Pregnancy is the period of time when a fetus develops inside a woman’s uterus and ends with the birth of the infant. There are a variety of clinical laboratory tests related to pregnancy, from the time pregnancy is first considered through the initial days of the newborn’s life. The following are tests likely to be performed. The purpose of these tests is either to diagnose existing problems or screen for potential problems. Once the baby is born, the testing performed will provide information essential for a healthy start in the baby’s life.
Pre-Conception (Pre-Pregnancy)
When considering having a child, it is important to be aware of those tests now available to provide information that may impact the decision. Consulting with a health care professional is a good idea. Based on family and medical histories, the health care professional may recommend key laboratory tests, if the prospective mother has not been tested previously. The most common tests that may be suggested are:
Ethnic genetic testing, including:
