What is one universal maternal screening conducted during a first prenatal visit?

During the first prenatal visit, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) is universally conducted as part of standard maternal screening. The CBC is crucial because it assesses the overall health of the mother and helps identify several conditions, such as anemia, which can affect both maternal and fetal health.

By measuring hematocrit, hemoglobin, and white blood cell counts, the CBC provides insight into the woman's blood volume, any potential deficiencies, and her immune status. This screening is particularly important since anemia is relatively common during pregnancy and can lead to complications if left untreated. Furthermore, a baseline CBC can help in monitoring the woman's health throughout her pregnancy, guiding any necessary interventions, and ensuring both the mother and baby are supported effectively.

In contrast, while tests like blood glucose screening, HIV testing, and urine cultures are important components of prenatal care, they are not performed universally at the first prenatal visit and may be based on specific risk factors or clinical guidelines.