Prenatal Testing in Columbus, OH

All pregnant women undergo a battery of tests early in pregnancy. These tests include blood tests (including blood count, blood type, rubella immunity, hepatitis, and a state-required test for syphilis), a urine culture, a Pap test, a state-required cervical culture for gonorrhea, and a chlamydia culture.

Rh-negative women are tested for RH antibodies around 28 weeks of pregnancy and receive a RhoGam injection. At Professionals for Women's Health in Columbus, OH, we routinely test for gestational diabetes at 28 weeks. We offer an enhanced serum alpha-fetal protein test (AFP) at 16-18 weeks, which screens for head and spinal defects and Down’s syndrome. 

Prenatal testing is performed for many essential reasons, including identifying potential problems with the pregnancy as early as possible. Any woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant may elect to have this done. Prenatal testing is not required, but it may be highly recommended based on your age, medical history, or family history. Our practitioners at Professionals for Women's Health care about all our patients and want to ensure they have all of the information necessary to make the best decision about their care.

At Professionals for Women's Health, the health of you and your child is always at the front of our mind. Prenatal testing has been an incredible way for our patients in Columbus, OH to stay up to date with what's going on inside their body. This service offers a wide number of benefits, including:

• Identifying treatable health problems that could affect your baby
• Gathering information about the baby, such as its size, sex, age, and position
• Diagnosing any possible birth defects, genetic conditions, or other issues

You may be asked to have an ultrasound, also known as an echogram or a sonogram. The most common reason for an ultrasound scan is to date a pregnancy, since menstrual dates may be unreliable in up to 40 percent of all pregnant women.

It is extremely important to have an accurate estimation of your due date for several reasons. If you should develop complications, the management of your problem is highly dependent on your gestational age. The earlier in pregnancy an ultrasound scan is performed, the more accurate it is for dating.

Ultrasound scans may also be used to detect multiple fetuses, to find many (but not all) types of congenital malformations, to determine the cause of vaginal bleeding, or to detect fetal growth retardation. All high-risk patients should be scanned at least once during their pregnancy. Most patients are reassured by seeing their unborn baby move on the ultrasound screen, and some preliminary studies indicate the ultrasound scans may help start the bonding process even before birth.

Professionals for Women's health offers non-invasive genetic screening also known as cell free fetal DNA. Diagnostic genetic testing options such as CVS or amniocentesis are available at Maternal Fetal Medicine.

If you have certain pregnancy complications, or if you are at least one week overdue, you will undergo a biophysical profile and/or a fetal monitor test. These are simple and non-invasive tests conducted once or twice weekly during the latter part of your pregnancy. These tests are not used in normal, uncomplicated pregnancies.

Do all pregnant women undergo prenatal testing?
Some pregnant women choose to not undergo prenatal testing, but it is recommended in many cases. OB/GYNs may want to test for issues like gestational diabetes, head and spinal defects, and conditions like Down’s syndrome. Our goal is to make sure your pregnancy is as healthy and safe as possible.

Are prenatal tests safe?
Most prenatal tests are considered very safe when performed by a trained professional. Blood tests, urine cultures, Pap smears, and cervical cultures at Professionals for Women's Health are minimally invasive and low-risk. Because ultrasound technology uses sound waves instead of radiation, it is considered safer than x-rays.

How much does prenatal testing cost?
Patients should speak with their insurance provider about coverage for prenatal testing. Some companies will cover the cost to an extent. The total cost of prenatal tests varies based on a number of factors, but our administrative team in Columbus, Westerville, and Dublin, OH, does everything we can to make sure your care is accessible and affordable.

When is the best time to schedule prenatal tests?
The timing for prenatal tests depends on the type of test and the specific needs of your pregnancy. Some tests, like blood work and urine cultures, are typically done early in the pregnancy, while others, such as anatomy scans, are performed around 18-20 weeks. Your OB/GYN at Professionals for Women's Health will provide a timeline tailored to your individual pregnancy.

What should I do to prepare for prenatal testing?
Preparation for prenatal testing varies depending on the specific test. Generally, it's important to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as fasting before a glucose test. Staying hydrated and bringing any necessary documentation or medical history to your appointment can also help ensure the process goes smoothly.

Can prenatal testing determine the sex of the baby?
Yes, some prenatal tests can determine the sex of the baby. Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which analyzes fetal DNA in the mother's blood, can identify the baby's sex as early as ten weeks into the pregnancy. Our team can provide more information about when and how this test can be performed.

Getting regular prenatal testing is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the health and wellness of your child as a newborn and into the future. Whether you're testing for genetic issues or measuring developmental progress with ultrasounds, prenatal testing helps reduce risks while providing early diagnosis if problems should arise. At Professionals for Women's Health, our doctors provide a full range of prenatal testing for you and your baby. If you're in the Columbus, Dublin, or Westerville, OH areas, contact us today to learn more about prenatal testing and to schedule an appointment. Let us help you give your baby the start to life they deserve.