Usually, at your first obstetrical appointment, you will have a
pap smear. This test helps rule out cancer. It's an internal
examination of your cervix, during which, a small amount or your
cervical cells will be scraped off, and placed onto a slide for
examination. Most women do not find this a painful examination,
although some do feel some discomfort. The American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all women have a
pap smear within the first 3 month of pregnancy.
Urine Test
You may have a urine test to confirm the pregnancy.
Blood Test
Most health care providers will request you have blood
work done during your first visit. This blood work is looking
for many different factors. The first is your blood type and
rhesus factor (Rh). If your are Rh negative, and your unborn
baby is positive, you could have complications. These
complications only occur in Rh negative women. Sometimes an Rh
negative mom's immune system will try to fight off the baby. It
sees the baby as a threat to the mom. This can cause brain
damage and even in some cases, prenatal deaths. If you are Rh
negative, you blood will also be screened for the attacking
antibodies. If they are present, at 28 weeks you will receive a
shot of Rhogam. This is a immunoglobulin, that helps suppress
the harmful antibodies your immune system is making. They
will also look for anemia (iron deficiency) and sexually
transmitted diseases such as syphilis, which can be harmful for
an unborn child. You blood work will also determine if you are
immune to rubella. Rubella can cause birth defects, especially
if contracted during the first trimester. Some providers may ask
or require you to have an HIV test for the antibodies that cause
the AIDS virus. If you have any questions about any of the
tests being preformed or requested, be sure to discuss it with
your doctor or midwife.
if you have any questions or comments!