CBC (Complete Blood Count)

This test measures different parts of the blood such as red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin, and platelet count. It helps detect health issues like anemia or reduced blood clotting.

Hemoglobin: the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all your cells

Platelet: cell parts in the blood that help stop bleeding and play a role in clotting

Blood Type/ Rh Status / Antibody Screen

In a life-threatening situation where a blood transfusion is necessary for example, during postpartum hemorrhage, knowing your blood type (ABO) and Rh status (Negative/Positive) is very important.

Pregnant persons with Rh negative blood need care early in pregnancy to prevent Rh incompatibility.

Sometimes during pregnancy, there is a risk for baby’s blood to mix with the mother’s blood, such as in a car accident or with another prenatal test called amniocentesis.

An antibody screen detects antibodies. It shows if an Rh-negative mother has made antibodies to Rh-positive blood.

The goal of treatment is to stop an Rh-negative mother from making Rh positive antibodies that can cause harm to an Rh-positive baby in the case of Rh incompatibility.

Syphilis

Syphilis can lead to series complications during pregnancy like preterm labor, miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. Everyone is tested for syphilis in the early stages of pregnancy. If the test is positive, you will be treated immediately.

Rubella

Rubella infection during pregnancy can impact the developing baby of a pregnant person who is not immune. It may cause serious birth defects and stillbirth.

The vaccine is NOT recommended during pregnancy. Immunization can during postpartum.

Pregnant persons who had not been vaccinated against this disease and are exposed to the virus must contact their doctor immediately.

Hepatitis B surface antigen

Hepatitis is a virus that infects the liver. Every pregnant person should be tested for Hepatitis B. Pregnant persons who have Hepatitis B or have been infected previously can transmit the disease to their infant during or after birth.

A three-shot vaccine is available to protect the baby against hepatitis. The first dose is given to the baby within a few hours of birth.

Babies can become carriers and develop chronic hepatitis. Between 25-35% of infected adults eventually die from cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Hepatitis C antibody testing

All pregnant persons are recommended to be tested for hepatitis C during each pregnancy. If the mother has Hepatitis C or has been infected previously can transmit the disease, the infection can pass to the baby during birth.

Babies with Hepatitis C can have lifelong liver issues, such as scarring of the liver and liver cancer.

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

Varicella Immunity

Varicella, also known as ‘chicken pox’, is a highly contagious virus. Adults are more likely to develop serious infections and complications than children. Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage and fetal death or congenital anomalies.

The Varicella vaccine is NOT recommended during pregnancy.

HIV

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS and can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. HIV testing is recommended as a routine part of prenatal care.

Chlamydia / Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can affect the baby.

Chlamydia, left untreated, can lead to preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, and low birth weight. Newborn infections can cause eye and lung infections.

Untreated Gonorrhea infections in pregnancy can cause miscarriages, preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, premature birth, and low birth weight. In the baby, it can cause eye infections that could lead to blindness.

Urine culture

A clean catch urine culture can identify urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the presence of Group B Strep (GBS) in the urine. GBS can increase the risk of preterm labor and infection in the baby.