First-Trimester Examinations and Tests

First-Trimester Examinations and Tests

British Columbia Specific Information

​In British Columbia, prenatal screening is offered free of charge as a choice to all pregnant women with MSP coverage in BC. During your pregnancy, your health care provider will offer prenatal screening. Prenatal genetic screening can tell a pregnant woman her chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or an open neural tube defect.The tests can consist of one or more blood tests and ultrasound. These tests are ordered by your health care provider and can be done at any hospital or laboratory. For more information on prenatal genetic screening, visit BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre – Prenatal Screening and Perinatal Services BC - Prenatal Genetic Screening Program.

Every newborn baby born in BC and Yukon qualifies for screening. During the first few days after birth, your baby will have a newborn blood spot card screening test, which includes a blood test and examination by a doctor or midwife. Early detection and treatment of some disorders can help prevent disability and promote healthy development. For more information on newborn screening, visit

Overview

At each prenatal visit during your first trimester, you'll be weighed and have your blood pressure checked. Your urine may also be checked for bacteria, protein, or sugar.

As early as weeks 10 to 12, you may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat using a Doppler ultrasound. By the 20th week, the heart tone is strong enough to hear with a special type of stethoscope.

Depression screening

Your care provider may ask questions about your health and your feelings to find out if you're depressed. Depression is common during pregnancy and after giving birth (postpartum). Experts recommend that all pregnant women be screened for depression. If it isn't treated, depression can cause problems during pregnancy and after birth.

Testing for genetic conditions and birth defects

You can choose whether to have tests for certain conditions, such as Down syndrome. First-trimester tests can be done around 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Options include:

  • First-trimester screening. This includes blood tests and a certain type of ultrasound. These tests can also be done as part of an integrated screening test.
  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This test can be done to find certain genetic conditions.

If you have your first prenatal visit during your second trimester, you'll have more than these tests. Other tests you may have include tests for blood type, anemia, and HIV. You may be screened for hepatitis B, sexually transmitted infections, or thyroid disease. You'll also be checked for past infections, such as syphilis or rubella (German measles).

Credits

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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