What Types of Blood Tests Will You Need?

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When you become pregnant, your doctor will order a number of different blood tests as a precautionary measure to ensure ensure that you are healthy and prepared for pregnancy. While most people don’t like being pricked by a needle, the tests are necessary for you and your baby. You should be familiar with the different tests and what they are for. Below is a list of the more common tests you can expect to receive upon your first doctor’s visit.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): The complete blood count test evaluates many things in your blood. But perhaps most importantly, your doctor will be able to assess whether or not your blood count is high enough for a healthy pregnancy. If you have a low red blood cell count, it could be an indicator that you are anemic which means that you are not getting sufficient iron in your blood. On rare occasions, a low red blood count can suggest more serious disorders that your doctor may test for. The complete blood count test may also show signs of infections in your white cell count or a low platelet count which involves the clotting of your blood.
2. Blood Type Test: It is extremely important to know your blood type. The blood type test will tell you just that. Your blood may be either a, ab, o, rh+ or rah-. Women who are rh- require specific medications during pregnancy to prevent specific problems.
3. Hepatitis B & RPR Tests: These tests will check your blood to determine whether or not you have Hepatitis B or syphilis, which can both have profound impacts on your pregnancy.
4. HIV Test: In virtually all states today, an HIV test is mandatory for pregnant women. If you do have HIV, which is the virus that causes the disease known as AIDS, special precautions will be taken to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
5. Rubella Test: Your doctor will most likely screen your blood for rubella, which is also known as German measles. Women who have not been exposed to rubella or who have not been vaccinated for the disease may not be immune. It is important for these candidates to be especially careful when pregnant and to avoid contracting rubella which can be very dangerous to your pregnancy and to your developing baby.
6. Additional Tests: Other tests that your doctor may order include tests for thyroid function, chickenpox and sugar levels. If you have a history of drug abuse or if it is your doctor’s to policy screen everyone for drug use, your doctor may also request a drug screen as well.

While the list above is a typical blood workup that a doctor will order, there may be other tests that are not included in this post. If you have any questions about a test that was not mentioned please feel free to leave a comment and we will answer you promptly.