• Checks blood type, RH factor, screens for anemia, checks for immunity to rubella (German measles), and tests for hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV
• Depending on racial, ethnic, or family background, you may be offered tests and genetic counseling to assess risks for diseases such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia (if these were not done at a preconception visit)
• Checks for exposure to diseases such as toxoplasmosis and varicella (the virus that causes chickenpox)
• Tests your levels of hCG, a hormone secreted by the placenta.

• Checks for kidney infection and, if necessary, to confirm your pregnancy by measuring the level of hCG. (A blood hCG test to confirm pregnancy may be used instead)
• Used to detect glucose (a sign of diabetes) and albumin (a protein that may indicate preeclampsia, which is pregnancy-induced high blood pressure)

Checks for cervical cancer, chlamydia, gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis (an infection that can cause preterm birth)

(optional, age 35+) genetic defects, such as Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy

Measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (a protein produced by the fetus. Abnormal levels indicate the possibility (but not existence) of Down syndrome or a neural tube defect such as spina bifida, which can then be confirmed by ultrasound or amniocentesis).

Used to verify due date, check for multiple fetuses, investigate complications such as placenta previa (a low-lying placenta) or slow fetal growth, or detecting malformations like cleft palate. Your first ultrasound is scheduled relatively early in your pregnancy and is not typically used to determine the sex of your baby. If you would like to know your baby's sex and it is not possible to tell at your first ultrasound, you will need to schedule a separate ultrasound appointment later in your pregnancy.

Tests for pregnancy-induced diabetes (which can result in overly large babies, difficult deliveries, and health problems for you and your baby)

Group B strep (common in 30% of healthy women) is the leading cause of life-threatening infections in newborns and can also cause mental retardation, impaired vision, and hearing loss. If your test results are positive, we will treat you with antibiotics to decrease the chances that you do not pass Group B to your baby during delivery.

Can determine if blood flow to the placenta and fetus is normal

(optional)  Used to detect neural tube defects and genetic disorders

The fetal heart rate can indicate whether the fetus is doing well or is in trouble and can be done any time after 20 weeks

Measure the baby's heart rate as it moves

Measures the baby's heart rate in response to contractions to see how the baby will handle labor

Combines a nonstress test with an ultrasound for a more accurate evaluation of the baby