{ "release_id": "cb1244a2c7003676", "id": "maternal:guide-tests-in-pregnancy", "owner": "maternal", "kind": "patient_guide", "slug": "tests-in-pregnancy", "name": "Tests in pregnancy, week by week", "aliases": [], "atlases": [ "maternal" ], "summary_plain": "The routine tests and scans the sources describe from early pregnancy to the third trimester, what each looks for, and what a result does and does not mean.", "summary_technical": "Static guide from MedlinePlus and NICHD pages and US Preventive Services Task Force statements. It gives no personal schedule, threshold or dose.", "editorial_state": "draft", "last_substantive_edit": "2026-10-15", "last_evidence_check": "2026-10-15", "next_review_due": "2027-04-15", "identifiers": [], "navigation": { "maternal": { "life-stage": [ "pregnancy" ], "care-area": [ "normal-pregnancy" ] } }, "payload": { "purpose": "explainer", "audience": "Pregnant people, and the people with them", "about": [ "maternal:antenatal-care", "maternal:gdm-glucose-screening-test", "maternal:prenatal-infection-screening", "maternal:obstetric-ultrasound", "maternal:cell-free-dna-screening" ], "reading_grade_target": 10, "scope_note": "Written from MedlinePlus and NICHD pages, both US government sources, and from US Preventive Services Task Force statements. The weeks are the ones each page gives, and pages differ.", "warning_blocks": [], "sections": [ { "heading": "Screening tests and diagnostic tests", "statements": [ { "id": "scr-1", "text": "MedlinePlus says prenatal testing gives information about the health of the fetus before birth.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is prenatal testing?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "scr-2", "text": "MedlinePlus also says some routine tests during pregnancy check the pregnant person's health.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is prenatal testing?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "scr-3", "text": "MedlinePlus says screening tests look at risk and do not diagnose problems.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the two types of prenatal tests?, bullet 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "scr-4", "text": "An abnormal screening result does not mean there is a problem, MedlinePlus says.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the two types of prenatal tests?, bullet 1, sentences 3 and 4" } ] }, { "id": "scr-5", "text": "MedlinePlus says an abnormal result means more information is needed, and diagnostic testing may follow.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the two types of prenatal tests?, bullet 1, sentences 3 and 4" }, { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the two types of prenatal tests?, bullet 1, sentence 6" } ] }, { "id": "scr-6", "text": "MedlinePlus says diagnostic tests help determine whether the pregnant person or the fetus has a certain health problem.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the two types of prenatal tests?, bullet 2" } ] }, { "id": "scr-7", "text": "MedlinePlus says some tests are suggested for all women, such as screenings for gestational diabetes, Down syndrome and HIV.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is prenatal testing used to diagnose?, paragraph 2, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "scr-8", "text": "MedlinePlus says a provider might offer other tests based on age, personal or family medical history, ethnic background and routine test results.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is prenatal testing used to diagnose?, paragraph 3 and bullets 1 to 4" } ] }, { "id": "scr-9", "text": "MedlinePlus says it is the person's choice whether to have prenatal tests.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the two types of prenatal tests?, paragraph 2, sentence 1 and part of sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "scr-10", "text": "MedlinePlus says a provider can talk with the person about the risks and benefits of the tests.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the two types of prenatal tests?, paragraph 2, sentence 1 and part of sentence 2" } ] } ] }, { "heading": "Blood and urine tests in early pregnancy", "statements": [ { "id": "early-1", "text": "MedlinePlus says a prenatal panel is a group of blood tests done in early pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "early-2", "text": "MedlinePlus says the panel checks for diseases and infections that can affect the health of the pregnant person and the baby.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "early-3", "text": "MedlinePlus says the panel usually includes a complete blood count and a test for blood type and Rh factor.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, paragraph 1 (last sentence) and bullets 1 to 6" } ] }, { "id": "early-4", "text": "MedlinePlus says the panel also usually includes tests for rubella immunity, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections and HIV.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, paragraph 1 (last sentence) and bullets 1 to 6" } ] }, { "id": "early-5", "text": "MedlinePlus says hepatitis B testing is usually given in pregnancy, but hepatitis C is not routinely tested because it is not common.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, bullet 4, sentences 3 and 4" } ] }, { "id": "early-6", "text": "MedlinePlus says testing for chlamydia and syphilis is usually done early in pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, bullet 5, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "early-7", "text": "MedlinePlus says the panel tests are done in the first trimester, often at the first prenatal visit.