How soon should I make an appointment for pregnancy testing?
Dr. Gonzalez encourages women to make an appointment to confirm a suspected pregnancy as soon as possible.
At your appointment, you’ll undergo routine blood tests to confirm your pregnancy. Dr. Gonzalez may also conduct a physical exam to determine how many weeks into your pregnancy you are. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of pregnancy care for you and your baby from the first appointment through your delivery.
Regular checkups are extremely important when you’re pregnant to ensure that your baby is developing properly and that you’re both in good health. At each appointment, Dr. Gonzalez explains your progress and recommends any necessary or optional pregnancy testing.
What types of testing can I expect during pregnancy?
As part of your and your baby’s prenatal care, Dr. Gonzalez closely monitors your health and your baby’s development at every stage of pregnancy. Depending on your individual circumstances, your age, and family health history, Dr. Gonzalez may recommend prenatal diagnostic testing, such as:
- Gender identification
- Genetic testing
- Ultrasound imaging
- Fetal heart rate monitoring
If you’re considered to be in the high-risk category, Dr. Gonzalez may also recommend additional tests based on your individual circumstances.
What do pregnancy tests check for?
Pregnancy tests primarily check your baby’s overall health, as well as your own. Tests check for a number of things, including:
- Your blood type and Rh factor
- Infections like STDs or toxoplasmosis
- Signs that you are immune to rubella and chickenpox
- Anemia
Some routine pregnancy tests involve blood samples, ultrasound, or amniocentesis. During amniocentesis, Dr. Gonzalez draws a small amount of amniotic fluid from your uterus to test your baby for Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and spina bifida. You usually get this test around weeks 14-20 of your pregnancy.
For the most comprehensive pregnancy testing and prenatal care in Santa Monica and surrounding communities — whether it’s your first baby or your third — Dr. Gonzalez provides expert obstetrics and gynecology care in a welcoming environment. If you think you’re pregnant, call the office to schedule an appointment or request a convenient time using the online booking feature.
