around 12 weeks of pregnancy you get blood taken out to check for something for the baby? my sister told me and she has a 1.5 year old boy...
2007-01-29 14:23:51 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I just had that done today (twelve weeks, two days). They pricked my finger to take blood in conjunction with an ultrasound. They measure the amount of fluid behind the baby's neck to check for the possibility of Down's syndrome. It's completely optional, and while the risk of Down's is usually higher when the mother is older, they test everyone who wants it (I'm only 25). I think it's something new, because they didn't offer it with my son, and he's 6. The results come back to your doctor in seven to ten days and it's done between 12 and 14 weeks because if you choose not to continue the pregnancy if the baby had Down's, you had time to do it. My doctor said if the mother would continue the pregnancy either way, then she doesn't need the test. It didn't matter to me, since I wouldn't terminate the pregnancy, but I did it for peace of mind (as well as another chance to see my baby).
2007-01-29 17:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by zuckie44 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean when they check to see what blood type you are? The doctor will check to find out if your RH is positive or negative. If you are negative then your partner will need to have his blood type checked. If his is positive it is possible that your baby will have RH positive blood while yours is RH negative. If your blood type is negative the doctor will send you to have a needle around 28 weeks ( I think ). This needle will be for any future pregnancies so that your blood won't make antibodies and attack a future fetus that might be RH positive.
2007-01-29 22:32:33 · answer #2 · answered by saskprincess 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Canada around 12w to 16w they take a blood sample and check for things like the possibility of Down syndrome. It's very simple and it's painless.
When the results come back they Will know wither or not to do other tests, such as amino, or ultrasound.
2007-01-29 22:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by MICHELLE B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You get your blood drawn every so often while your pregnant because they want to make sure you're okay...they have to check your iron levels, white blood cell count, and sugar level among other things. All in all, you might not like getting stuck with a needle, but it's all part of having a baby, and that's the LEAST of the terror of being a parent.
2007-01-29 22:30:57 · answer #4 · answered by rdnck_grl_ms_007 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
at that time, you have the option of having screenign done to check for down syndrome in the baby. You give blood and have an ultrasound than give blood again.
It is optional though.
2007-01-29 22:33:26 · answer #5 · answered by Newmomofone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your age (over 35)...sometimes an amneocentesis is taken to check for the likelyhood of disabilities. This is your choice not the hospitals!
Blood may be drawn to check hormone levels for "normal" readings...this is probably what she is talking about.
2007-01-29 22:31:32 · answer #6 · answered by Greed...Is Good 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably thinking of the nuchal translucency exam.
This checks for problems like spina bifida, down's syndrome, Trisomy... it is done in conjunction with ultrasound.
It is done around 12 weeks and again around 16 weeks and they compare the 2 and tell you your chances of the baby having birth defects.
2007-01-29 22:31:19 · answer #7 · answered by colinsmumplus1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
everytime you have your blood taken during pregnancy is to check for problems with the baby and you.
2007-01-29 22:28:27 · answer #8 · answered by divamommy_4 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will do so many blood tests by the end of your pregnancy you won't even remember!
2007-01-29 22:38:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
they sometimes do blood tests to check for certain things like aids
2007-01-29 22:28:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