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Sophisticated Tests for Mom and BabyUltrasound and other tests can help youLehigh Valley Health Network's maternal-fetal medicine specialists offer diagnostic tests not generally available at an obstetrician’s office. These tests include the following:Level II UltrasoundObstetricians routinely use a basic type of ultrasound (called Level I ultrasound) to determine the due date, diagnose multiple births and assess the baby’s general well-being. All pregnant moms who receive care at Lehigh Valley Health Network also receive a Level II ultrasound, which provides a more detailed scan of the baby for structural abnormalities, such as those involving the skeleton and internal organs. This more detailed scan gives the clearest and crispest picture, and is usually performed between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.Fetal EchocardiogramThis test uses ultrasound to scan the baby’s heart to detect problems in structure and function. You may need this test if your medical background or family history increases your risk for having a child with a heart defect.Doppler Flow StudiesDoppler Flow is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to detect abnormalities in blood flow through the umbilical cord from you to your baby. You may need this test if your baby is small for its due date or if you have high blood pressure because both of these conditions can indicate a problem with umbilical cord blood flow. A specialized type of Doppler called Color Flow Doppler allows your physician to view the flow of blood through the baby’s heart.Non-stress Test (NST)Usually performed during the last trimester of pregnancy, this test records how your baby’s heart rate responds to your baby’s movement. During the test, you will wear a fetal heart rate monitor. As the monitor records the baby’s heart beat, you will press a button whenever you feel your baby move. Normally the baby’s heart rate increases in response to movement. If it does not, you may need additional testing.Biophysical Profile (BPP)Often used in conjunction with a non-stress test (NST), the BPP uses ultrasound to measure your baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.Thyroid ScreenIf you have diabetes or another autoimmune disease when you become pregnant, you’re at a higher risk for developing a thyroid disorder during pregnancy, which raises the risk for miscarriage, premature delivery and preeclampsia.AmniocentesisIn this procedure, a professional inserts a needle through the mother’s abdomen into the sac of fluid surrounding the baby. Often used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in early pregnancy, amniocentesis also can help your physician assess whether your baby’s lungs are developed enough for birth.Pelvic UltrasoundIn this test, an ultrasound device is placed in your vagina. In early pregnancy, this test can help determine whether a pregnancy is happening in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. It also can check the length of your cervix in women prone to preterm labor.
Need Help?
Call 610-402-CARE (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) to talk to nurses and other experts who can help you find a doctor and more. This page last updated 11/4/08 11:02 AM
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