Blood Tests/Screening

Blood tests/screening are often done at the beginning of pregnancy and/or  at 28 weeks. 

• Your blood may be drawn to obtain your blood type (primarily for the Rh factor in your blood). You are either Rh positive or Rh negative. (See Rh Incompatibility for more information.)

• Blood HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels can also verify a questionable pregnancy and can give you clues, in the beginning of the pregnancy, as to how far along you are.  (also known as a blood pregnancy test)

• You may also be screened for Rubella (German Measles) antibodies indicating whether you do or don't possess immunity to this disease.  Contracting Rubella while pregnant can cause birth defects and/or death of the baby. 

• Many providers are now also screening for AIDS as the mother who is HIV positive can transmit this to her baby. 

• Your hemoglobin (indicative of your iron levels)  will also be checked at least once during pregnancy.  Your hemoglobin count should  ideally range between 12 and 14.  If it falls below 12, your provider may recommend iron supplements. (See Nutrition)

• The syphilis disease as well as both Hepatitis B and C may also be screened for.  Syphilis can cause miscarriage, prematurity, neonatal infection, fetal abnormalities, and death.  A mother carrying Hepatitis B or C has a high risk of passing these liver-damaging diseases to her baby.