Prenatal Screenings

Prenatal screening is an essential part of responsible, effective prenatal care. Prenatal screenings and care along with antenatal screening help give the obstetrician a general picture of the mother’s health, a chance to review personal and family health history, and time to establish a plan for pregnancy management -- especially if health issues are present. Many tests are conducted on maternal blood serum to establish pregnancy, to identify possible developmental problems with the fetus (the antenatal screenings), and to head off certain possible complications as delivery nears.

The normal screenings that occur in the first trimester of pregnancy include determining the Rh factor (positive or negative) of the mother's blood and her blood type (typically A, B, AB, or O). The blood is also checked for abnormal numbers in red and white cell counts, and certain molecules (which can indicate kidney malfunction). Infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses are also screened for, including rubella, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and C. Urine cultures are done to check for infection of the bladder or kidneys. Also, if a pap smear has not been done for some time or ever, then a sampling of cervical tissue cells is taken to check for abnormal or cancerous growth.

Testing for gestational diabetes is done in the range of the 24th to 28th weeks of gestation. Every prenatal checkup comes with its battery of diagnostic tests:

  • Fetal heart rate
  • Maternal abdominal growth
  • Maternal weight
  • Maternal blood pressure
  • Urine sample

First-trimester screenings include:

  • Testing maternal serum for levels of chorionic gonadotrophin and PAPP-A. These markers determine whether further testing will be done to check for chromosomal abnormalities (causing Down’s syndrome or trisomy 18).
  • In the 11-14 weeks range, ultrasound can be used to conduct a nuchal translucency test. This is another way chromosomal disorders can be diagnosed or ruled out.
  • 15-20 weeks, a triple screen of maternal blood serum can be tested for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein, which may indicate whether neural tube defects exist.

Second-trimester screenings include:

  • Ultrasound to check the growth and development of the fetus.
  • Quad test (optional blood screening). This test can help indicate whether chromosomal disorders are present. 
  • 15-20 weeks, the triple screen of maternal blood serum can be tested for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein, which may indicate whether neural tube defects exist.

Third-trimester screenings include:

  • Testing for gestational diabetes is done in the range of the 24th to 28th weeks of gestation.
  • Around 28 weeks, a fetal non-stress test is done to listen to the heart. The mother will be asked about fetal movement habits.
  • Optional ultrasound may be conducted if there are concerns noted.
  • Group B strep test in the 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. If strep is present, the Mother will be given antibiotics so the baby does not contract strep while being delivered. It can cause serious, life-threatening infections in infants.
  • The last couple of third-trimester appointments involve physical exams of the cervix to check for dilation.

If you or your baby suffered injury from insufficient prenatal care, you may be eligible for damages. Call the Sweeney Law Firm and let us review the facts to see if you have an obstetric medical malpractice case. If we decide to accept your case, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we do not get paid unless there is a settlement or a recovery of funds for you.