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Routine antenatal tests
Key facts
- Routine antenatal tests are offered to all parents during pregnancy.
- Most antenatal tests involve a blood test or ultrasound scan.
- Routine antenatal tests provide information on you and your baby's health.
- It's your choice if you decide to have each test.
What are antenatal tests?
Antenatal tests help make sure that you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. Antenatal tests are an important part of your pregnancy care.
Several tests, including blood tests, urine tests (Opens in new tab) and ultrasound scans are used to check various aspects of your health and your baby's health.
Some tests are recommended for everyone, while others are only offered if there is a higher chance that you or your baby have a certain condition.
At your first antenatal visit, your doctor or midwife will explain which antenatal tests are recommended. They will give you a list of the best time to have the tests.
Your midwife will also record your height and weight.
Of course, things might change during pregnancy, so you need to be flexible about which appointments and tests you have.
For more information on checkups, test and scans during pregnancy.
What is a screening test?
Some antenatal tests are screening tests. This means that they are designed to estimate the chance of you or your baby having a particular condition.
What is a diagnostic test?
A diagnostic test can tell you for certain whether your baby has a condition. If you receive a high-risk result on a screening test, you might be referred for a diagnostic test.
Which antenatal tests are offered during pregnancy?
There are different types of antenatal tests offered during pregnancy.
| Name | Type of test | What does it check for? | When is it done? |
|
Infectious diseases screen |
Blood test |
Immunity to, or presence of, infections such as syphilis (Opens in new tab), hepatitis, HIV and rubella |
First antenatal visit |
|
Blood test |
Blood group and Rhesus negative status |
First antenatal visit |
|
|
Blood test |
First antenatal visit Repeated at 26 – 28 weeks |
||
|
Vitamin D level |
Blood test |
First antenatal visit |
|
|
Urine test and culture |
Urine (wee) test |
Infection or signs of abnormalities |
First antenatal visit May be repeated during pregnancy |
|
Mental health and social wellbeing screen |
Questionnaire |
First antenatal visit May be repeated during pregnancy |
|
|
Ultrasound scan |
Estimated due date |
Usually at 8 – 14 weeks |
|
|
Ultrasound scan |
Screens for genetic abnormalities |
11 weeks to 13 weeks |
|
|
Ultrasound scan and blood test |
Screens for genetic abnormalities |
11 – 14 weeks |
|
|
Blood test |
Screens for genetic abnormalities |
From 10 weeks |
|
|
Blood test |
Screens for RhD status |
From 11 weeks |
|
|
Procedure |
Diagnoses genetic abnormalities |
From 11 weeks |
|
|
Procedure |
Diagnoses genetic abnormalities |
From 15 weeks |
|
|
Ultrasound scan |
Fetal growth and development Position of the placenta |
18 – 22 weeks |
|
|
Gestational diabetes screening |
Blood test |
24 – 28 weeks |
|
|
Vaginal or rectal swab |
Group B strep |
35 – 37 weeks |
* For more information about this test and to find out whether it is available to you, speak to your maternity care provider.
Why do I need tests during pregnancy?
Antenatal tests are an important way to check your own and your baby's health and wellbeing throughout your pregnancy. Antenatal tests can help to:
- pick up medical problems early so they can be treated
- identify any genetic conditions affecting your baby, so you can find out what your options are and decide what to do next
- check and monitor how well your baby is growing and developing
It's important to try to do the tests at the recommended time to make sure you get the most accurate information. The test results are used to help you and your healthcare team make any necessary decisions about your pregnancy.
Ask your doctor or midwife if you're not sure when you need to have a particular test, or why it is recommended for you.
Do I have to have the routine antenatal tests?
You can choose whether to have antenatal tests. You may decide to have all the tests recommended or only some of them.
You will be given information about each test so you can make an informed decision.
Your midwife or doctor can answer your questions and give you accurate information and advice about your situation.
During pregnancy, you and your doctor or midwife can decide together which tests you will have.
It's a good idea to think about the possible results of antenatal testing, and how you might feel when you get the results.
Many people find it helpful to ask questions and discuss their options with their midwife or doctor. You can talk to your partner, close family and friends to help you make choices that are right for you.
Be careful about following advice from the internet or social media since it may not be accurate, or may not apply to you. You can ask your doctor or midwife for advice.
Questions for your midwife or doctor
Here are some questions you might want to ask your midwife or doctor:
- Why are you offering me this test?
- What does the procedure involve?
- Do I need to do anything on the day?
- When will I get the results?
- Who will contact me to give me the results?
- Do I need to do anything to care for myself after the procedure?
Who will do the tests?
Your doctor or midwife will refer you for any antenatal tests that are recommended.
Blood tests
Blood tests are usually done at a pathology collection centre or hospital by a trained pathology collector.
Ultrasound scans
Ultrasound scans are usually performed by a specially trained technician called a sonographer. They can also be done by doctors, midwives or other health workers. Scans can be done in a radiology clinic or a hospital.
Specialist tests
Procedures like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are done by a specialist doctor in a clinic or hospital.
What do antenatal tests cost?
Medicare covers some of the cost of routine antenatal tests. You can get some money back or be bulk billed for many ultrasounds and blood tests.
However, not all antenatal tests are covered by Medicare. You may need to pay an out-of-pocket cost, depending on the test and where you get it done. Speak to your doctor or midwife if you are worried about the cost of antenatal tests.
It's a good idea to check about the fees when you book your appointments.
What happens when I get the results?
Your doctor, obstetrician or midwife can answer your questions and give you more information about antenatal tests. They can discuss what your test results mean. If antenatal tests find that you have an infection, it can be treated.
They may also suggest talking to a genetic counsellor, who can help you understand your results, any choices you may need to make and the support you can get. Some hospitals have a genetic counsellor that can help.
The best way to contact a genetic counsellor is to ask your doctor. They can refer you to a genetic counselling service.
The Human Genetics Society of Australasia also has a Find a Genetic Counsellor service (Opens in new tab). It can help you find a registered counsellor in your area.
Resources and support
For mental health support during pregnancy visit:
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) (Opens in new tab) call: 1300 726 306
- Beyond Blue (Opens in new tab) call: 1300 22 4636
Try the Australian government Medical Costs finder (Opens in new tab).
Watch a video about maternity care in Australia (Opens in new tab) in your preferred language.
Find out how we develop and review our content.
Last reviewed: February 2026
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