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Other Common Pregnancy Tests |
Other Common Pregnancy Tests.
My friend had a pregnancy test called a quantitative HCG test because she was having problems; the result was a number. What kind of test is it?
A quantitative HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test is a blood test done in the 1st trimester if there is concern about miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. The test measures the hormone HCG, which is produced early in pregnancy and increases rapidly. Two or more tests done a few days apart are more useful than one test because it is the change in the amount of the hormone that is significant. An ultrasound is often done when a quantitative HCG test is ordered. A friend told me I should ask a lot of questions before I have any tests. What questions should I ask?
Some tests are fairly routine, so you don't need to ask many questions. But you want information about procedures that are more involved. Your goal in asking these questions about any test or procedure is to ensure the benefits of the test outweigh any risks. Ask any of the following questions before any test. - Why are you doing this test?
- How will the test be performed?
- What risks does this test pose to me or the baby?
- How experienced is the person doing the test?
- How experienced is the lab doing the test?
- How dependable are the results?
- When will I get the results?
- What happens after I get the results? -
- What is the possibility of false-positive or false-negative results?
- What will happen if we don't do the test?
- How will the results affect my pregnancy?
- Is there any other way to get the same information?
- What is the cost of the test?
- Will my insurance cover the test?
My doctor said I'm going to have a lot of tests done when I go in next time. What kind of tests will I need?
Your doctor will probably order several tests at the first or second visit, including any of the following:
- complete blood count (CBC)
- urinalysis and urine culture
- syphilis test
- cervical cultures
- rubella titers
- blood type
- Rh-factor
- test for hepatitis-B antibodies
- alpha-fetoprotein test
- ultrasound
- Pap smear
Why do I need to have all these tests?
The results of these tests provide vital information. For example, if testing shows you have never had rubella (German measles) or rubella vaccine, you need to avoid exposure and receive the vaccine before your next pregnancy. Rubella can be responsible for miscarriage or birth defects if a woman contracts the disease during pregnancy.
I'm 28 weeks' pregnant, and my doctor says I need more tests. Why?
Many doctors repeat tests or perform new tests at this time. For example, the 28th week of pregnancy is the best time to discover any blood-sugar problems. At this point in pregnancy, RhoGAM is given to an Rh-negative woman to protect her from becoming sensitized.
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