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Prenatal Lab Tests and Discomforts During Pregnancy
IMPORTANT: Rh Factor of mother and baby through indirect Coombs test. If mom is Rh
negative and baby is Rh positive, causes mom to build up antibodies that may not affect this
pregnancy but WILL attack the next baby’s RBC’s causing them to lyse.
If mom is Rh negative and baby Rh positive: Repeat Coombs test at 24-28 weeks. Rhogam will
be administered at 28 weeks gestation, which prevents the development of antibodies.
Group B Streptococcus: will be checked by taking a vaginal and anal culture around 35-37
weeks gestation.
One-hour glucose tolerance test done at 24-28 weeks gestation. No fasting required, if results
come back over 140, requires a follow-up 3-hour glucose tolerance test: fasting is required.
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein: Taken at 15-22 weeks gestation, screens for Down
Syndrome of neural tube defects. If LOW: could mean down syndrome. If HIGH: Neural tube
defect.
Other: CBC, Rubella titer, HIV, Hepatitis B, HPV, STI’s (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis), PPV
(check for TB), TORCH infections, and urinalysis
Expected Discomforts:
- N/V: usually in first trimester. Eat dry toast or crackers in the morning before getting
up
- Urinary frequency: Empty bladder frequently, use Kegel exercises if stress
incontinence’
- UTI’s: Notify if foul smelling or cloudy urine
- Heartburn: Advice to eat small, frequent meals, sit up for at least 30 minutes after
eating
- Fatigue and difficulty breathing: Take frequent rest periods
- Constipation: Increase intake of fluid and fiber
- Hemorrhoids: Use warm Sitz baths, witch hazel pads
- Varicose veins: elevate legs, were compression hose, walk frequently, and avoid
standing
- Gingivitis, indigestion, and epistaxis (nose bleed): Good oral hygiene, NS spray
Nutrition, Weight Gain, and PKU
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