Three prenatal tests every homebirther should get

(and others to consider)

Some homebirthers are wary of prenatal testing, but for others, a quick lab test or ultrasound peek offers some peace of mind. Regardless of where you stand on the more invasive tests like amniocentesis or ultrasound there are three prenatal tests that every pregnant mom should get, even those planning to birth in the most natural umedicalized way possible. I've also included some other tests you should consider - and how to get them if you're planning a homebirth.

1.  Urine tests. Your midwife should perform urine tests several times during your pregnancy; at every prenatal visit is best.  Usually, the urine test involves peeing in a cup, dipping a strip into the urine, and observing any color changes. This non-invasive test is essential for detecting sugars - which could be an early warning sign of gestational diabetes, proteins - which could signal preeclampsia, and bacteria - which could point to a kidney or urinary tract infection. It can be performed in your own home or your midwife's office.

2.  Glucose tolerance test. In your third trimester, you should undergo a glucose tolerance test to rule out gestational diabetes. This test involves fasting for a few hours, then drinking a high sugar drink (your midwife will give you the glucose liquid) or consuming a dose of high sugar foods/drinks like honey and apple juice.  Within an hour of consuming the sugar, your midwife will draw blood, which she'll send to a lab for analysis. If your midwife is not able (or doesn't want) to draw blood, she can refer you to a lab where you can have the test completed.  If it turns out you have gestational diabetes, your midwife can prescribe dietary or activity changes to manage it.

3.  Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test.  GBS can cause urinary tract and bladder infections in pregnant moms, and in more serious cases, meningitis and stillbirths.  The risk of GBS is that you'll pass it to your unborn baby during labor.  A newborn with GBS may have breathing problems, meningitis, or gastrointestinal problems. The test involves swabbing your rectum and vagina, then sending it off to a lab for a culture. If you test positive for GBS, you may want to consider antibiotics administered intravenously during labor or homeopathic remedies 2-3 weeks prior to delivery.

Other tests:

If you're like me, you're all for a natural unmedicalized birth, but you also don't want any surprises. Here are some other tests I would strongly recommend. Your midwife will not be able to perform these tests in her office or your home, but she can write you a prescription or a referral to another office that can perform them.

First trimester screen.  This is a two-part test in the first trimester to rule out chromosomal abnormalities including Down Syndrome and Trisomy-18. First, you'll need to get an ultrasound that observes fluid in the nuchal folds behind the baby's neck. Second, you get a blood test measuring pregnancy-related hormones. Taken together, they give you the risk of your baby having an abnormality. You may think: Why do I need to know? I don't plan to terminate the pregnancy either way. True, but knowing gives you time to prepare and to seek out possible medical interventions, such as fetal surgery for spina bifida.

Ultrasound. Aside from learning the baby's gender, an ultrasound provides a reassuring picture inside the womb. I had one done late in the pregnancy to confirm the baby was head down. The ultrasound also allows you to rule out placental abnormalities.

For more on prenatal testing, go to the American Pregnancy Association.