A significant part of receiving routine and ethical prenatal care is undergoing various screens and tests related to the pregnancy’s health and the mother’s well-being. Not only is a mother at risk for various health concerns, but a developing fetus can endure risk factors that may be harmful. We explore the various tests you may encounter during pregnancy to help you understand their importance.
Nuchal Translucency Scan
The nuchal translucency test occurs near 12 weeks gestation and is an early detection measure for any fetal genetic abnormalities. Commonly, this test will indicate conditions such as trisomy 13, 18, or 21. Discovering these conditions early on helps birth parents and providers understand the most suitable course of action, including more in-depth testing or preparations. Depending on these outcomes, providers may suggest a quad test, which includes a series of blood tests, a beta-HCG test, and a DIA test.
Nonstress Testing
Nonstress testing is one of the more well-known tests that expecting parents receive. This test monitors the development and movements of the fetal heart. For this test, a birth parent will lay on an ultrasound table, and a provider will wrap a band-like testing device around their abdomen.
The primary objective is to measure the movements without using external devices such as medication or contraction promoters. Nonstress testing is essential for monitoring birth parents if they are experiencing early signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or headaches.
Biophysical Profiling
A biophysical profile test combines two other normal scans: the ultrasound and the nonstress test. The biophysical profile will monitor the breathwork and movements of the unborn baby and help gauge the amount of available amniotic fluid. The primary objective of biophysical profiling is to determine if the birth parent should deliver earlier than expected.
Baseline Health Screens
Along with the above-mentioned scans, birth parents may also experience a few baseline health screens that are relatively typical for prenatal care.
Glucose Testing
The glucose test will occur between 24 and 28 weeks gestation. This is to ensure the mother’s glucose levels are healthy. High glucose levels may indicate gestational diabetes, and close monitoring may follow for both the mother and the fetus.
GBS
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is another common screen that occurs between 35 and 37 weeks gestation. This is a less-invasive test; the mother can typically complete it with a urine sample. The primary objective of a GBS test is to check for GBS bacteria present in the mother to ensure treatment before delivery. The treatment will help avoid passing the bacteria off to the baby during delivery.
Each of these various tests you may encounter during pregnancy serves a distinct purpose. Note that there may be more or fewer tests related to your prenatal health, and your provider will discuss any tests with you before they occur. Partner with your overseeing care team if you have questions or concerns regarding the scans and their purpose. The goal with each remains a healthy mother, pregnancy, and baby.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
If you have ever stitched out a design only to find the fabric bunched up or the outline misaligned, you know the frustration of skipping essential prep work. Stabilizer is the backbone of any good stitch-out. It is a specialized material used to support fabric during the stitching process to keep it from moving or distorting. Understanding the importance of stabilizer for machine embroidery projects is the first step toward achieving professional results.
Corporate events often get a bad rap for being stiff or boring, but they don't have to be. A well-planned party is a fantastic way to build camaraderie, celebrate your team's hard work, and break up the monotony of the daily grind. If you are struggling to find inspiration, look no further. Check out these unique ideas for corporate themed parties that will ensure your next gathering is the talk of the water cooler.
Preparing a construction site requires more than just manual labor; it demands powerful machinery capable of transforming the landscape safely and quickly. From clearing dense vegetation to stabilizing the soil for a foundation, the right equipment accelerates project timelines and reduces overall costs. Here are the top tools for efficient land management to help you maximize productivity on your next job.
Related Bing News Results Construction and Real Estate Industry Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:10:00 GMT The Melbourne real estate market is leading a "decisive recovery", according to property portal Domain, as the city hits a four-year high for its median house price after strong g ... Convenience Store News Industry Report 2025: Under Pressure Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:00:00 GMT Weary consumers, declining foot traffic and rising operational costs had convenience store retailers apprehensive heading into 2024. Indeed, some of their concerns were warranted. After hitting record ...
