Below is a summary of what occurs at different weeks of your pregnancy:
| Weeks |
Activity |
| Week 8 (approx.) |
Prenatal class. |
| Week 8 (approx.) |
First ob visit. |
| Weeks 8-27 |
Monthly office visits. |
| Week 16 (approx.) |
AFP quad screen test and amniocentesis (if desired). |
| Week 20 (approx.) |
Complete OB ultrasound. |
| Week 24 (approx.) |
If you are interested, begin the childbirth classes taught by the Clinic. |
| Weeks 24-28 |
Screening for gestational diabetes. |
| Weeks 28-36 |
Bi-monthly office visits. A urine sample will be collected at each visit. During week 28, your cervix will be checked. Also, you will need to pre-register for your hospitalization. |
| Weeks 36-40 |
Weekly visits. During these visits, a urine sample will be collected, the position of the baby will be ascertained, and your cervix will be checked for dilation and effacement. Spotting or bleeding is not uncommon afterwards. |
First OB Visit
Your initial OB appointment will be the most lengthy. The first appointment will focus on laboratory testing and education about pregnancy. We believe the education is essential to helping you through a healthy pregnancy, even if you have been pregnant before.
During your first visit, you can expect the following:
| Procedure |
Purpose |
| Physical exam |
You will receive a complete physical exam and a review of pertinent health information. |
| Pap test |
A Pap smear will be done. |
| Blood profile |
A state-mandated prenatal blood profile will be drawn that includes blood type, antibody screening, rubella, CBC, hepatitis B antigen, syphillis, and optional HIV status. |
| Urine testing |
Urine tests are performed to determine whether you have any infections, diabetes, dehydration, and so on. A front desk staff member will direct you on how and where to collect a urine specimen. Urine specimens are not needed again until the 28th week and every visit after that, unless you have symptoms of a bladder infection. |
At all future visits, you will be weighed, have your blood pressure checked, and your uterus measured externally with a tape measure.
Week 16 -- Quad Screen and Amniocentesis
At approximately 16 weeks gestation (counting from the first day of the last menstrual period), we offer a quad screen to test for open neural tube defects such as spina bifida (failure of the bone to close over the spinal cord that may cause leg paralysis), Down's Syndrome (caused by abnormal chromosomes), and anencephaly (absence of the brain). The quad screen is a blood test. It determines whether the pregnancy is at higher risk for chromosome abnormalities or neural tube defects than other pregnancies. About 4-5% of mothers under age 35 have a positive screen and only 4% of this 4-5% actually have a Down's syndrome fetus. This test will detect almost 90% of neural tube defects and 60-70% of Down's Syndrome fetuses. When the test is abnormal, we perform an ultrasound exam either to locate neural tube defects or to verify the fetal age when looking for Down's Syndrome. If the dates indicate the test is still abnormal, an anmiocentesis is offered to see if Down's Syndrome is present.
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test involving removal of an amniotic fluid sample with a needle under ultrasound guidance.
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 Michelle and Dr. Griffiths
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While amniocentesis does not hurt, it can cause cramping and, rarely, leaking of amniotic fluid.This test carries a miscarriage risk of about 1 in 200-300 tests. Amniocentesis tests for the number and arrangement of the chromosomes as well as screens for neural tube defects. Since the cells need to be grown in the laboratory, it takes approximately three weeks to receive the results of amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is offered for all mothers who are 35 or older at delivery. |
Week 20 -- Complete OB Ultrasound
At approximately 20 weeks, you will have a complete OB ultrasound. So you can obtain a convenient time, a complete ultrasound should be scheduled several weeks in advance by calling (952) 285-6140. If you know you have twins, please tell the schedulers when you schedule your appointment so they can schedule an appropriate amount of time. For more information, see "OB Ultrasound Examination" below.
Weeks 24-28 -- Screening for Gestational Diabetes
At 24-28 weeks gestation, we do a diabetic screening. This test involves drinking a sugar sample and taking a finger blood glucose specimen one hour later. Please have nothing to eat or drink one hour before your appointment. Do not chew gum or smoke before the sample is collected. Should your glucose level be elevated, a three hour test will be scheduled with our Laboratory. The results of this test would determine any necessary follow-up care. Gestational diabetes occurs in approximately 5% of all pregnant women. The glucose level usually returns to normal after delivery, but may appear again in future pregnancies or in later years.
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