Diagnostic Tests for Pregnant Women

During your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will order a variety of diagnostic tests to ensure the health of you and your baby.

You’ll have a variety of blood tests throughout your pregnancy. Routine blood tests can either diagnose or screen for:

• Rh factor (Rh positive or Rh negative)
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Rubella (German Measles) immunity status
• Diabetes
• Hepatitis
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV, the virus that cause Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS)
• Sexually transmitted diseases

In addition to the standard blood tests, most doctors recommend that your blood be tested twice for abnormal hormone levels associated with certain birth defects. These blood draws can usually be done at the same time as your routine blood testing, saving you trips to the lab.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Your doctor will recommend additional testing for sexually transmitted diseases besides HIV if there is concern that you may have been exposed. In addition to asking you detailed questions about your sex life, your doctor may use disease tracking information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the California Department of Public Health to monitor the risk of contracting specific sexually transmitted diseases in your community.

Drug Testing

Your doctor may include a drug test in your routine blood testing if there is a special concern related to your health or the health of your baby. If you have used illegal drugs, even casually, it's important to discuss this information with your doctor. His or her concern is to help you have a healthy pregnancy.

Abnormal Test Results

Diseases and conditions you may have can affect your health and the health of your baby. Fortunately, for most conditions diagnosed by routine blood testing, treatment during your pregnancy can help ensure the best possible outcome. Your doctor will give you specific information on what you will need to do if your routine blood testing indicates a concern.

Your doctor may recommend partnering with a maternal fetal medicine specialist with the expertise to address the unique concerns of high-risk pregnancies. Learn more about our high risk pregnancy care.