MPS - FETAL EVALUATIONS

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FETAL EVALUATIONS

Non-Stress Test (NST)

This is a commonly used fetal heart rate monitoring test that measures your baby's heart rate pattern and its response to the baby's movements. This test helps your doctor to determine if there is an adequate supply of food and oxygen to your baby. Fetal heart rate monitoring tests are easy to perform, are painless and without risk to you or your baby. The test is usually completed in twenty to forty minutes. It may be performed once, twice or more times per week.

The Non-Stress Test is performed by a standard technique and is reported as reactive or non-reactive. It is scored according to the Lyon's Scoring System.

Biophysical Profile

The Biophysical Profile is usually performed in conjunction with the NST. It is performed using real time sonography as an evaluation of fetal oxygenation and CNS function. This test quantitates fetal movement, muscle tone, breathing movements and amniotic fluid volume. The Biophysical Profile is scored according to a modified Manning System. An Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) is also performed and graphed.

This valuable test allows us to observe your baby's environment and will determine how well your baby is being nourished. The test is performed by using a small sonographic transducer to view your baby. We will look at how the baby moves, how often it moves, how often it tries to expand its lungs and how much amniotic fluid is present. This test gives us another way of ensuring that your baby is doing well.

On occasion, if the Non-Stress Test and Biophysical Profile do not assure us that the baby is doing well, your obstetrician will request a CONTRACTION STRESS TEST. This test is performed like the Non-Stress Test, but instead of measuring the baby's heart's response to movement, it records its response to mild uterine contractions which are stimulated by either gentle nipple self-stimulation or through the use of a small amount of medication (oxytocin) given through a small intravenous.

Ultrasonography

Level I Sonogram
This sonogram is performed by an ultrasound technologist and is reviewed by our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists. The examination will report fetal number and position, major fetal anatomy, amniotic fluid volume, placental location and texture, and fetal growth measurements. An assigned gestational age and estimated fetal weight is included if applicable.

Level II Sonogram (Fetal Survey)
The fetal survey is a most valuable tool for detecting major congenital malformations. This test is a systematic structural analysis of the fetal anatomy using state-of-the-art sonographic equipment under the guidance of our Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists. The fetal survey is recommended at 20 - 22 weeks.

4D Sonogram
State of the art 4 dimensional ultrasound equipment is available for the diagnosis of certain congenital abnormalities and gynecologic abnormalities.

Fetal Heart Evaluation
Sonographic evaluation of the fetal heart including color doppler and fetal echocardiography is available.

First Trimester Sonograms
Vaginal sonography is available for gestational age dating and for evaluation of possible failed pregnancies and early pregnancy bleeding.

Nuchal Translucency (NTL)
Performed between 11 and 12 weeks this evaluation looks for early signs of Downs syndrome.

Early Genetic Sonogram
Performed between 16 and 18 weeks. This exam identifies special markers for genetic abnormalities which may require additional evaluations.

Gynecologic Sonogram
Our expert sonographers can perform pelvic sonograms both abdominaly and vaginaly for the diagnosis of gynecological disease. 4D sonography is also available.

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