[Becca1025]

I have an appointment tomorrow for a screening test (just want to make sure everything is okay) and I have no idea what they are going to do. I know they are going to draw some blood and do an ultrasound, but what else? I'm a little nervous:o...

[alkalineangel]

How far along are you? And did they tell you which screening tests are they doing... like were they optional, if so it is probably screening for downs syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and spina bifida, all blood tests. Depending on how far along you are, you may get an ultrasound..

If this is one of your first appointments, they are probably just testing blood and urine for RH factor, stds, anemia, if you have antibodies for chicken Pox or rubella, etc... basic stuff.

Also, just so you know, you won't know any results for at least another week...

[automansgirl]

That's about the time I had my first blood tests. They should check for all the stuff al mentioned for a first appointment, as well as HIV. Your u/s will be transvaginal, meaning they use a tool that is inserted into your vagina. It doesn't hurt, it just gives them the best look at your little one. They just want to make sure that baby is developing properly, and to have a better idea of your due date. I had two u/s in the very beginning... one at 5 1/2 weeks and the other at 7 1/2 weeks. They confirmed that I was 2 weeks behind where we thought I should be, and showed that everything was progressing well. You will probably also get to hear the heartbeat. That is so amazing! They just take a little handheld device and put some jelly on it (just like a regular u/s) and place it on your abdomen. The only time it was ever uncomfortable for me was when my doc couldn't find the baby and was pressing really hard. Other than that it is pretty basic. Write down any questions you may have beforehand, so you don't forget them. The doc should expect you to have lots of questioins. Make sure you have to go to the bathroom so you can give them a sample. They will also take your blood pressure and check your weight. Have fun at your appointment!

[Becca1025]

Yeah I already did all of that stuff a long time ago. I got the blood tests from the midwife for everything, and I mean everything, at my first doctors appointment. I already got my first ultrasound at nine weeks with that tube thing, this is the prenatal testing for downsyndrome, autism, and other things I cannot remember at the moment. I'm 11 weeks

[alkalineangel]

Those tests are all blood work. They are normally common. I don't think they can test for autism, if they can it's a new one on me. But they normally test for Downs, cystic fibrosis, and spina bifida. If they see something strange, they will most likely order a level 2 ultrasound if they haven't done one already, and maybe an amnio or CV test..

[Becca1025]

Yeah I know they are going to check for all that, and that if they find something strange, there will be more testing, but what do they do to test for all of it? Just draw blood and the u/s?

[alkalineangel]

They will draw blood but not necessarily do an u/s.

[Becca1025]

Just got back from it, they went straight and did an ultrasound, which was exciting and then only pricked my finger. I thought maybe they were going to check the amniotic fluid and all that good stuff... but they didn't.

[alkalineangel]

Hope you got good pics!