Pregnancy Lounge

Category: Prenatal Tests

What prenatal tests may be performed by your primary care physician and why.

  • Non-Stress Test (NST)

    Prenatal Testing

    This test helps your doctor evaluate the condition of your baby by measuring your baby’s heart rate in response to it’s own movements. Normally, the heart beats faster when the baby moves. This is usually done during the third trimester of pregnancy.

    For a NST, you either lie on an exam table or sit back in a chair, while a belt with ultrasound transducers attached to it is placed around your abdomen. Your baby’s heart rate is recorded continuously for about 20 minutes. If your baby appears to be sleeping, the test may take longer.

    The results are considered normal if the test is reactive- if the baby’s heart rate accelerated normally in response to it’s own movements. Follow-up tests are needed when a non-reactive NST is obtained.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • RH Factor Prenatal Test

    RH Factor Prenatal Test

    rhfactorAmong the routine tests done early in pregnancy- often at the first visit- is to determine whether the Rh factor is present in your blood. The Rh factor is a type of protein sometimes present in your blood and whether or not you have the Rh factor is determined by your genes passed on from your parents.

    A woman who carries this protein is Rh-positive and someone without it is Rh-negative. Your Rh status, whether positive or negative, does not affect your health before pregnancy, but during pregnancy- if you are Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, problems can arise. Your Rh status is determined by testing your blood.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Triple Screen Test

    Triple Screen Test

    control blood in a laboratoryThis test is another method of screening maternal blood to detect spinal defects and chromosone abnormalities, especially Down syndrome. This test goes beyond alpha-fetoprotein testing and consists of one blood sample taken between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy to analyze three substances: MSAFP, Human Chorionic gonadutropin (HCG) and estriol. The levels of these three substances in your blood may indicate the presence of Down syndrome.

    The triple screen test is used to indicate whether your baby is at higher risk for having a neural tube defect, Down syndrome, along with other rare conditions. In other words, an abnormal test result does not necessarily mean your baby will have a birth defect. Although abnormally high levels of AFP are sure to cause concern, the great majority of pregnant women with high AFP levels have nothing wrong. There are many other causes of elevated levels of AFP, including a pregnancy which is not dated correctly (if you are actually farther along than estimated, then AFP levels will be higher than expected), if you are carrying twins, or if the initial interpretation of your test results didn’t consider your weight, race or the presence of diabetes- all of which also affect AFP levels.

    It usually takes less than three days to get the results from the triple screen test, depending on the lab performing the tests. Ask your doctor when you can expect to hear the results.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis

    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

    —Contraction Stress test (CST)

    —Glucose Tolerance Testing

    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test

    —Non-Stress (NST) Test

    —Rh Factor

    —Triple Screen Test

    —Ultrasound

  • Ultrasound – Prenatal Test

    Ultrasound – Prenatal Test

    ultrasoundAn ultrasound (or sonogram) is a non-surgical method of getting a picture of your baby. Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are directed into your uterus with a small plastic device called a transducer. The sound waved reflect off of bones and tissues and are then converted into black and white images on a screen.

    An ultrasound can be done at any time during pregnancy and may be repeated at different stages to monitor your baby’s growth and development if there is cause for concern. An advanced-level (level two) ultrasound is offered only when a problem is suspected. Usually, ultrasounds are offered between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. By that time, major structural abnormalities can be diagnosed and all four chambers of the heart can be seen (making it possible to detect some congenital heart defects.) A fetal heart can be seen beating as early as 5 or 6 weeks into your pregnancy.

    Ultrasound is one of the most valuable methods of evaluating the development of your baby and placenta. Ultrasounds are usually performed: to confirm pregnancy (or detect miscarriage), date the pregnancy (an ultrasound exam is extremely accurate for judging the fetal age before 20 weeks), learn the number of babies, evaluate risks to the pregnancy (such as implantation location of the embryo in an abnormal location), examine the baby for structural malformations, determine the location and development of the placenta, evaluate the growth and development of the baby and asses health of the baby by monitoring movements.

    Trans-vaginal ultrasounds are sometimes preferred for investigating pregnancy complications during the first trimester. For this test, a small transducer is inserted in the vagina up to the entrance of the uterus to create images of the baby on the monitor. This can be used in early pregnancy for a better view of the baby and placenta.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) Test

    Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) Test

    This is a blood test which measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in your blood. It’s designed to indicate an increased risk for fetal open neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and may also indicate an increased risk for Down syndrome.

    With the MSAFP Test there is a possibility of a “false negative” as well as a “false positive”, since no screening test is perfect.

