What tests might I be offered during my pregnancy?

Health advice, Questions/answers

Updated article on June 6, 2023.

Excellent question!

As a first point, I would answer that each woman experiences her pregnancy in her own way and everything depends on her needs. So that said, tests during gestation can vary from one woman to another. However, most basic tests suggested for a pregnant woman are directly associated with medical best practice guides during pregnancy monitoring and are pretty standard across the country.

For example, blood tests at the start of pregnancy determine if possible problems exist. Do you have enough iron in your blood? Are you adequately immunised for specific illnesses that can harm your baby’s development? The answers will allow health professionals to take the proper steps to promote a healthy pregnancy.

You will also have an ultrasound around 20 weeks of gestation to check your baby’s morphology. Then there’s a pregnancy diabetes test around 28 weeks (or earlier if risk factors are present). A strep-B test at 36 weeks will take place to identify women carrying the disease. This is to plan for treatment during labour to avoid infecting the baby during childbirth.

Genetic screening tests are optional but may be suggested to determine the risk of congenital anomalies in the fetus. These include blood tests to detect aneuploids as early as the first trimester of pregnancy,  fetal DNA testing to detect possible fetal anomalies even more accurately,  nuchal translucency, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.

Other tests can be added throughout your pregnancy based on each woman’s situation, such as:

  • Repeated ultrasounds for different reasons: to determine the pregnancy age, evaluate the baby’s growth, monitor twin development, or to identify conditions to monitor, such as a poorly placed placenta;
  • Fetal health surveillance through monitoring, for example;

As you can see, many possible tests exist, but happily, they don’t take place at the same time or for the same person!

Stay well, everyone!

To learn more, read the following articles:

Or watch these videos (in french):

Marie
The Baby Expert

Learn more about the tests available during pregnancy, offered at Prenato.

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Bathing a Newborn

Bathing a Newborn

You might feel insecure giving a newborn a bath. Marie demonstrates a newborn bath massage with baby Romain. After watching
Caesarian deliveries

Caesarian deliveries

Some pregnancies end with a caesarian section. To prepare for this option, Marie meets with Dr. Guy Waddell. You will
Breastfeeding: Specific Situations

Breastfeeding: Specific Situations

Are you breastfeeding and it’s painful? Are you worried you can’t produce enough milk? Along with Dr. Julie Choquette, Marie
Newborn discomforts

Newborn discomforts

Newborn conjunctivitis, seborrheic dermatitis (or cradle cap), bloating, regurgitation, vomiting, reflux and colic. Marie frequently saw these newborn ailments during

Discover other articles

Lactose or bovine protein intolerance?

Lactose or bovine protein intolerance?

I am sure my two-month-old baby is lactose intolerant. He twists around all the time and cries several times a day.
Applying the Filiation Concept to Assisted Procreation

Applying the Filiation Concept to Assisted Procreation

To read the previous part of this article, go to Filiation…or, how can I prove I am the father or mother of my child? The
Stem Cells and Umbilical Cord Blood

Stem Cells and Umbilical Cord Blood

Over the past several years, the subject of stem cells from umbilical cord blood has been very popular. Significant steps have been taken, and new
The Second Trimester - Let’s Go!

The Second Trimester – Let’s Go!

To read Melissa’s previous article, go to My First Weeks of Pregnancy. I am starting my 16th week today. I am no longer tired and

What tests might I be offered during my pregnancy?

Par Marie Fortier Temps de lecture: 2 min
0