Your care during pregnancy
Routine tests during pregnancy
Your doctor or midwife will discuss the routine blood tests offered in pregnancy.
These tests are performed to check for anything that may cause problems during pregnancy or after the birth.
Other tests may include a:
- pap smear
- breast check.
More information: Pregnancy Birth and Baby – Blood tests during pregnancy
What if I have a negative blood group?
There are four main blood groups. A, B, AB, and O.
A blood test in early pregnancy tells you which blood group you are, and whether you are Rh positive or Rh negative. Most women (85%) are Rh positive.
If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive it can cause health problems which can be treated.
You will be offered an Anti-D injection at 28 weeks and at 34 weeks of your pregnancy.
You will also be offered an Anti-D injection if you have:
- any vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy
- a miscarriage
- an abortion
- if you have been involved in an accident involving major force to the abdomen
- a medical procedure such as chorionic villous sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
You will also require a blood test following birth and may be given an Anti-D injection within 72 hours of your baby's birth if your baby is Rh positive.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines, Parent Information - RhD negative blood type in pregnancy
Testing for gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes only develops in pregnancy.
The condition occurs in two to three of every 100 pregnant women.
How do I find out if I have gestational diabetes?
Due to COVID-19, testing for gestational diabetes might be different to what is usually done.
If you have risk factors for gestational diabetes you will be offered a blood test in the first trimester.
All other women will be offered a blood test around 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. You may have to have a second test where you are given a special glucose drink and have blood samples taken over two hours.
Your doctor or midwife will discuss what is best for you.
For more information about gestational diabetes visit:
In this guide:
- Antenatal visits
- Routine tests during pregnancy
- Ultrasounds during pregnancy
- Common discomforts in pregnancy