Pregnancy Testing, Sonograms, and Ultrasounds

Sonogram or Ultrasound: 18-20 weeks

Routine Ultrasound (18-20 Weeks)

A routine ultrasound is scheduled between 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. This ultrasound will be performed in our office. It provides essential information about your baby's health and well-being.

• Important: Please arrive at the office with a full bladder, as the sonographer will be unable to perform the ultrasound without it.

• Note that some insurance companies do not cover the cost of ultrasounds, so it is advisable to check with your insurance provider to verify if it is a covered benefit.

Glucose Tolerance Testing (24-28 Weeks)

At 24-28 weeks, you will be screened for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs when the body has difficulty using insulin, causing high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, about 3% of women will develop gestational diabetes, though it typically resolves after childbirth. However, women with a history of gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Test Instructions:

• You will be given a bottle of glucose to drink before coming in for the test.

• Drink the entire bottle 45 minutes prior to your appointment.

• Blood draw: Your blood must be drawn exactly one hour after finishing the drink.

• Important: Please avoid eating sugary foods for two hours before drinking the glucose.

• Upon arrival, let the front desk know the exact time you finished the drink.

• If your test results are elevated, additional testing will be required.

• You will also be screened for anemia during this visit.

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, follow-up testing will be done after your baby is born.

Tdap Vaccination (Late Second or Third Trimester)

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that causes severe coughing. In newborns, pertussis can be life-threatening, as they cannot receive the vaccine until they are 2 months old.

Receiving the Tdap vaccine (which protects against pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria) is the most effective way to protect both you and your baby. Your doctor and nurse will review the current recommendations for the Tdap vaccine during your visit.

Rhogam Injection (28 Weeks)

If you are Rh negative (O-, B-, A-, AB-), you will receive an Rhogam injection in your hip around 28 weeks of pregnancy. Only about 15% of women are Rh negative. If your baby’s blood is Rh positive, your body may form antibodies that could attack your baby's blood. The Rhogam injection prevents this sensitization for up to 12 weeks. You will receive another dose of Rhogam after delivery if your baby is Rh positive.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening (35-37 Weeks)

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria found in up to 40% of pregnant women. While most women with GBS do not experience any issues, there is a small chance the bacteria can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or delivery. GBS can cause serious health problems for the baby, even life-threatening complications, though most babies born to mothers with GBS do not experience problems.

GBS is typically found in the vagina and rectum of women and can be present without symptoms. To check for GBS, a culture will be taken from your vaginal area at 36 weeks. If GBS is detected, you will receive antibiotics during labor to prevent transmission to your baby.

Further Education

The internet offers a wealth of pregnancy-related information. However, it's important to evaluate the credibility of the sources you consult. Avoid unknown websites or those trying to sell products.

Here are some trusted sources for reliable pregnancy information:

• CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• March of Dimes

• Mayo Clinic

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists