Medical Tests During Pregnancy

Positive Pregnancy Tests

Several tests may be conducted while a woman is pregnant.

Pregnancy tests

The woman's urine or blood may be tested.

Women may choose to perform a home pregnancy test. This is a urine test kit that can be purchased at a pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription. The test can indicate whether a woman is pregnant. This type of test is known as a qualitative test. It can only test for the presence of the pregnancy hormone, beta-hCG. If a doctor is considering prescribing a medication that might not be appropriate for consumption during pregnancy, one of these simple tests may be performed in the office to determine if a woman is pregnant or to make sure she is not pregnant. If the test is performed very early in a pregnancy, the hormone level may still be negative. Most current home pregnancy tests can show positive results immediately after the first missed menstrual period.

If clinically indicated, more sophisticated tests are called quantitative hCG levels can be performed. These actually determine the the hCG levels in the bloodstream. This type of testing is completed by drawing blood for testing at a hospital or doctor's office. These levels indicate approximately how far along a woman is in her pregnancy. If levels of hCG do not rise as she progresses through her pregnancy, it could indicate a problem pregnancy such as an ectopic pregnancy with low levels or twins with high levels.

Ultrasound

A doctor may use sound waves to examine the pelvic structures such as the uterus, ovaries, and the embryo or fetus.

Transabdominal ultrasound: A conductive gel is placed on the abdomen, and a hand-held wand which emits sound waves is moved in a systematic pattern in an effort to examine the internal structures. This test requires a full bladder so that the organs in question are lifted out of the pelvis as the bladder fills. The patient may be asked to drink two to three glasses of water starting an hour prior to the test. This method works best for more advanced pregnancies when the fetus is well developed. The physician may have a vaginal scan performed during the first trimester to make sure the pregnancy is within the uterus and to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.It is also possible to visualize the fetal heartbeat and movement, and, thus, rule out a miscarriage. The vaginal scan can also determine if there is more than one pregnancy within the uterus.During the remainder of the pregnancy, scans may be used to look for problems, assess the age and development of the fetus, check out its position within the uterus, and, between 16 and 20 weeks, determine the fetal sex. There is no risk to the woman or her developing fetus with ultrasound, and it is not uncomfortable. Ultrasound examinations aid doctors in establishing an accurate due date. The estimated date of delivery can now be predicted within two to four days if the initial ultrasound is performed early in pregnancy.

Endovaginal or transvaginal ultrasound: A long, thin, sound-wave wand is covered with a condom filled with conductive gel is placed inside the vagina. This type of ultrasound is usually performed early in pregnancy to confirm the intrauterine location of the fetus. This type of ultrasound also gives more detail regarding the structure of the woman's cervix and early embryonic anatomy.

Targeted Ultrasound Tests: A targeted or level II ultrasound exam provides a detailed assessment of fetal anatomy. It is recommended if there are concerns for fetal problems based on other tests or history. It is usually performed by a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist (perinatologist).

Nuchal Fold Translucency Tests: A non-invasive screening for genetic defects. A certified ultrasound technologist measures the fold at the back of the neck. Measurements are then used to calculate the risk factor for certain birth defects. It is usually done at 10 to 14 weeks gestation and offered with a blood test that also screens for birth defects.

Pregnancy Treatment

Normal pregnancy is not an illness and needs no treatment other than standard prenatal care. After the initial visit and during the first six months of pregnancy, a patient should see her doctor approximately once per month. Visits should be scheduled every two weeks during the seventh and eighth month and weekly during the ninth month. Electronic fetal monitoring, sequential ultrasound examinations, or admission to the hospital may also be required depending on circumstances of the individual patient.

Influenza vaccinations are recommended for women during pregnancy..

At this point, let’s consider things you can do to take care of yourself at home.

Pregnancy Self-Care at Home

Eat small, frequent meals throughout the pregnancy. Eat a common-sense balanced diet. Expect to gain between 25 to 35 pounds if you are of normal weight. Expect to gain less wait if you are obese (approximately 10 to 15 pounds).

Do not discontinue prescribed medications or initiate non-prescription medications without consulting a physician, but also consult with a doctor before taking any nonprescription medications.

Ginger capsules (available as an over-the-counter option) may help with nausea in pregnancy, sometimes called morning sickness. Talk with a doctor about other options.

Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit drugs.

Continue to exercise with normal routines unless the doctor advises otherwise. Stay hydrated during exercise sessions.

Sexual intercourse need not be prohibited during an uncomplicated pregnancy.

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