Prenatal Screening and Fetal Monitoring for High-Risk Pregnancies

Learning that you have a high-risk pregnancy can be shocking, but it does not mean something bad will happen to you or your baby. Screening and monitoring tests help us know more about potential problems so we can protect you and your baby from complications.

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We offer a broad range of sophisticated tests that show us how your baby is developing, including:

Amniocentesis

During this test, we use a needle to take a small sample of the amniotic fluid in your belly that is protecting your baby. The fluid contains cells and chemicals from your baby that can help us confirm whether your baby’s lungs are healthy or if he or she has certain genetic conditions such as Down syndrome.

Fetal Monitoring

We perform these tests toward the end of your pregnancy to see whether your baby is mature enough to be delivered. There are many types of monitoring tests, including non-stress tests, which measure your baby’s movement and heartbeat.

3-D and 4-D Ultrasound

These tests use sound waves and advanced technology to create 3-D and 4-D images of your baby. Unlike traditional ultrasounds, 3-D and 4-D tests show us the entire surface of an area such as your baby’s face. We use these tests to help us learn more about potential birth defects like a cleft lip.

Nuchal Translucency (NT) Ultrasound

We use this imaging test to examine whether fluid is collecting at the back of your baby’s neck. Abnormal fluid levels in this area can be a sign of Down syndrome.

Fetal Echocardiogram (Echo)

This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the health of your baby’s heart. We use echos to examine the heart’s structures and determine whether it is pumping hard enough to send blood to the rest of the body.

Advanced Genetic Testing

We use simple blood tests along with amniocentesis and NT ultrasound tests at certain points in your pregnancy to determine your baby’s risk for genetic conditions.