Pregnant? You Need These Basic Lab Tests

As soon as you become pregnant, your health becomes even more important than it was before. In order to help your baby grow and develop without any complications, it’s essential that you monitor your health.

You can expect many doctor’s visits, tests, and examinations as your doctors work to evaluate your wellness and identify any potential complications. The following lab tests are standard for all pregnant women throughout the first, second, and third trimesters. Here’s what you can expect.

Anemia Testing

Anemia is a common blood disorder that occurs frequently during pregnancy. Without enough iron in the body, hemoglobin levels in red blood cells decrease, and oxygen cannot be efficiently transported through the body. Pregnancy increases the risk of becoming anemic, so this prenatal test is a quick and important to identify whether you need to take a daily iron supplement. You will need more iron than usual to support red blood cells as your baby and the placenta grow!

Blood Glucose

A balanced blood glucose level is just as important as strong iron levels in the body. This lab test involves drinking a liquid that contains glucose, waiting one hour, and then having your blood drawn to check your blood glucose level. If it is too high, it is a warning sign that you could develop gestational diabetes, and you will need to return for further testing. You can expect this test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

HIV and STDs

Infectious diseases like HIV and STDs – chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis – are very dangerous to your growing baby. Even if you have been with the same partner for many years, these tests are still required for the sake of the baby’s safety. Infectious diseases are known to cause miscarriage, infections in the baby, and other unwanted outcomes. Testing is a simple yet powerful way to identify any potential problems early on and ensure that proper treatment can take place.

Group B Strep

Toward the end of pregnancy, you will also receive a group B strep (GBS) that tests for the type of bacterium that causes meningitis and blood infections in newborn infants. If you test positive, you simply receive an antibiotic to take during labor and delivery to protect your baby and prevent the transmission of the bacteria.

24-7 Labs offers simple lab tests to give you the peace of mind you need during pregnancy. Call (813) 932-3741 today to learn more and schedule an appointment in Tampa, Florida.