Welcome to our pregnancy arena!

Once a month during your pregnancy, you will be asked to see the nurse at your medical center or at Tipat Halav, for a pregnancy checkup. 

The nurse will open a pregnancy monitoring card for you, and will perform a blood pressure test, weight, a urine test for protein and sugar, offer health advice for pregnancy, and later on to explain about monitoring fetal movements, L&D instructions etc. 

You are welcome to read more pregnancy monitoring in the link

After you find out thet you're pregnant you will be asked to do a blood test.

The test includes:

• Blood count to check the hemoglobin level, white cell count, platelet levels, blood sugar
• Testing for thalassemia, a severe genetic disease that can affect the fetus.
• Blood type and RH antibodies
• CMV and toxoplasmosis antibody test
• Antibody test for childhood diseases

The first pregnancy ultrasound is usually performed between weeks 6 and 11.
The ultrasound examination is performed to determine the position of the gestational sac, the age of the pregnancy and the number of fetuses.

Exact gestational age is important in the management of the pregnancy and in analyzing the results of the tests done during pregnancy at your OBGYN or at one of the institutes operating in an arrangement with Leumit.

Therefore, all pregnant women are advised to to the US exan during their first trimester. This US may be either abdominal, vaginal or both at the doctor's discretion. 

Many clinics will not test before the eighth week of pregnancy.

You are welcome to read more about the first ultrasound examination in the link.

Performed between weeks 10-13 of pregnancy, usually if indicated.

The test detects chromosomal abnormalities and/or genetic diseases in the fetus.

During the test, the fetal chromosomes are examined (karyotype).

The test enables the diagnosis of syndromes caused by an excess or lack of whole chromosomes, additional or partial absences of chromosomes, and diagnosis of genetic  diseases.

The test entails sampling of the placental tissue through the abdomen or cervix, and is carried out in hospitals or institutes affiliated with Leumit. 

For Leumit Silver and Gold customers, the test involves a deductible.

You are welcome to read more about Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in the link.

From the 10th week of pregnancy

The NIPT test is a screening test to identify chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus by testing fetal DNA in the mother's blood.

The test is non-invasive, and without risk to the mother and fetus. The statistical risk of Down syndrome and several other syndromes are tested. It is also possible to check the sex chromosomes and their disorders.

This is a screening test. It is not diagnostic and does not offer statics for most genetic syndromes (as opposed to CVS or amniocentesis.)

You are welcome to read more about the NIPT test in the link.

This test is performed between 11 weeks and 13+6 weeks. 

The test measures the levels of lymphatic fluid in the fetus. In cases where the fluid accumulation is abnormal, there is an increased risk of genetic syndromes (such as Down syndrome) and birth defects (such as severe heart defects).

This is an ultrasound examination, during which the size of the fetus is measured - the distance between the vertex (head) and the end of the buttocks (CRL), and the thickness (in millimeters) of the area transparent to sound waves at the nape of the neck is measured.

The test is carried out at a relatively early stage of pregnancy, and allows for continued testing in cases of abnormal results.

The test is done in institutes affiliated with Leumit. For Leumit Silver and Gold customers, the test involves a deductible.

The test must be combined with the biochemical screening test of the first trimester of pregnancy (blood test for HCG Free, A-PAPP).

You are welcome to read more about Nuchal Translucency Screening in the link.

The test must be performed between 11+0 weeks to 13+6 weeks (up to a fetal length of . CRL-84 mm)

includes: 

PAPP-A level, a protein that is normally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The risk of Down syndrome increases the lower the protein level.

Free Beta HCG, a hormone produced normally by the placenta during pregnancy. The risk of Down syndrome increases the higher the level of the hormone.

These tests, together with the result of the Nuchal Translucency Screening and information about the age of mother at the expected date of birth, give a statistical prediction of the normality of the pregnancy. This is not a diagnostic test, but a statistical screening test that reports the degree of risk.

You are welcome to read more about a biochemical screening test in the link.

Usually conducted between weeks 14-16 of pregnancy.

An ultrasound examination in which the organs of the fetus are examined, to locate structural defects and abnormal findings in the early stage of pregnancy.
The test includes a scan of body systems such as the skull, parts of the brain, face, chest, heart and lungs, abdominal organs, kidneys, stomach, genitals, hands and feet. There is also a measurement of the fetal head, abdomen and femur and the comparison oto gestational age.

The test is usually carried out via vaginal approach and/or abdominal approach and is done by specialists. 

The Antenatal Ultrasound Scan is not in the health basket. Leumit Silver and Gold customers are entitled for participation in costs or reimbursement according to eligibility if done privately. 

You are welcome to read more about Antenatal Ultrasound Scan in the link.

Typically performed between weeks 16-20 of pregnancy. 

This test assesses the risk of conditions such as Down syndrome and  defects in the central nervous system by testing for the following markers:

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Estriol (E3)

The risk is calculated based on maternal age and the levels of the three markers in the blood.

Combined screening, which includes the nuchal translucency measurement and assesses the hormones PAPP-A and hCG and Integrated screening, which combines various screenings and includes nuchal translucency, E3, hCG, PAPP-A, and Inhibin achieve an accuracy level of 80-90% or higher.

You are welcome to read more about the AFP  Test in the link.

The test is performed after the 16th week of pregnancy.

The test examins the fetal chromosomal structure, detecting hereditary diseases,assessing level of fetal protein, utreal infection, lung maturity etc. 

