MY PRENATAL CARE
Diabetes Screening
Many women are at risk for developing gestational diabetes during their pregnancy . More information about this condition is available in the “ Obstetric Conditions ” section . We test all pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks with a glucose challenge test . Women at high risk may be tested earlier in their pregnancy .
• Glucose Challenge Test : This test involves drinking a 50g glucose drink and having your blood glucose drawn one hour later . We expect this one-hour value to be less than 135g / dL . If this test is abnormal , we may need to do an additional three-hour glucose tolerance test ( 3-hr GTT ).
• 3-hr GTT : In this test , you will be asked to come to the office after fasting . You will have a fasting glucose level drawn and then drink a 100g glucose drink . You will then have your glucose level drawn at one , two , and three hours after drinking the glucose .
Rhogam
If your blood type is Rh negative , Rhogam is given at approximately 28 weeks . We will need to do a blood test prior to giving you the Rhogam . This blood allows us to determine whether you are already sensitized . More information is available about Rhogam in the “ Frequently Asked Questions ” section .
Third Trimester Labs
Patients will require follow-up labs that are usually done at the beginning of the third trimester . These may include a repeat hematocrit , cervical cultures , or tests for syphilis , HIV , and hepatitis . Between 36 and 37 weeks , a vaginal culture will be obtained to screen for group B streptococcus . uabmedicine . org 13