First Trimester (up to 12 weeks)

At the time of the first prenatal visit, which often takes place during the first trimester of pregnancy, the health care provider may order several or most of the tests described below to check for certain infections that could harm the unborn baby or other conditions that could threaten the mother’s health during the pregnancy. These tests may be offered at this time if a pre-conception medical checkup was not done. 

• Immunity to rubella (German measles)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody test
• Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis tests
• Pap smear
• Hepatitis B screening
• Varicella zoster viral testing – for immunity to chicken pox; less routine
• TORCH panel – if an infection or exposure to certain infectious diseases is suspected
• Bacterial vaginosis – if the woman has symptoms

In addition, the following tests may be ordered: 

• Pregnancy test
• Urine screen for sugar and/or protein
• Urine culture to detect bacteriuria
• Hemoglobin test
• Antibody screen
• First trimester Down syndrome screen

The following test is not routinely performed but may be offered to and discussed with women who are at an increased risk of having a baby with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities. 

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) 

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Links

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women
March of Dimes: Your First Tests

 

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This article last reviewed on August 10, 2008 .

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