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Table 1-3

Routine Parental Care

TimingExams and Tests
Initial obstetric visit

  • History and physical exam

  • Blood/Rh type, antibody screen, CBC, rubella, Hgb electrophoresis (if at risk for hemoglobinopathy), urine culture, urine toxicologya

  • Infection screening for syphilisa, HBV, HIVa, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Consider HCV screening in pregnancy women at increased risk.

  • Cervical cancer screening as needed

  • Sonogram to confirm gestational age, viability, and number of fetuses

  • Offer genetic testing for CF, SMA, or other carrier screening tests based on personal or family history.

11-14 wk gestationAneuploidy screening option: first trimester screen
16-20 wk gestation

  • Offer MSAFP.

  • Aneuploidy screening option: quadruple (“quad”) screen

18-22 wk gestationUltrasound evaluation of fetal anatomy and placental location
24-28 wk gestationBlood/Rh type, antibody screen, CBC, GDM screeningInfection screening: syphilisa, HIVa
36 wk gestation

  • Group B streptococcus rectovaginal culture

  • Consider repeat screening for gonorrhea/chlamydia.

  • Verify fetal presentation.

Abbreviations: CBC, complete blood count; CF, cystic fibrosis; GDM, gestational diabetes mellitus; HBV, hepatitis B virus, HCV, hepatitis C virus; Hgb, hemoglobin; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; MSAFP, maternal serum α-fetoprotein; SMA, spinal muscular atrophy.


aState-mandated testing may vary by location.