Your pregnancy should be a time of joy and celebration, and while you are looking forward to the birth of your child, you also want to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. Your doctor should be performing certain tests to monitor your baby’s growth and health, as well as yours. Failure to run these tests could mean that there is a problem of which you are unaware, and it could have a detrimental effect on you and your child.
There are standard tests run at certain points during a pregnancy in order to optimize the prenatal care you are receiving. This includes screenings, tests, regular monitoring and treatment of any concerning issues that arise. If you believe you have received less-than-quality care, you and your baby may pay the price.
Common tests that you may expect
Each pregnancy is different, but there are certain tests that Oregon doctors should do for most pregnant mothers. If the basic tests reveal a potential option, your doctor may run more extensive tests. The most common tests your doctor may order or perform while you are pregnant include the following:
- Genetic screening for illnesses and conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy
- First trimester screenings, including maternal serum tests, ultrasound for nasal bone deformities and more
- Ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy, including during early months to determine due date and at least once at the midpoint of the pregnancy
- Amniocentesis to screen for genetic defects and other problems by sampling a small portion of amniotic fluid
- Group B strep culture, which is a test before the delivery date that detects a certain bacteria that could pass to the baby during birth
- Glucose testing, typically done at the midpoint of the pregnancy that can determine if the mother has gestational diabetes
- Fetal monitoring that tests the heart rate of the baby to ensure that everything is normal in the weeks and months leading up to delivery.
It is critical that you protect the health of your baby during pregnancy. This is one of the most important obligations of your care provider. Lack of quality care or failure to properly screen a patient could be medical malpractice, and it may be grounds to pursue justice through a civil claim. If you believe that you could be a victim, you may benefit from seeking an explanation of your legal options as soon as possible.