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a prenatal panel?, paragraph 1, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "early-8", "text": "MedlinePlus says treatment might be given to prevent serious health conditions if a panel result is not normal.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 1" } ] }, { "id": "early-8b", "text": "MedlinePlus says Rh factor is a type of protein found on the surface of red blood cells.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, bullet 2, sentence 3" } ] }, { "id": "early-8c", "text": "MedlinePlus says people whose blood cells have this protein are Rh-positive, and people whose cells do not are Rh-negative.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, bullet 2, sentences 4 and 5" } ] }, { "id": "early-9", "text": "MedlinePlus says Rh incompatibility is when a mother is Rh-negative and her developing baby is Rh-positive.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, bullet 2, sentences 6 and 7" } ] }, { "id": "early-10", "text": "MedlinePlus says Rh incompatibility may cause the mother's body to make antibodies that can damage the baby's red blood cells.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-panel-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal panel?, bullet 2, sentences 6 and 7" } ] }, { "id": "early-11", "text": "MedlinePlus says a red blood cell antibody screen is usually done in early pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-rbc-antibody-screen-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need an RBC antibody screen?, bullet 2, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "early-12", "text": "MedlinePlus says the screen looks for antibodies that could attack the fetus's red blood cells.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-rbc-antibody-screen-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, bullet 2" } ] }, { "id": "early-12b", "text": "MedlinePlus says that in anemia the blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of the body.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-anemia-2026-10-15", "locator": "Summary, paragraph 1, sentence 1" } ] }, { "id": "early-13", "text": "MedlinePlus says such antibodies could cause a very serious type of fetal anemia.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-rbc-antibody-screen-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, bullet 2" } ] }, { "id": "early-13b", "text": "MedlinePlus says preeclampsia is a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-high-blood-pressure-in-pregnancy-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?, preeclampsia item, sentence 1" } ] }, { "id": "early-14", "text": "NICHD says a urine sample is tested at each prenatal visit for signs of diabetes, urinary tract infections and preeclampsia.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Routine Tests, urine test" } ] }, { "id": "early-15", "text": "In 2018 the US Preventive Services Task Force again recommended early syphilis screening for all pregnant women.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2018-syphilis-screening-pregnancy" } ] }, { "id": "early-15b", "text": "The Task Force's statement says untreated syphilis in a pregnant woman can pass to the fetus at any time during pregnancy or at birth, which is called congenital syphilis.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:pubmed-30193283-2026-10-14", "locator": "Abstract, IMPORTANCE, sentence 1" } ] }, { "id": "early-16", "text": "The Task Force said effective antibiotic treatment can prevent congenital syphilis, with small associated harms.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2018-syphilis-screening-pregnancy" } ] }, { "id": "early-17", "text": "In 2019 the Task Force again recommended hepatitis B screening for pregnant women at their first prenatal visit.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2019-hepatitis-b-screening-pregnancy" } ] }, { "id": "early-18", "text": "In 2019 the Task Force recommended screening pregnant persons for bacteria in the urine without symptoms, using a urine culture.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2019-bacteriuria-screening-pregnancy" } ] }, { "id": "early-19", "text": "It concluded with moderate certainty that screening and treatment have a moderate net benefit in reducing perinatal complications.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2019-bacteriuria-screening-pregnancy" } ] } ] }, { "heading": "Screening for chromosome conditions", "statements": [ { "id": "chr-1", "text": "MedlinePlus says first trimester screening for Down syndrome (weeks 10 to 13) combines a blood test and an ultrasound.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, first trimester screening item and its two sub-items" } ] }, { "id": "chr-2", "text": "MedlinePlus says the blood test looks for markers, such as certain proteins, that may be linked to a higher risk of Down syndrome.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, first trimester screening item and its two sub-items" } ] }, { "id": "chr-3", "text": "MedlinePlus says the ultrasound measures the thickness of the fluid behind the fetus's neck.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, first trimester screening item and its two sub-items" } ] }, { "id": "chr-4", "text": "NICHD says nuchal translucency screening uses ultrasound to measure the thickness of the back of the fetus's neck between 11 and 14 weeks.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions, nuchal translucency screening, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "chr-5", "text": "NICHD says providers combine this with the mother's age and the results of a blood screen.