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Prenatal Visits and Tests

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 home pregnancy test as soon as the first day of your first missed menstrual period.

Pregnancy is measured in weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. There are several methods to find out your due date. The most common way is to calculate your due date .

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 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.

Your first prenatal visit includes a health history, physical exam, and blood and urine tests.
First-trimester exams and tests may include fetal ultrasound, which uses reflected sound waves to provide an image of your fetus and placenta.
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 gestational diabetes. If you have Rh-negative 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.
Third-trimester exams and tests may include fetal ultrasound, hepatitis B screening, and group B strep screening.

All pregnant women should be screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection to help prevent newborn HIV infection.¹ Your doctor or midwife may not order this test unless you ask for it.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 10, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.