Procedures, Tests & Results
Pregnancy test
- Timing: When you think you are pregnant
- Testing method: urine sample
- Performed: in our office
- Results: available immediately
Prenatal blood tests
- Timing: Usually ordered at the obstetrical history appointment between 8-10 weeks and completed prior to your obstetrical physical appointment between 10-12 weeks.
- Tests included: Blood type and antibody screen, CBC, Hepatitis B, Rubella, RPR (Syphilis), HIV. (Your practitioner may recommend other tests as well).
- Reason for test: To screen for maternal health and blood status.
- Performed: at a laboratory (such as Baystate Reference Labs)
- Results: sent to our office usually within a few days of having your blood drawn. Usually pertinent results are discussed at the ob physical.
Urinalysis & Urine Culture
- Timing: Completed at your ob physical appointment
- Reason for test: To screen for bacterial infection in the bladder
- Performed at: The specimen is collected in our office and sent to the lab for analysis
- Results: We will notify you if the results are abnormal.
First trimester screenings (optional)
- Timing: During the first trimester
- Reason for tests: To screen for risks for specific chromosomal abnormalities
- Performed: Method of testing depends on the specific test(s) desired
Anatomical ultrasound
- Timing: Aproximately 20 weeks gestation
- Testing method: ultrasound
- Usually performed in-office; occasionally performed at Baystate Medical Center.
- Reason for test: To survey and assess fetal anatomy, measurements, etc.
- Results: You will observe the entire scan on a computer monitor and will be able to see images of your baby during the scan. Your ultrasound will be reviewed by one of our obstetricians for a complete analysis.
Glucose tolerance test (GTT)
- Timing between 26-28 weeks gestation
- Testing method: blood
- Performed at a laboratory
- Reason for test: To screen for diabetes in pregnancy
- Results: Sent to our office within a few days of your blood draw. We will review the results with you at your next office visit. You will be notified sooner if results are abnormal.
- Pertinent notes: You will be given an orange-flavored drink that tastes similar to orange soda. One hour after drinking the solution, your blood will be drawn to test for blood sugar levels. There is no fasting prior to this test.
Group B Strep
- Timing: Between 36-37 weeks
- Testing method: vaginal/perianal culture
- Performed: Culture is collected during a prenatal visit and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- Reason for test: To screen for Group B Strep for proper care during delivery
- Results: We will discuss results with you at your next prenatal visit. If needed, treatment for this is done when you go into labor.
Weekly Internal exams
- Timing: Starting at 38 weeks gestation
- Testing method: your practitioner will insert one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina
- Performed in our office during your routine ob visits
- Reason for test: to check for cervical dilation as you near the end of your pregnancy
Non stress test (NST) (if needed)
- Timing: 40-42 weeks gestation, or when medically indicated
- Testing method: external fetal monitoring via a small device that is attached to your abdomen with an elastic band.
- Performed in our Springfield office and sometimes at the hospital.
- Reason for test: testing for contractions and fetal well being
- Results: The ultrasonographer and a physician will review your results on the day of your testing.
Biophysical profile (BPP) (if needed)
- Timing: 40-42 weeks gestation, or when medically indicated
- Testing method: ultrasound
- Performed in our Springfield office and sometimes at the hospital
- Reason for test: testing for fetal breathing, tone
- Results: The ultrasonographer and a physician will review your results on the day of your testing.
