Download Prenatal Profile

On your initial visit which usually occurs between 8 and 12 weeks gestation
(pregnancy) this is the basic initial lab work that would be done.
Prenatal Profile
The prenatal profile is a maternal blood screen that typically
includes: Blood type, Rh factor, and antibody screening
It is important to know your blood type in pregnancy. Blood type is based on particular molecules that sit
on the surface of red blood cells. People either have A antigens (type A blood), B antigens (type B), both
(type AB) or neither (type O) on their red blood cells. When it comes to Rh factor, some people have the
antigen (Rh-positive) and some people don't (Rh-negative.) In other words, your blood type identifies
which antigens you have from each group. If you are Rh negative, we will also order an antibody screen
and discuss options for prevention of Rh sensitization.
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count (CBC) gives important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the
blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC test usually includes:
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White blood cell (WBC, leukocyte) count. White blood cells protect the body against infection. If
an infection develops, white blood cells attack and destroy the bacteria, virus, or other organism
causing it. White blood cells are bigger than red blood cells but fewer in number. When a person
has a bacterial infection, the number of white cells rises very quickly.
Red blood cell (RBC) count. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs so it can be exhaled. If the RBC count is low
(anemia), the body may not be getting the oxygen it needs. If the count is too high (a condition
called polycythemia), there is a chance that the red blood cells will clump together and block tiny
blood vessels (capillaries). This also makes it hard for your red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Hematocrit (HCT, packed cell volume, PCV). This test measures the amount of space (volume)
red blood cells take up in the blood. The value is given as a percentage of red blood cells in a
volume of blood. For example, a hematocrit of 38 means that 38% of the blood's volume is made
of red blood cells. Hematocrit and hemoglobin values are the two major tests that show if anemia
or polycythemia is present.
Hemoglobin (Hgb). The hemoglobin molecule fills up the red blood cells. It carries oxygen and
gives the blood cell its red color. The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in
blood and is a good measure of the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Platelet (thrombocyte) count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are the smallest type of blood cell. They are
important in blood clotting Rubella (German measles) immunity. This test, called a rubella titer,
checks the level of antibodies to the rubella virus in your blood to see whether you're immune.
Most women are immune to rubella, either because they've been vaccinated or had the disease as a
child.
Hepatitis B testing
Some women with this liver disease have no symptoms and can unknowingly pass it to their baby during
labor or after birth. This test will reveal whether you're a hepatitis B carrier.
Syphilis screening
This sexually transmitted infection (STI) is relatively rare today, but all women should be tested because if
you have syphilis and don't treat it, both you and your baby could develop serious problems. In the unlikely
event that you test positive, you'll be given antibiotics to treat the infection.
HIVtesting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York Department of Health recommend that
all pregnant women be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
OTHER BLOOD TESTS
There are other blood tests that may be performed specifically related to your health situation.
Sometimes the gestational diabetes screening is done at the first visit if you have risk factors. You may
also opt to do early genetic testing. Other screenings that may be done include testing specific to your
immune and/or cultural history. You may want to test to see if you are immune to chicken pox because of
the possible effects it may have during pregnancy. Another example is the toxoplasmosis screening:
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection that has few symptoms for an adult, but can cause serious illness for a fetus.
Many adults have been exposed to the parasite that causes the disease, and have developed immunity to it.
But if you are not immune, and get your first bout of toxoplasmosis while pregnant, your child could be
affected. "Toxo" can be gotten from raw meat, and from cat and kitten feces. So, if you have cats and
handle their litter box, you might want to consider this blood test to make sure you are immune to toxo.
For more information on toxoplasmosis during pregnancy visit Baby Center’s information on
Toxoplasmosis
Other immune challenge screening may be performed but again it is specific to your situation. We can
discuss the possibility for additional screenings on your first visit. Regarding culturally related “carrier
screening” for inherited genetic disorders you may visit Baby Center’s information on Carrier Screening
for a wonderful explanation. I want to be clear that while these tests are available they are not automatically
part of the initial lab profile unless your particular situation needs them to be.
ADDITONAL TESTS/CULTURES:
Urinalysis
A urine screen is used to assess bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration and preeclampsia by
screening for high levels of sugars, proteins, ketones and bacteria. Repeated findings of sugar in the urine
my necessitate dietary changes to help maintain normal blood sugar levels throughout the day. Higher
levels of protein may suggest a possible urinary tract infection, or kidney disease. Preeclampsia may be a
concern if higher levels of protein are found later in pregnancy, combined with high blood pressure. This
screen is normally performed in our office at each prenatal visit.
STI cultures
The New York State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also recommends screening for Gonorrhea
and Chlamydia, sexually transmitted bacterial infections (STIs). Screening requires a speculum exam in
order to swab the cervix.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear is a test used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix which indicate cervical cancer or
conditions that may develop into cancer. Pap smears do not diagnose cancer, but they detect 95% of
cervical cancers at a stage when they cannot be seen with the naked eye. They can then be treated and are
almost always cured.
Though Pap smears do not specifically test for other gynecological problems or sexually transmitted
diseases, they are often done at the same time these samples are taken and will indicate the presence of
abnormal cells for which further testing or examination would be required. For more information about Pap
Smears and abnormal results visit the American Pregnancy Association website.