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions, nuchal translucency screening, sentence 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-6", "text": "NICHD says the combined information helps judge the fetus's potential risk for chromosomal abnormalities and other problems.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions, nuchal translucency screening, sentence 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-7", "text": "MedlinePlus says second trimester screening, often called the quad screen, is done in weeks 15 to 20.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, second trimester screening item" } ] }, { "id": "chr-8", "text": "MedlinePlus says the quad screen checks the levels of four substances in the blood.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, second trimester screening item" } ] }, { "id": "chr-9", "text": "MedlinePlus says unusual levels of any of the four can suggest a higher chance of Down syndrome.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, second trimester screening item" } ] }, { "id": "chr-10", "text": "NICHD says a blood screen done between 15 and 20 weeks assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions, maternal serum screen, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-10b", "text": "MedlinePlus describes neural tube defects as severe birth defects of the baby's brain and spine, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-amniocentesis-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, bullet 5 under genetic and chromosomal disorders" } ] }, { "id": "chr-11", "text": "MedlinePlus says cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening is a blood test given during pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "chr-12", "text": "MedlinePlus says it checks DNA from the fetus that circulates in the mother's bloodstream.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "chr-13", "text": "MedlinePlus says the screening checks whether the baby is more likely to have certain conditions caused by an abnormal number of chromosomes, such as Down syndrome.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening?, paragraph 1, sentence 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-13b", "text": "MedlinePlus says an extra copy of a chromosome is called a trisomy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening?, bullet 2, sentence 1" } ] }, { "id": "chr-14", "text": "MedlinePlus says cfDNA screening can be done as early as the 10th week of pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is used for?, paragraph 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-15", "text": "MedlinePlus says many providers recommend cfDNA screening for people at a higher risk of having a baby with a chromosome disorder.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a prenatal cfDNA screening?, paragraph 1, sentence 1" } ] }, { "id": "chr-16", "text": "NICHD describes cfDNA screening for women at higher risk and says it is not recommended for women at low risk or women carrying multiple fetuses.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions, cell-free fetal DNA, sentences 3 and 4" } ] }, { "id": "chr-16b", "text": "NICHD's page cites a source from 2015 for this description of cfDNA screening.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Citations, note 3 (the note that follows the cell-free fetal DNA item)" } ] }, { "id": "chr-17", "text": "MedlinePlus says many providers also recommend cfDNA screening for people who are not at higher risk.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a prenatal cfDNA screening?, paragraph 2, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "chr-17b", "text": "MedlinePlus's Down syndrome tests page, updated in January 2026, says medical experts recommend cfDNA screening for everyone, regardless of age or risk level.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, cell-free DNA item, sentence 4" } ] }, { "id": "chr-18", "text": "These pages give different answers on who is offered cfDNA screening, and the newest, the MedlinePlus Down syndrome tests page, is the one that says everyone.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Screening for Chromosomal and Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and Other Conditions, cell-free fetal DNA, sentences 3 and 4" }, { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a prenatal cfDNA screening?, paragraph 2, sentences 1 and 2" }, { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, cell-free DNA item, sentence 4" } ] }, { "id": "chr-19", "text": "MedlinePlus says cfDNA screenings are not as accurate in a pregnancy with more than one baby.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "Is there anything else I need to know about a prenatal cfDNA screening?, paragraph 1" } ] }, { "id": "chr-20", "text": "MedlinePlus says a negative cfDNA result makes it unlikely that the baby has Down syndrome or another trisomy disorder.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 1" } ] }, { "id": "chr-21", "text": "MedlinePlus says a positive cfDNA result means there is an increased risk that the baby has one of these disorders.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 2, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "chr-22", "text": "MedlinePlus says a cfDNA screening cannot tell for sure whether a baby has a chromosome disorder.