During your pregnancy, there are a number of medical tests that will be ordered by your health care provider. These tests are looking for medical conditions, birth defects or genetic problems, or infections that can be passed on to the baby. Feel free to ask your health care provider any questions you or your partner may have.

Integrated Prenatal Screening (IPS):
IPS screening tells you whether you have an above or below average chance of having a baby with Down's Syndrome, Trisomy 18, or a Neural Tube Defect. The test is done in two parts. At 11-14 weeks an ultrasound and blood work is done. At 16 weeks blood work is done again.

• Down's Syndrome: any woman at any age can have a baby with Down's Syndrome, however, the chance increases with age.
• Trisomy 18: Involves physical and mental handicaps. The risk of having a baby with Trisomy 18 also increases with age.
• Neural Tube Defects: When the skull or spinal column does not develop properly. It is recommended that all women of reproductive age take a folic acid supplement to help protect against neural tube defects.

Group B Streptococcus Infection (GBS):
This is a bacterium that does not cause a problem for the woman but if transferred to the baby during delivery it can cause serious illness. Discuss with your physician or midwife if testing or treatment is necessary for you.

STI and HIV Screening:
Tests for most Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's) are done as indicated and your health care provider will decide a course of treatment. Treatment for most STI's during pregnancy is possible. 

HIV screening is recommended for all women. Transmission of HIV from mother to child can occur during pregnancy, or delivery. There have been instances where a mother did not know she was HIV positive until tested during pregnancy. If the condition is diagnosed early, treatment can improve conditions for the baby. Do not assume you have been tested. Discuss this with your health care provider, as you may need to ask to be tested for any of the STI's or for HIV. 

Gestational Diabetes:
A small number of non-diabetic women can develop diabetes during their pregnancy. Screening for gestational diabetes is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks. The test involves mothers taking a drink of a sugar substance and then a blood test is taken one hour later. 

Blood Pressure Monitoring:
A Blood pressure assessment is done to check for preeclampsia, also known as pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). Preeclampsia is high blood pressure that occurs as a result of pregnancy. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms.

Rh Factor:
Blood type is identified through blood testing early in pregnancy . 'Rh' is an inherited blood type factor that is present in 83% of the population. They are considered to be 'Rh-positive'. Those who do not have the factor are 'Rh-negative'. An incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative women becomes pregnant by an RH-positive man and carries an Rh-positive fetus. When Rh Immune Globulin is given to the Rh-negative mother, it is less likely that the incompatibility will cause any further problems for the baby.

Dental Care:
Oral health is very important before, during and after pregnancy Hormonal changes in pregnancy can increase your risk of gingivitis/bleeding gums. The second trimester may be the most comfortable time to go to the dentist due to decreased nausea and ability to lie in a dental chair. Elective procedures such as surgery should be postponed until after delivery of the baby.

Chicken Pox:
Most adults will have had chickenpox during childhood. If a pregnant woman is exposed to chickenpox and has never had the disease, she should talk to her doctor/midwife as soon as possible. Immunization against chicken pox is not recommended during pregnancy, however, an injection of immune globulin can be given soon after exposure to the disease. This may prevent her from getting chicken pox.

Rubella (German Measles):
A blood test for immunity to rubella is usually done at your first prenatal appointment. If you are exposed to rubella during your pregnancy, your health care provider will know your immunity status. Rubella is a serious concern for pregnant women, especially early in the pregnancy since the virus can cause defects in the developing fetus. You should notify your health care provider immediately if you have been exposed. 

Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B 19):
If exposed, talk with your doctor/midwife as soon as possible. A blood test will determine if you are immune or not, and a course of action will be decided upon depending on the results.