Prenatal Lab Tests and Discomforts During Pregnancy

IMPORTANT: Rh Factor of mother and baby through indirect Coombs test. If mom is Rh

negative and baby is Rh positive, causes mom to build up antibodies that may not affect this

pregnancy but WILL attack the next baby’s RBC’s causing them to lyse.

If mom is Rh negative and baby Rh positive: Repeat Coombs test at 24-28 weeks. Rhogam will

be administered at 28 weeks gestation, which prevents the development of antibodies.

Group B Streptococcus: will be checked by taking a vaginal and anal culture around 35-37

weeks gestation.

One-hour glucose tolerance test done at 24-28 weeks gestation. No fasting required, if results

come back over 140, requires a follow-up 3-hour glucose tolerance test: fasting is required.

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein: Taken at 15-22 weeks gestation, screens for Down

Syndrome of neural tube defects. If LOW: could mean down syndrome. If HIGH: Neural tube

defect.

Other: CBC, Rubella titer, HIV, Hepatitis B, HPV, STI’s (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis), PPV

(check for TB), TORCH infections, and urinalysis

Expected Discomforts:

- N/V: usually in first trimester. Eat dry toast or crackers in the morning before getting

up

- Urinary frequency: Empty bladder frequently, use Kegel exercises if stress

incontinence’

- UTI’s: Notify if foul smelling or cloudy urine

- Heartburn: Advice to eat small, frequent meals, sit up for at least 30 minutes after

eating

- Fatigue and difficulty breathing: Take frequent rest periods

- Constipation: Increase intake of fluid and fiber

- Hemorrhoids: Use warm Sitz baths, witch hazel pads

- Varicose veins: elevate legs, were compression hose, walk frequently, and avoid

standing

- Gingivitis, indigestion, and epistaxis (nose bleed): Good oral hygiene, NS spray

Nutrition, Weight Gain, and PKU