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening?, paragraph 3, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-23", "text": "MedlinePlus says a provider will need to order other tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening?, paragraph 3, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-24", "text": "MedlinePlus says a positive Down syndrome screening result means the baby's chance of having Down syndrome is higher than average.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, bullet 1, sentences 1 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-25", "text": "A high risk does not mean the baby will have Down syndrome, MedlinePlus says.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, bullet 1, sentences 1 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "chr-26", "text": "MedlinePlus says a negative or normal screening result means the baby is unlikely to have Down syndrome.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, bullet 2" } ] }, { "id": "chr-27", "text": "A screening test cannot guarantee that the baby will not have Down syndrome, MedlinePlus says.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, bullet 2" } ] } ] }, { "heading": "Diagnostic tests for chromosome conditions", "statements": [ { "id": "diag-1", "text": "MedlinePlus says diagnostic tests for Down syndrome usually follow a positive screening result, when a provider needs to confirm a diagnosis.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, paragraph 3, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "diag-2", "text": "MedlinePlus says amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, amniocentesis item" } ] }, { "id": "diag-3", "text": "MedlinePlus says amniocentesis collects a small amount of the fluid around the fetus so that the fetal cells can be checked for chromosome changes.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, amniocentesis item" } ] }, { "id": "diag-4", "text": "MedlinePlus says chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is usually done between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, chorionic villus sampling item" } ] }, { "id": "diag-5", "text": "MedlinePlus says CVS collects tissue from parts of the placenta called the chorionic villi.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, chorionic villus sampling item" } ] }, { "id": "diag-6", "text": "MedlinePlus says amniocentesis and CVS are usually very safe procedures with a slight risk of causing a miscarriage.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 3" } ] }, { "id": "diag-7", "text": "MedlinePlus says a person may choose diagnostic testing whether or not screening results were normal.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 2, sentence 1" } ] }, { "id": "diag-8", "text": "MedlinePlus says diagnostic tests can usually tell whether or not a baby will have Down syndrome.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 2, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "diag-9", "text": "MedlinePlus says diagnostic tests cannot predict how much Down syndrome will affect the baby's health and abilities.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 2, sentences 2 and 3" } ] } ] }, { "heading": "The routine ultrasound", "statements": [ { "id": "us-1", "text": "MedlinePlus says a routine ultrasound between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy is common, to check on the health of the fetus.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need an ultrasound?, paragraph 1" } ] }, { "id": "us-2", "text": "NICHD says an ultrasound exam is likely between 18 and 20 weeks to check for problems with the developing fetus.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Routine Tests, ultrasound exam" } ] }, { "id": "us-3", "text": "MedlinePlus says a pregnancy ultrasound may check the size, position, heart rate and age of the fetus.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, paragraph 2 and bullets 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "us-4", "text": "MedlinePlus says it may also show whether there is more than one fetus and whether the fetus is growing as expected.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, paragraph 2 and bullets 1 and 2" }, { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, bullets 4 and 5" } ] }, { "id": "us-5", "text": "MedlinePlus says it may also check the amount of amniotic fluid and where the placenta is.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, bullets 4 and 5" } ] }, { "id": "us-6", "text": "MedlinePlus says it may also screen for genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, and for birth defects.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is it used for?, pregnancy ultrasound list, bullet 3" } ] }, { "id": "us-7", "text": "MedlinePlus says normal pregnancy ultrasound results do not guarantee a healthy baby.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 1 and bullet 3" } ] }, { "id": "us-8", "text": "Not all birth defects will show up on an ultrasound, MedlinePlus says.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 1 and bullet 3" } ] }, { "id": "us-9", "text": "MedlinePlus says results that are not normal do not always mean the fetus has a serious health problem.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 3" } ] }, { "id": "us-10", "text": "A provider may suggest more tests to help confirm a diagnosis, MedlinePlus says.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "What do the results mean?, paragraph 3" } ] }, { "id": "us-11", "text": "MedlinePlus says ultrasound has not been linked to any health harms.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "Are there any risks to the test?