Testing throughout your pregnancy helps determine the health of you and your baby.

Prenatal Tests

There are a number of tests and vaccinations you will be offered throughout your pregnancy. These tests screen for certain diseases, antibodies, genetic and chromosomal abnormalities and infections in the mother. The development of the fetus will also be monitored during these tests to ensure your pregnancy is progressing as it should. This section will give you information about the various tests and vaccinations that are available to you in each trimester of your pregnancy.

In This Section

1st Trimester

1st Trimester

A Complete Blood Count assesses all components of your blood (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets which are involved in clotting.) An abnormally high or low count could indicate the presence of various diseases.

2nd Trimester

2nd Trimester
Depending on what screening test you chose in your first trimester, you may have another blood sample taken to screen for Spina Bifida (or open neural tube defect). This sample (or as an additional sample for the women who chose FTS) will also be used to screen for Down Syndrome. You will also be screened for Gestational Diabetes.

3rd Trimester

3rd Trimester

Group B Streptococus is a normal bacteria that 25% of women have in their vagina and/or rectum. It is not an infection but there is a chance that it could be passed on to the baby at the time of delivery.