    This test is usually done between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Hemoglobin Test

    Hemoglobin Test

    A protein found in red blood cells is called hemoglobin. By measuring your hemoglobin level during pregnancy, your doctor can determine whether you have anemia.

    If you do become anemic, your doctor will advise you about changes in your diet and may recommend an iron supplement.

    This test is normally done during your first prenatal visit, along with other lab work, but it may be done more often if you are found to be anemic.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Glucose Tolerance Test

    Glucose Tolerance Test

    This “Glucose Tolerance Test” is performed routinely to determine whether you have gestational diabetes.

    Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that can develop in a pregnant woman who didn’t have diabetes before pregnancy. It is caused by changes in a pregnant woman’s metabolism and hormone production.

    The risk of gestational diabetes is higher in women over 30, who have a family history of diabetes, or who are obese.

    A glucose tolerance test is usually done between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. You will be asked to drink a glucose solution and after an hour, blood is drawn and the glucose level is checked. About 15 percent of pregnant women who are given a glucose tolerance test will have abnormal levels and a second test is done.

    More Prenatal Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

     

  • Contraction Stress Test

    The “Contraction Stress Test” is another prenatal test used to help evaluate the condition of your baby and is often done when a non-stress test is non-reactive, or in some high-risk pregnancies to check whether the blood flow to the baby is adequate.

    Just like the non-stress test, the contraction stress test is done during the third trimester.

    The CST measures your baby’s heart rate in response to contractions of your uterus. The difference is that your doctor will be looking at the heart rate during uterine contractions, rather than in response to movements.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

    Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

    Chorionic villus sampling is usually done early in pregnancy between the 9th and 13th week. This is a procedure that involves removing a sample of chorionic villi cells from the placenta at the point where it attaches to the uterine wall.

    In the more common trans-cervical method, ultrasound is used to guide a thin catheter through your cervix to the placenta. A small amount of chorionic villi cells are gently suctioned into the catheter. The trans-abdominal method is similar to amniocentesis and depends on ultrasound guidance. A long, thin needle is inserted through your abdomen into the placenta, where a small sample is withdrawn.

    CVS is done for many reasons, but the main reason is for early detection of chromosome abnormalities, such as Down syndrome and other genetic disorders. CVS cannot diagnose neural tube defects because it doesn’t sample any amniotic fluid for testing levels of AFP.

    The risk of a pregnancy ending in miscarriage are higher with CVS (one in 100) than with amniocentesis. Recent studies suggesting an association between CVS and limb malformation have made some doctors hesitant to offer this procedure.

    Since CVS provides a larger sample of cells than amniocentesis, results take a little less time to obtain. Some results may be possible within a day or two.

    More Prenatal Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Amniocentesis

    Amniocentesis

    The amniocentesis test is a test in which a needle is used to remove a sample of fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding your baby. The amniotic fluid, which contains cell shed by your baby, is then studied in a lab for analysis. If done for chromosome analysis, amniocentesis is usually performed after the 16th week of pregnancy. If a woman needs to give birth early for some medical reason, amniocentesis might be done shortly before delivery to asses fetal lung maturity.

    In the first half of your pregnancy, your doctor may offer amniocentesis if your baby is suspected to be at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities, inherited disorders or neural tube defects. A chromosome analysis will also establish the gender of your baby (but amniocentesis is not offered for gender determination along.)

    Amniocentesis is considered to be a relatively safe procedure. The risk of miscarriage caused by amniocentesis ranges from one in 200 to one in 400. In the rare instances tat amniocentesis causes a miscarriage, it is usually because an infection develops in your uterus, the water breaks or labor is induced prematurely. It is not uncommon for women to experience mild complications such as cramping or water leakage or discomfort around the needle site.

    The procedure takes about 45 minutes. Your abdomen is cleansed with antiseptic. Some doctors offer a local anesthetic, which can be injected near the site to numb your abdomen. A long, hollow needle is placed through your abdominal wall and into your uterus. A small sample of fluid is withdrawn. Usually the results are back within a few days, although some require up to a week to obtain.

    More Prenatal Tests

    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Prenatal Tests

    Prenatal Tests

    The use of prenatal tests has become available since the 1980s and it can provide valuable information about the health of your baby.

    Prenatal testing can be helpful in determining any special care your baby may require during pregnancy and after he or she is born.

    Knowing about birth defects before your baby is born can also help you and your partner prepare for any challenges ahead.

    As you consider which prenatal tests are appropriate for you, think about the risks and benefits of each.

    Types of Prenatal Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound