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August 2011 Moms
Doctor tests?
I am 22 weeks and after reading a few different posts am a little freaked out! I have had about four appointment with my doctor and the only tests I've had were the pregnancy test and one blood test during my first appointment. Am I supposed to be having other tests? Should there be urine tests or something? I had to switch doctors because I will be losing my job before the baby is born and am on my husband's insurance and I am feeling really unsettled. My appointments are literally "How are you feeling?" "Good" "Any questions?" "I guess not." "Okay see you next time." Is that normal? Should I request tests or just wait and see?
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Re: Doctor tests?
Same here. There were multiple blood tests at the beginning of the pregnancy (although I can't even recall what all of them were testing for). I also had my NT scan at 12 weeks (this included two different blood draws - one at 12 weeks and one at 16 weeks), my anatomy scan, and was given glucola for my next appointment at 28 weeks where I'll have my 1 hour glucose test.
Also, at every appointment they ask for a urine sample, check my blood pressure, and listen for the baby's heartbeat via the doppler.
If you're concerned, I'd certainly call and ask about what tests you've had thus far and what testing will be done going foward.
MUD?
So all of my labs are online and it looks like I've had the first test to determine I was pregnant, then one urine test for culture at 10 weeks, and then a blood test at 10 weeks for cystic fibrosis testing which was negative.
That was all...so I should be getting at least urine every time?
Most offices have you pee in a cup and then do a "dipstick" of it at every visit. This tests for protein (blood pressure problems or dehydration), glucose (gestational diabetes), and white blood cells (infection). If any of these are abnormal they can then send the urine for a complete analysis and culture which they routinely do at the first visit.
Most of the initial visits are kind of routine and low intervention is great at this point. They need to do baseline labs by the next visit so that they can determine your blood type, most importantly. This comes into play if you are Rh negative and need Rhogam at 28 weeks. Your blood sugar test (one hour glucola) should be preformed by 28 weeks and they should be listening for the hearbeat and checking blood pressure at every visit now. Hope that helps a bit!
That seems a little odd. Every single time I go to my OB, they make me bring in an urine sample. I would suggest asking about that.
I also get bloodwork every month, but that is just because of thyroid problems.
I have only had blood drawn once, but that is b/c I had the NT scan instead of the Quad screen. They do check my urine for protein at every visit.
Make sure you are questioning the Glucose test after 24 weeks if he doesn't order it for you.
Yes and no. My doctor doesn't start testing protein in urine until 26ish weeks. I can't quite remember when that started with DD, but it definately wasn't until after 20 weeks.
There should have been a blood draw at 16 weeks regardless of whether you had an NT scan or not. They check for other things with that one but it can be combined with your 12 week results from your NT scan as well. You should also have a glucose tolerance test around 26ish weeks too. I think there is a late 2nd/early 3rd trimester blood draw that is typical too. Then theres the GBS test around 36 weeks. All fun stuff.
If your doctor hasn't mentioned any of this, I would ask.
I've had blood taken 4 times already, I give a urine specimen every 4 weeks, and my glucose is scheduled for next month, too. (Week 30).
I've also had 3 sonograms and have one more scheduled next month.