December 22, 2006, Newsletter Issue #23: Routine Pregnancy Blood Tests Ensure Health of Mom and Baby

Tip of the Week

When you're pregnant, you need to take even better care of yourself than ever before. This includes regular prenatal care. As part of your care, your doctor will probably want to perform some routine pregnancy blood tests. These tests will pinpoint your blood type and look for certain factors to ensure that you are healthy.



Blood type- There are four blood types: A, B, AB or O.



Rh Factor- This test determines if you have the Rh antigen. If you lack the Rh antigen, you are Rh negative and if you have the antigen, you are Rh positive. This test is necessary to ensure your baby's health because complications could result if you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive. Treatment for this is simple, but the blood test will give your doctor the information needed for treatment.



Glucose- This test screens pregnant women for gestational diabetes. Toward the middle of your pregnancy, you may need to have a glucose tolerance test to ensure you haven't developed gestational diabetes.



Iron- This simply measures the amount of iron in your blood.



Sexually Transmitted Diseases- This test will screen for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV.

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