Every pregnant woman has diagnostic tests during the pregnancy.
Some tests are recommended for all pregnant women. For example, blood pressure, maternal weight and urine dipsticks for protein are routinely checked at each prenatal visit. A specialized prenatal diagnostic procedure that involves obtaining a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. Ultrasound is used to guide a needle through the abdomen into the fluid-filled sac. It is recommended for women who are over age 35 at the time of delivery and when there is a family history of genetic disorders.