Because being pregnant can be a delicate time in a woman’s life, it is important that all precautions be taken to ensure that the pregnancy is a healthy one. For this reason, there are a series of prenatal tests that must be performed during each pregnancy. To find out what you can expect, read on to learn which tests are the most common and why they’re even done in the first place.

While being pregnant, doing tests can help you monitor your baby’s health and to detect any problems early on. There are many different types of prenatal testing and while not all of them are needed, it helps to be familiar with the common ones. Some test for genetic disorders, while others make sure that everything is working the way it should be.

The first prenatal test pregnant mothers will undergo is the first trimester screening test. This test is usually done between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy. The purpose of the first trimester screening is to determine whether your baby could potentially be at risk for developing Down syndrome, detect heart defects or skeletal problems. The test is done by taking a blood sample from the mother’s arm and having an ultrasound to take the fetal measurements.

Amniocentesis is a test that involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid to check for genetic problems such as Down syndrome and spina bifida. The fluid is extracted from the mother’s abdomen using an ultrasound-guided needle.

Between the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women get an ultrasound performed. By using sound waves, you can see an image of your unborn baby. Ultrasounds make sure the baby’s growth and development are on target and can also screen for possible congential abnormalities.

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, also known as PUBS, is conducted after the 18th week of pregnancy, by taking a blood sample from the vein in the umbilical cord via a needle inserted in the mother’s abdomen. The use of an ultrasound helps the doctor find the right vein. This prenatal test can determine whether the baby is at risk for anemia, Rh disease, sickle cell, and hemophilia, as well as a score of other conditions.

Even though these tests can be scary, it helps to know how your baby’s health is doing every step of the way. During this time, make sure to ask your doctor any and all questions you may have and be sure to have them explain to you what is going on throughout the process so you can get a better understanding of the situation. By not getting even the most basic prenatal tests done, you can be putting your baby at risk for developing health problems that most likely could be prevented or treated through early detection. As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, make an appointment to see a doctor and begin scheduling the proper prenatal tests in the weeks and months to come.

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