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for various diseases and conditions that may affect the baby's health, such as diabetes, syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV/ AIDS. • Urine test — A urine test checks for bacteria in the urine, which could indicate a urinary tract infection; the presence of sugar, a possible sign of gestational diabetes; or protein in the urine, which can indicate either an infection or preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that is typically associated with high blood pressure and fluid retention. • Cervical testing — A pap test is included with testing, if it is due and indicated based on the mother's age, to detect certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. • Ultrasound — An ultrasound is usually first performed at 18 to 20 weeks — although it may be done earlier for certain indications — and sometimes is repeated depending on the nature of the pregnancy and the doctor's recommendations. An ultrasound exam uses sound waves to transmit a picture of the baby. The ultrasound shows the shape and position of the baby in the uterus, shows the baby's gender, records the baby's heartbeat and looks for physical problems or issues, such as cleft palates, congenital heart defects or malformation of internal organs. It also shows the baby's relationship to the placenta. • Glucose screening — Glucose screening is typically performed between 24 and 28 weeks but sometimes earlier in the pregnancy if a mother has additional risk factors. This blood test checks for gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that develops in 3 to 8 percent of pregnancies. Women at increased risk are those who are older than age 25, are obese, have a family history of diabetes, have previously given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or have sugar in their urine during routine testing. • Group B streptococcus (GBS) test — This test is done later in pregnancy, usually between 35 to 37 weeks, by swabbing the vagina and rectum to detect the presence of Group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteria. Although GBS bacteria are found naturally in the vaginas of many women, it can cause infections in newborns if present during delivery. If found, an antibiotic is given to the mother during labor to reduce the baby's chances of exposure. Additionally, elective tests may be performed if a mother has a specific health condition that must be monitored at the request of the mother or on the doctor's recommendation. These tests can measure the risk level and screen for certain genetic conditions or treatable health problems in the mother that could harm her or her baby or simply provide more information, such as the gender of the baby. The obstetrician should always discuss the benefits and any risks associated with each test. Elective tests may include: • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) — The test is used to detect chromosomal disorders, such as hemophilia, which prevents blood from clotting properly, or Down syndrome, which causes mental retardation and physical defects. The test is offered at 10 to 12 weeks as an alternative to amniocentesis and involves taking a tiny tissue sample from the placenta either through the abdominal wall or cervix. CVS can be performed earlier than amniocentesis but carries higher risks of infection, spotting/bleeding and miscarriage (up to 1 percent). • Amniocentesis — Offered between 15 and 20 weeks, this test samples amniotic fluid from within the bag of water around the baby. The sample is taken via a thin needle inserted through the mother's abdominal wall, and the test analyzes it to determine the risk for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities; structural problems, such as spina bifida; and some inherited metabolic disorders. • Maternal serum screening/Quad screen — This blood test, offered between 15 and 20 weeks, is also called a multiple- marker screen. It determines whether there is an increased risk for Down syndrome, other chromosome problems and spina bifida. The test measures the amount of alpha-fetal protein, produced by the fetus, in the mother's bloodstream and levels of three other hormones. The test compares these hormone levels to the levels of thousands of other women who have had infants, both with and without chromosomal abnormalities, to calculate the risk of each condition. "An expectant mother can make an informed decision about what's right for her and her baby by learning as much as possible about the available tests by talking with her doctor and/or a genetic counselor," Dr. Pierson says. Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information to facilitate conversations with their physician. To make an appointment with Dr. Pierson, call (479) 757-1730 or visit NW- Physicians.com. SATURDAY, MARch 31, 2018 | ApRil - TAckling AlleRgieS nwADg.coM/YoUATYoURbeST | YoU AT YoUR beST | 9

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