Video:What Are the First Trimester Tests?

SHARE ON                

Transcript:What Are the First Trimester Tests?

Hi. My name is Dr. Charletta Ayers, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Today I will explain to you what to expect for your first trimester testing.

Explanation of First Trimester Tests

For your first trimester tests, the doctor is looking for to make sure that you have no form of infections. So, those tests will include a cervical screening for gonnorhea and Chlamydia. It also will include tests to make sure that you have no other infections, such as syphilis. And, now, all screening for women, a recommendation from The National Institute of Health is for HIV screening. Which is very important. Which you also will see is not only in the first trimester but also in the third trimester as well.

Other First Trimester Tests

The next thing that your provider will test you for is also to make sure that you are not anemic. In pregnancy it's very important that, as well as your health, that your health impacts your baby's health. So, if you're anemic your doctor will prescribe medication other than just a pre-natal vitamin. Maybe even iron, in order to support you. To make sure that your baby is healthy. The other tests that also the provider will order for you on your first trimester screening test, will be a Rubella. That is test to see if you were vaccinated. And, the other test is what we call the anti-body screen test for a blood type. And that test will tell you what your blood type will be. Your provider will also screen you for genetic possible problems and those tests will be determined based on your history as well as your family history. And based on that information your provider will then offer you other tests such as sicle cell screening, tasacs, or cystic fibrosis or other chromosome tests as it deems necessary for you.

That core set of tests are what will be done at your first pre-natal visit. Also, in the first trimester between 12 and 13 weeks you will be offered another genetic screening test and this test is a test offered to all women. And that will be a test for an increased risk of downs syndrome as well as trisomi 18. The Neukolucency Test or first Trimester test, and that test includes an ultra sound as well as a blood test.

The woman comes in and your provider will explain to you that an ultra sound will be necessary and the ultra sound will look at the baby's neck and look at the amount of fluid. Now, when the fluid is normal that means the baby is healthy. But, if it's increased it could be that the infant may have some other chromosome abnormalities or a cardiac problem.

The majority of all women have a normal screening. But, the screening takes place in two areas. An ultra sound and the second part is a blood test. And that blood test is called PAP A. And that test will be done the same day and the results will be a computerized results telling you your specific risk for down's syndrome and trosome 18.

If there's any increased risk then your provider may offer you any other testing.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.