At what point in pregnancy is it recommended to perform a urinalysis and urine culture for a healthy, uncomplicated gravida?

The recommendation to perform a urinalysis and urine culture between 11 and 16 weeks of pregnancy for a healthy, uncomplicated gravida is based on the goal of early detection and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a condition where bacteria are present in the urine without causing any symptoms, and it is significant because it can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and increased risk of preterm labor and low birth weight if left untreated.

Conducting these tests early in the second trimester aligns with current clinical guidelines, which suggest screening for bacteriuria at this point. The rationale is to identify and treat any potential urinary infections early on, which can significantly improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

The other options, while they may involve urinalysis at some point during the pregnancy, do not align with the recommended guidelines for the routine screening of asymptomatic bacteriuria at the optimal time during pregnancy.