Arterial Blood Gases. Test Overview. An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures the acidity (pH) and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. This test is used to check how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.
How Often the Test Is Done During Your Pregnancy. Your doctor may use the Doppler often to listen to your baby's heartbeat during routine checkups, starting at about 8 to 10 weeks. Handheld Dopplers will not work quite this early.
Then, when you see them at the doctor's office, you will know what they are used for and how they are used. At your checkup, you can ask the doctor or nurse questions about the instruments and can ask to touch them. Stethoscope. The doctor uses a stethoscope (steth-o-scope) to listen to your heart and lungs and make sure they are healthy. He or she will place a small metal circle, called a bell, against your chest, at the spot where you can feel your heart beating. This special bell does not make noise. It allows the doctor to listen carefully to your heartbeat and your breathing. Sounds travel from the bell, through a rubber tube, and into the doctor's ears. The doctor may move the bell around on your chest and ask you to take deep breaths while he or she listens to your lungs. Some kids ask the doctor to let them listen to their own heartbeat or the doctor's heartbeat through the stethoscope.