What test should be performed during 12-16 weeks of pregnancy?

During the 12-16 weeks of pregnancy, the most appropriate test to perform is a blood glucose test, particularly for screening for gestational diabetes. This screening is typically recommended between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, but early screening may be advisable in certain at-risk populations.

An ultrasound scan is also commonly performed during this timeframe, primarily to confirm the gestational age and assess fetal anatomy, but the question focuses on a specific test that should be performed, making blood glucose testing necessary for monitoring metabolic health.

Urine cultures can be done at any point in pregnancy but are not specifically mandated during the 12-16 week period, and a hemoglobin test, while important for evaluating anemia, is not uniquely designated to this time frame. Therefore, while urine cultures and hemoglobin tests are relevant during pregnancy, the blood glucose test is highlighted for its significance in screening for potential complications related to diabetes in the later stages of pregnancy.