called chromosomes, which may lead to a medical condition. Testing can also predict your baby’s sex (if you’d like to know)

Glucose Screening:

The test screens for gestational diabetes around 28 weeks gestation. You will be given a packet with instructions and your Glucola drink around your 24-week appointment. You will need to drink the entire bottle of sugar water within 10 minutes and please note the time you finished drinking this beverage. One hour later, your blood will be drawn. If you have a personal or family history of diabetes/gestational diabetes or other risk factors, this test may be performed early in pregnancy and again at 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Group B Beta Strep (GBBS) Screening:

GBBS is a culture taken from the perineum between 36 – 37 weeks of pregnancy to see if a Strep B bacteria is present. This bacteria is normal in 30% of women and lives inside of the intestines and female organs. If your culture indicates that you have GBBS, then you will be given antibiotics in your IV fluids at the time of labor in order to prevent the bacteria from being passed to the infant at the time of birth.

If you are in labor and it is after business hours, please call a WomanCare office that you visit and the physician on call will be notified.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

This publication is intended as a reference only and not as medical advice. The information that is provided herein is designed to help inform you with regard to your pregnancy. Your health care provider does not intend it to be used as a substitute for treatment, advice or recommendations.

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