Fetal Diagnostic Testing Specialist

What is fetal diagnostic testing?

Fetal diagnostic testing refers to the various screenings the team at Orange County OBGYN performs to assess your baby’s health during pregnancy. These tests generally screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and congenital abnormalities such as heart defects. These tests also assess your baby’s general health. 

What are the types of fetal diagnostic testing?

Orange County OBGYN is a state-of-the-art women’s health practice that offers many fetal diagnostic tests on-site. Testing options include:

Ultrasound testing

Throughout pregnancy, Orange County OBGYN performs ultrasounds to check your baby’s anatomy and size, as well as position in the uterus. These ultrasounds also look for visible congenital abnormalities. Ultrasound is also utilized to assess the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, to check the placental location and length of your cervix.

Nuchal translucency test 

Orange County OBGYN performs the nuchal translucency ultrasound  during your first trimester. It’s an ultrasound test that evaluates fluid collection under the skin behind the fetal neck. This fetal diagnostic test screens for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 21, and other genetic syndromes. 

Blood draw screenings

The serum integrated screening and quad marker screening are blood tests that look for congenital abnormalities like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and spina bifida. Non-invasive prenatal testing, NIPT, is also utilized to check for any genetic issues. Carrier screening is offered to assess couples for the presence of any gene mutations that they carry and could be passed on to their offspring. The team performs these blood tests during your first and second trimester.

Nonstress test

For women with high risk pregnancies, your provider at Orange County OBGYN performs in-office nonstress tests. During this fetal diagnostic test, your provider monitors your baby’s heartbeat. 

For the test, your provider places a monitor around your abdomen that measures the fetal heart rate. For accurate results, your baby must be active during the test and your provider may encourage you to drink some cold water or talk to the baby. Your provider also monitors your uterine activity looking for contractions during the nonstress test.  

Who needs fetal diagnostic testing?

All pregnant women benefit from fetal diagnostic testing. The nuchal translucency test and blood draws are part of the California Prenatal Screening Program. Many women also undergo NIPT and carrier screening, and ultrasound testing during their pregnancy.

The team at Orange County OBGYN may recommend nonstress tests if you have:

• A prior history of pregnancy complications
• Underlying health conditions like Type 1 diabetes, kidney disease, or problems with blood clotting 
• Low amniotic fluid
• Elevated blood pressure in pregnancy
• Twins or triplets
• Gestational diabetes treated with medication
• In-vitro fertilization
• Short cervix
• Post-dates pregnancy beyond your due date

Fetal diagnostic testing provides valuable information about the health of your baby before delivery. That information helps ensure you and your baby experience a healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery.

For comprehensive pregnancy care from an experienced and compassionate team, call Orange County OBGYN or schedule a consultation online today.