• A nuchal translucency US scan, combined with a specific blood test, is performed before the end of week 13. The two tests help identify higher chances for Down Syndrome and other chromosomal defects at an early stage of pregnancy.
• An alpha-fetoprotein test, performed at 16-18 weeks, is a blood test that increases the accuracy of the assessment for Down Syndrome performed a month earlier, as well as helping to locate other developmental abnormalities in the fetus.
• Another CBC and urine culture (16-18 weeks)
• A US systems review (20-23 weeks)
• Glucose tolerance and CBC (24-28 weeks). Glucose tolerance is a blood test performed without fasting. You will be given 50 grams of sugar diluted in water and lemon juice to drink, and a blood sample will be drawn an hour later. This test enables early detection of women at risk of developing gestational diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above 140, you'll be sent to do another glucose tolerance test, this time with 100 grams of sugar, after fasting. This test takes 3 hours.

• Women with Rh-negative blood require special care: If an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive baby, her body may produce antibodies against the baby’s red blood cells. To prevent this immune response, Rh-negative mothers receive a routine medication called anti-D immunoglobulin to prevent the creation of antibodies in their blood. Another such injection will be given if you undergo an amniocentesis.
• US test to assess the fetus' position, growth, and weight (weeks 36-38).
• GBS - a vaginal culture to determine the presence of the bacteria in the woman's vagina. If the result is positive, the woman will receive antibiotics during birth. The result should be clearly stated on the pregnancy card.
• If you are post-term (i.e., you haven't given birth by the end of week 40), you'll be monitored with an US scan every three days until the end of week 42.

• Until week 28 - once a month
• 29-36 weeks - once every two weeks
• 36-40 weeks - once a week
• After week 40 - post-term pregnancy monitoring

Please remember: Carrying your pregnancy card at all times will allow us to give you the proper care every time you seek medical assistance. So keep your card safe and carry it with you, especially if you need to go to the hospital.