Your initial prenatal labs that will be ordered are:  blood type, anemia, Syphilis, Heptatis B, Rubella titer, Pap smear (if your are due for this), and HIV screening is offered.

Between 15 and 20 weeks, a triple screen is offered.  This is a maternal blood sample to assess for 3 different hormones.  This tests the risk of your infant having a neural tube defect, Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Trisomy 18.

An earlier test can be done during the first trimester to calculater your risk of Down syndrome, and this will be discussed at your prenatal visit.

A one hour glucose test will be done around 28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes.

Between 35 weeks and delivery of your infant, a test for Group B Strep will be done.  If this test is positive, you will receive antibiotics during labor to decrease the transmission to your infant.

There are other tests that are optional during your pregnancy.   One of these may be an amniocentesis, which is to obtain a sample of the amniotic fluid around your baby.  This is done to help identify chromosomal problems, neural tube defects and abdominal wall problems.

Ultrasounds are usually performed during the first trimester and again during the second trimester.  These are done to evaluate your due date, growth of the baby, look for anatomic problems, and evaluate for twins, triplets, etc.

Cystic Fibrosis screening is an optional test that you may consider.  It is important to notify your physician if you have any family history of genetic problems or birth defects at your first visit.