Regular prenatal checkups let your doctor watch over your health and your baby’s growth, and you can have the common tests at our Marulas branch in Valenzuela. These are the ones you are most likely to see.
In short
- Common tests include CBC, blood typing and Rh, blood sugar, urinalysis, infection screening and ultrasound.
- The tests you need depend on how far along you are and your doctor’s advice.
- Bring your pregnancy record and earlier results to every visit.
Common tests during pregnancy
- CBC. Checks your hemoglobin and blood cells for anemia.
- Blood typing and Rh. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises knowing these early; Rh-negative mothers may need extra care.
- Blood sugar. WHO recommends a gestational diabetes test, such as a glucose tolerance test, at around 24 to 28 weeks.
- Urinalysis and infection screening. WHO recommends early screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.
- Ultrasound. Uses sound waves, not radiation, to check your baby’s growth. WHO recommends at least one scan before 24 weeks.
What to expect each trimester
- First trimester: CBC, blood type and Rh, infection screening, a urine test and blood pressure.
- Second trimester: blood pressure, growth checks and gestational diabetes screening.
- Third trimester: blood pressure, growth and movement checks, and Group B Streptococcus screening at around 35 to 37 weeks for some.
Every pregnancy is different, and an extra test does not always mean something is wrong. Often your doctor simply needs more information.
How to prepare
- Ask which tests you will have and whether any of them need fasting.
- Bring your pregnancy record and earlier ultrasound or lab results.
- Tell your doctor about any medicines and vitamins you take.
When not to wait
Do not wait for your next checkup if you have vaginal bleeding, a severe headache, a high fever, belly pain or a lot of swelling. Get medical care right away.
Prenatal care at Sunrise
Our OB-GYNs hold clinic at Marulas and Happy Go Mall, and at Marulas, pregnancy ultrasound and lab tests are in the same building. See our OB-GYN schedules, our ultrasound page and our pre-natal check-up.
Tests mentioned in this article
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
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Call before you come, or just walk in
Our front desk can tell you if your test needs fasting, which doctor is in today, and what your HMO covers.