Ask a MomDoc
Many of our patients often wonder about the same medical questions, and now you have an opportunity to read responses directly from our physicians, or to ask a question yourself!
Latest Question:
Is it really necessary to have blood drawn several times during pregnancy and why?
I'm TERRIFIED of needles and really don't think it should be necessary unless I personally feel something isn't right. I am a perfectly healthy 22 year-old and haven't been sick more than a handful of times including minor colds. Who knows my body better than me right? I know when something isn't right and feel that if I do, I can tell someone to try to come to a solution.
Angelica H
Dr. Laura Baum Richardson Responds:
There are two required lab draws during pregnancy. Labs are drawn at the beginning of pregnancy to check a blood count, check for infections (HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis), and check the blood type. These are all imporatnt to know for the health of the baby and the patient. Then, labs are drawn at 26-28 weeks to rescreen for anemia, which can worsen as pregnancy continues. We also screen for gestational diabetes at that time.
Any other lab draws would be either optional tests (Quad Screen for Down's Syndrome, Spina Bifida, or Trisomy 18) or tests ordered due to a complaint or problem during the pregnancy.
-Dr. Laura Baum Richardson