Additional tests may be performed on the amniotic fluid, using a molecular method called a genetic chip, to reveal additonal genetic syndromes. 

Under ultrasound guidence, a thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the amniotic sac. Approximately 20-40 cc of fluid are pumped, an amount that does not endanger the fetus and is replenished within a few hours.

*Women with negative RH will receive an anti-D injection after the test is performed.

You are welcome to read more about amniocentesis in the link.

The test is given as part of the Health Basket free of charge to women over the age of 32 or to those at high risk according to the results of a fetal protein test. Leumit Silver and Gold customers can perform the test at any age with a deductible or via reimbursement of up to 80% of the costs, through Leumit's pregnancy package.

This examination is performed between weeks 19-25 (and is recommended between weeks 21-24) of pregnancy.

During the examination, the shape of the skull and brain components, facial structure, chest, lungs, heart, abdomen, kidneys, bladder, umbilical cord, spinal column, diaphragm, limb movements, number of blood vessels in the umbilical cord, placental location, amniotic fluid volume, heartbeat, and fetal movements are all evaluated.
The examination is conducted using abdominal ultrasound.

The test is done in affilated institutes or privately unless there is a medical indication. for Leumit Silver and Gold customers. The test involves a deductible.

You are welcome to read more about late prenatal ultrasound screeningin the link.

Between 24-28 weeks you will be asked to do a 50 gram Glucose Tolerance Test.

Based on the results, the doctor will decide whether to send you for a 100 gram glucose test to diagnose gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is common and occurs in about 5% of pregnant women. Gestational diabetes can affect the development of the fetus and increases the chance of miscarriages, birth complications and health problems in the baby. Early detection allows reaching the balance of diabetes.

50 gram test

It is recommended you eat a normal breakfast before the test. This is a survey test only, and amy indicate a possibilty of gestational diabetes. 

During the test you will be asked to drink 50 grams of glucose dissolved in water and wait. An hour later, the blood glucose level will be measured.

If the glucose level is 140 mg or more, you will be referred for a 100 gram glucose tolerence  test. 

100 gram test

An 8 hour fast is required. You may drink water. 

Your glucose levels will be measured after fasting and again 60, 120 and 180 minutes after drinking 100 g of glucose, dissolved in water. You must stay at the lab during the testing for a total of about three hours.
Please contact your doctor upon receiving the test results.

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will be referred to a high-risk pregnancy clinic. You will be given a prescription for a blood sugar monitor and guidance by a dietitian. Blood sugar levels will be monitored and recommendations for treament made. 

You are welcome to read more about Glucose Tolerance Test for Detecting Gestational Diabetes in the link.

 Carried out between 28-26 weeks

If the mother has an RH negative blood type, and the fetus is RH positive, there is a danger that she will develop harmful antibodies. To aviode this, the mother should receive an anti-D injection, containing an antibody that binds to the fetus's red blood cells that have entered the mother's blood circulation. 

An antibody test is done at the beginning of pregnancy, and again between 24-28 week to ensure that the mother has not developed her own antibodies.

An anti-D injection is given at 28 weeks and when invasive tests such as an amniocentesis are performed, after a miscarriage, when there is significant bleeding during pregnancy and after delivery.

You are welcome to read more about Rh Factor (Rh) and Anti-D in the link. 

Between 27-36 weeks

Pertussis, Whooping cough, is potentially fatal for infants. Although babies are vaccinated at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months, sufficient immuniny is only reached after completion of vacciantion series.
A pertussis vaccine towards the end of pregnancy allows the transfer of high-level pertussis antibodies through the placenta to the fetus, and gives the newborn baby temporary protection. 

The Tdap vaccine consists of tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and sometimes polio, all of which are considered effective and safe for pregnant women.

The vaccine must be received with every new pregnancy, in order to allow maximum protection for the fetus.

The vaccine must be purchased at a Leumit pharmacy by paying a surcharge (a doctor's prescription is required) and given at nurses' clinic.

You are welcome to read more about the pertussis vaccine in the link

Between 32-34 weeks

Ultrasound to assess the weight of the fetus and determine the position of the placenta. The length, belly, head circumference are measured again and the suitability for the gestational age is checked. In addition, the amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta are checked.

You are welcome to read more about the Fetal Growth US in the link

Between 35-37 weeks

GBS - group B streptococcus, is a bacterium found in some pregnant women. This bacterium may infect the fetus during birth, which in a small number of cases may cause a serious illness in the newborn.

A swab is taken from the vagina and anus at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy.

If the answer is positive and you are a carrier of the bacteria, you must inform the delivery room so that you can receive prophylactic antibiotics during the birth, in order to reduce the risk of infection of the newborn.

You are welcome to read more about GBS in the link

Follow-up is performed every two to three days starting at 40 weeks. 

The follow-up includes a fetal monitor every 3 days, an ultrasound test to assess the condition of the fetus (documenting breathing, body movements and muscle tension, an assessment of the weight of the fetus and measurement of amniotic fluid will be performed) - once a week, blood pressure measurement and a stick test for protein in the urine - every 3 days.

Also, you will be instructed to monitor movements several times a day.

The monitoring of the excess pregnancy must be carried out according to the doctor's instructions. It can be performed at the medical center or at the OBGYN.

You are welcome to read more about excess pregnancy monitoring in the link