Every woman has certain tests during pregnancy. Some women,
depending on their age, family history, or ethnicity, may
undergo additional testing. Some tests are screening tests, and
others are diagnostic tests. If your health care provider orders
a screening test, keep in mind that such tests do not diagnose
problems. They evaluate risk. So a screening test result that
comes back abnormal does not mean there is a problem with your
infant. It means that more information is needed. Your health
care provider can explain what the test results mean and
possible next steps. The types of tests you may have during
pregnancy include1: - Glucose challenge screening. Given between
24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, this screening determines your
risk for gestational diabetes. You will consume a sugary drink
and get a blood test 1 hour later to measure your blood sugar
levels. - Group B streptococcus (pronounced STREP-tuh-KOK-uhss)
infection screening. This test is performed between 35 and 37
weeks of pregnancy to look for ba