After a woman conceives she should get certain tests done regularly. There are different tests for each trimester of the pregnancy.

In the first trimester the obstetrician should prescribe prenatal tests to check the growth of the baby. You must get a full physical examination done to eliminate the risk of any fatal diseases including tests like Pap smear, HIV test.

The doctor must get a blood test done to determine the blood group and the Rh status, hepatitisB, chicken pox and take immunity against these. Get a urine culture done to test any urinary tract infection. Some expectant mothers may be at risk for diabetes, so get a blood sugar test performed. Get an ultrasound test done at about 10-12 weeks after you get pregnant. A baby might be at risk of genetic disorders so these screenings will inform about any birth defects. The baby’s blood sample should be tested for cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, or sickle cell disease.

In the second semester the doctor suggests regular ultrasound tests to check the baby’s growth and chances of any abnormalities. If the parent’s rh is different, rh immune globulin injection is given to the mother.

After 35 weeks you will be tested for Bstrep, if found positive you will be given antibodies to prevent the infection from passing to your baby. During these three months your blood will be tested for diabetes, STDs, anemia etc. An ultrasound is also performed to check the location of the baby in the womb.

If your baby is found at risk of any diseases the gynecologist prescribes a non-stress test to check the growth of the baby. As soon as the due date arrives, the doctor performs these frequently till the labor starts.