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "us-12", "text": "MedlinePlus says it is generally considered safe when trained sonographers use it correctly.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "Are there any risks to the test?, paragraph 1, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "us-13", "text": "MedlinePlus says ultrasound can affect fluids and tissues in the body in certain cases.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "Are there any risks to the test?, paragraph 2" } ] }, { "id": "us-14", "text": "MedlinePlus says most medical experts therefore recommend using ultrasound only when it is needed to provide important medical information.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-ultrasound-2026-10-15", "locator": "Are there any risks to the test?, paragraph 2" } ] } ] }, { "heading": "Gestational diabetes tests", "statements": [ { "id": "gd-1", "text": "NICHD says glucose challenge screening is usually given between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Routine Tests, glucose challenge screening, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "gd-2", "text": "NICHD says this screening assesses the risk for gestational diabetes.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Routine Tests, glucose challenge screening, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "gd-3", "text": "MedlinePlus says a blood glucose test is likely between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-blood-glucose-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a blood glucose test?, pregnancy item, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "gd-4", "text": "MedlinePlus says a person at high risk of gestational diabetes may be tested earlier.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-blood-glucose-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a blood glucose test?, pregnancy item, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "gd-5", "text": "MedlinePlus says a glucose challenge test can screen for gestational diabetes and needs no fasting.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-blood-glucose-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What happens during a blood glucose test?, glucose challenge test item, sentences 1 to 4" } ] }, { "id": "gd-6", "text": "MedlinePlus says a blood sample is taken one hour after a sugary drink.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-blood-glucose-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What happens during a blood glucose test?, glucose challenge test item, sentences 1 to 4" } ] }, { "id": "gd-7", "text": "MedlinePlus says a high result usually leads to an oral glucose tolerance test to confirm or rule out gestational diabetes.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-blood-glucose-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What happens during a blood glucose test?, glucose challenge test item, sentence 5" } ] }, { "id": "gd-8", "text": "MedlinePlus says an oral glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose gestational diabetes and needs fasting.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-blood-glucose-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What happens during a blood glucose test?, oral glucose tolerance test item, sentences 1 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "gd-9", "text": "NICHD says a glucose tolerance test may be ordered if the one-hour screening result is above a certain level.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, glucose tolerance test, sentence 2 and the last sentence" } ] }, { "id": "gd-10", "text": "In 2021 the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening for gestational diabetes at 24 weeks of pregnancy or after in pregnant people without symptoms and without a prior diabetes diagnosis.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2021-gdm-screening-24-weeks-or-after" } ] }, { "id": "gd-11", "text": "It concluded with moderate certainty that this screening has a moderate net benefit to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2021-gdm-screening-24-weeks-or-after" } ] }, { "id": "gd-12", "text": "For screening before 24 weeks, the Task Force said the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms.", "cites": [ { "claim": "maternal:claim-uspstf-2021-gdm-screening-before-24-weeks-insufficient" } ] } ] }, { "heading": "Group B strep test", "statements": [ { "id": "gbs-1", "text": "NICHD says group B streptococcus (GBS) screening is done between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Routine Tests, group B streptococcus infection screening, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-2", "text": "NICHD says swabs take cells from the vagina and rectum for the test.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Routine Tests, group B streptococcus infection screening, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-3", "text": "MedlinePlus says group B strep testing is usually done between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-strep-b-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a group B strep test?, paragraph 1, sentences 3 and 4" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-4", "text": "MedlinePlus says a person who goes into labor before 36 weeks may be tested at that time.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-strep-b-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a group B strep test?, paragraph 1, sentences 3 and 4" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-5", "text": "MedlinePlus says many healthy people have GBS bacteria, which are not harmful most of the time.