A. Blood Type with Rh and Antibody Screen - this determines if there is a possibility of the mother's immune system reacting against the baby. To a mother with Rh negative blood a baby with Rh positive blood can be perceived as foreign and an immune response can be mounted. Rhogam is given if needed to prevent this. Antibodies are what the body uses to attack foreign cells. If no antibodies are found in the mother's system we know this reaction has not occurred.

B. Rubella - this is also called German Measles and can cause birth defects if acquired in pregnancy. If the patient is not immune a vaccine can be given after birth to prevent future problems.

C. CBC - this is a "complete blood count" and evaluates for anemia. I repeat this at 28 weeks.

D. RPR - this is a screen for syphilis and is required by law.

E. HIV - this is the test for the AIDS virus. It has been found that the infant of an infected mother is less likely to be born infected if the mother is treated for HIV while pregnant.

F. Hepatitis Screen - this is done on all pregnant women to diagnose asymptomatic hepatitis carriers so their infants can be protected at birth.

G. TSH - this is an indicator of thyroid function. Abnormal thyroid function, high or low, can effect the pregnancy. This can be treated with medications during the pregnancy if found.

H. Pap smear - this is done if there has not been one in the past year.

I. 50 Gram Glucose Screen - the hormone from the baby that we detect with a pregnancy test can weaken insulin and cause a mild diabetes. At 7 months, you will be given a sugar solution and we then draw your blood an hour later to see if your body is absorbing the sugar at a normally.

J. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Cultures - these are separate tests done during a vaginal exam. These bacteria can adversely effect the pregnancy, but can be treated if found.

K. Urine Cultures - asymptomatic bladder infections are more common in pregnancy. They can cause complications such as kidney infections and induce premature labor.

L. Toxoplasmosis - this parasite is found in cat stool and it is why cat litter is to be avoided

in pregnancy. Only when the disease is acquired during pregnancy does it cause birth defects.

M. TB Skin Test - this is done if there is a history of exposure to TB or a prolonged foreign stay.

N. Group B Strep - the American College of Ob-Gyn recommends that if a risk factor is present antibiotics are given during labor. Whether all pregnant women should be tested is controversial.

O. The Triple Test - alpha-feto protein, human chorionic gonadotropin and estradiol are tested between 15 and 20 weeks. If these are high or low it can indicate problems with the baby.