Pregnancy

The first test you may have is the one you take at home to see if you're pregnant. After you know you're pregnant, you will have a series of tests throughout your pregnancy to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

At-home pregnancy test

If you think you might be pregnant, you can use a Reference home pregnancy test as soon as you think you have missed your period.

Pregnancy is Reference measured in weeks Opens New Window from the first day of your last menstrual period. There are several Reference methods to find out your due date.

Use this Reference Interactive Tool: What Is Your Due Date? Reference

Checkups and tests after you know you're pregnant

As soon as you know you're pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor or certified midwife. Your first prenatal visit will provide information that can be used to check for any problems as your pregnancy progresses.

Good care during pregnancy includes Reference regularly scheduled prenatal exams. At each prenatal visit, you'll be weighed, have your abdomen measured, and have your blood pressure and urine checked. Use this time to discuss with your doctor or midwife your list of pregnancy concerns or problems.

At different times in your pregnancy, you may have additional exams and tests performed. Although some are routine, others are only done when you ask for them, when a problem is suspected, or if you have a risk factor for a problem.

• Reference Your first prenatal visit includes a health history, physical exam, and blood and urine tests.
• Reference First-trimester exams and tests may include Reference fetal ultrasound Opens New Window, which uses reflected sound waves to provide an image of your fetus and placenta.
• Reference Second-trimester exams and tests may include fetal ultrasound and electronic fetal heart monitoring. Later in the second trimester, you will have an oral glucose screening test for possible Reference gestational diabetes Opens New Window. If you have Reference Rh-negative Opens New Window blood, you may have an antibody screening test and will receive an injection of Rh immunoglobulin. Screening tests help your doctor look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear.
• Reference Third-trimester exams and tests may include fetal ultrasound, Reference hepatitis B Opens New Window screening, and group B strep screening.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.