Routine pregnancy testing is an essential aspect of prenatal care. It provides crucial insights into both the health of the mother and the developing baby. Early testing helps confirm the pregnancy. It monitors key aspects of maternal health throughout the pregnancy journey.

A common first step in pregnancy testing is a home pregnancy test. It detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in urine. If the result is positive, she should follow up with a healthcare provider.  For a more definitive test, such as a blood test, which can offer more precise measurements of hCG levels.

Routine testing during pregnancy includes several screenings aimed at assessing potential risks. Blood test is to check her condition like gestational diabetes and anemia. Further blood test checking is infections such as syphilis or hepatitis. Additionally, ultrasound help check the fetal development. It detects abnormalities of the heart. Also, establishes the key milestones like baby’s growth.

An obstetrician will supervise a pregnant woman's health and her baby during pregnancy. So, you will undergo a series of routine tests. But prenatal tests depends on the month of your pregnancy. 

There are times the doctor will ask for a test twice to make sure. Like myself, my obstetrician asked me twice to undergo a transvaginal exam. She is not satisfied with the first result of my baby's number of weeks. Also, the tests depend on your age, health and your family's medical history. 

Check out the infographic below for what routine tests you will undergo based on your trimester month.

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As a couple who have no baby for years is quite a struggle and a pressure. And then, when you have it, voila! Everyone is so excited. This is what happened to Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren.

On February 18, a Saturday both the couple shared on Instagram their happiness and excitement, with some photos and videos from their gender reveal party. 

Thomas wife, Lauren Akins, shared a picture of a gorgeous tall cake. "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" decorations. Her caption says, "How we wonder what you are...' guess what we're doing tonight :)". The cake is adorned with colors pink and blue. It has an edible metallic star decoration covering it. It was magnificent!

Today, I watched a video from Brightside about a "9 Months of Pregnancy in 4 Minutes". The video shows the start of conceiving a child from the start to giving birth in 4 minutes.

While watching the video, all the memories and pain of losing my unborn child returned. I find myself weeping uncontrollably. I've been holding on for years, pretending that I'm okay even if it's not. Just to go on with life. The truth of what had really happened did not sink in, immediately. Until I saw and visualized it.