Blood Pathology tests
In early pregnancy you will need tests are arranged to check for anaemia (full blood count and iron studies), blood group, red cell antibodies, German measles (Rubella) immunity, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, syphilis, HIV chicken pox (Varicella) immunity, blood sugar checking for diabetes, urine checking for infection.. If these tests have already been done by your general practitioner can you please bring a copy of the results to your first visit. Otherwise I will arrange for them to be done after your first visit.
Extra blood tests may be needed if you have relevant personal, past pregnancy or family history or threatened miscarriage.
At 10 week pregnancy you can have NIPT (non-invasive prenatal test) blood to check for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and some other chromosome abnormalities in your baby. This has replaced the nuchal translucency (NTS) ultrasound scan with serum as it is much more accurate. Occasionally a woman want the NTS screening test instead. This that case she will have blood test you increase the accuracy of the NTS result.
Blood tests are done at about 26 weeks pregnancy are taken to check for anaemia, antibodies (if your blood group is Rhesus negative) and diabetes. If you have Rh negative blood group you will be offered prophylaxis Anti-D injections twice in your pregnancy. There is also a swab check for Group B Streptococcus.
Other tests may be necessary because of special considerations. If you are aware of any health issues, past medical problems (personal or in the family) that may have an impact on your pregnancy, please inform us.
I request you have your blood tests only with Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology. Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology has collection rooms all over Sydney.
Ultrasound scans 
Often your GP has arranged an early dating scan. If so can you bring the report with you.
I will do an ultrasound scan of your baby each visit. I have very good quality ultrasound scan machine. These will be 2D,3D and 4D scans. There is no charge. We will give you a USB at your first visit to store the images.
At 20 weeks a morphology ultrasound scan is recommended. I request this be done by a pregnancy specialist ultrasound unit for greater accuracy. It is to exclude fetal developmental abnormalities and other problems that could complicate your pregnancy.
I will offer you the option of an early foetal anatomy scan at 14 weeks pregnancy by a pregnancy specialist ultrasound unit. This can exclude some foetal abnormalities and will check for cervical incompetence.
I will offer you the option of a growth and wellbeing scan at 36 weeks by a pregnancy specialist ultrasound unit. This is to check baby’s well being and size and to help anticipate any childbirth concerns.
There may be other with by a pregnancy specialist ultrasound unit scans needed. This will be discussed if relevant.
If you decide on a NTS screening then you will need a relevant ultrasound scan between 11.5 and 13.5 weeks
I request you have your ultrasound scans be done at Sydney Ultrasound for Women (Norwest Private Hospital booked patients) or San Ultrasound for Women (Sydney Adventist Hospital booked patients).