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-strep-b-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a group B strep test?, paragraph 1, sentence 2, and paragraph 2, sentence 1" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-6", "text": "MedlinePlus says a pregnant person can pass the bacteria to the baby during a vaginal delivery.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-strep-b-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a group B strep test?, paragraph 3, sentence 2 and its last sentence" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-7", "text": "MedlinePlus says serious illness in the baby from this is rare.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-strep-b-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a group B strep test?, paragraph 3, sentence 2 and its last sentence" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-8", "text": "NICHD says women who test positive for GBS will need antibiotics in labor.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Routine Tests, group B streptococcus infection screening, sentence 4" } ] }, { "id": "gbs-9", "text": "MedlinePlus says antibiotics during labor can protect the baby from infection.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-strep-b-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is a group B strep test?, paragraph 9, sentence 2" } ] } ] }, { "heading": "Tests added later in some pregnancies", "statements": [ { "id": "late-1", "text": "NICHD lists the non-stress test as additional testing that a provider may recommend.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, non-stress test, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "late-2", "text": "NICHD says it is performed in the third trimester (28 weeks or later) to monitor the fetus's health.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, non-stress test, sentences 1 and 2" } ] }, { "id": "late-3", "text": "NICHD says a belt around the belly measures the fetal heart rate while the fetus is resting and while it moves.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, non-stress test, sentences 3 and 4" } ] }, { "id": "late-4", "text": "NICHD says the test can determine if the fetus is getting enough oxygen.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, non-stress test, sentences 3 and 4" } ] }, { "id": "late-5", "text": "NICHD says a biophysical profile, given in the third trimester, monitors the fetus's breathing, movement, muscle tone and heart rate.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, biophysical profile, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "late-6", "text": "NICHD says the profile also checks the amount of amniotic fluid.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, biophysical profile, sentence 2" } ] }, { "id": "late-7", "text": "NICHD says the biophysical profile includes an ultrasound test and a non-stress test.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:nichd-tests-needed-2026-10-15", "locator": "Additional Testing that Your Health Care Provider May Recommend, biophysical profile, sentence 3" } ] } ] } ], "checklists": [ { "heading": "Topics the sources link to the choice of tests", "items": [ { "id": "ck-1", "text": "Age, personal or family medical history, ethnic background and routine test results, which MedlinePlus says can lead a provider to offer other tests.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-testing-2026-10-15", "locator": "What is prenatal testing used to diagnose?, paragraph 3 and bullets 1 to 4" } ] }, { "id": "ck-2", "text": "A high risk of gestational diabetes, which MedlinePlus says may lead a provider to test earlier.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-blood-glucose-test-2026-10-15", "locator": "Why do I need a blood glucose test?, pregnancy item, sentences 2 and 3" } ] }, { "id": "ck-3", "text": "Being pregnant with more than one baby, which MedlinePlus says makes cfDNA screening less accurate.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-prenatal-cfdna-2026-10-15", "locator": "Is there anything else I need to know about a prenatal cfDNA screening?, paragraph 1" } ] }, { "id": "ck-4", "text": "A positive screening result, which MedlinePlus links to diagnostic testing.", "cites": [ { "snapshot_id": "maternal:medlineplus-down-syndrome-tests-2026-10-15", "locator": "What are the tests used for?, paragraph 3, sentence 2" } ] } ] } ], "questions": [ { "text": "Which of these tests are offered in my pregnancy, and in which weeks?", "grounded_in": [ "scr-7", "scr-8" ] }, { "text": "If a screening result is not normal, what are the next steps?", "grounded_in": [ "scr-5", "diag-1" ] }, { "text": "What does each chromosome screening look for, and what does it leave unanswered?", "grounded_in": [ "chr-1", "chr-7", "chr-13", "chr-22" ] }, { "text": "Are amniocentesis or CVS options for me, and what are the risks?", "grounded_in": [ "diag-2", "diag-4", "diag-6" ] }, { "text": "Which tests did my first trimester blood panel include?", "grounded_in": [ "early-3", "early-4" ] }, { "text": "When is my routine ultrasound, and what will it look at?", "grounded_in": [ "us-1", "us-3" ] }, { "text": "When will I be tested for gestational diabetes, and what follows a high result?", "grounded_in": [ "gd-3", "gd-7" ] }, { "text": "When will group B strep be checked, and what follows a positive result?", "grounded_in": [ "gbs-1", "gbs-3", "gbs-8" ] }, { "text": "Are any later tests, such as a non-stress test, expected in my pregnancy?", "grounded_in": [ "late-1" ] } ] }, "content_digest": 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