Christiana Care Maternity

How We Evaluate You and Your Baby

The Delaware Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Christiana Care offers an array of tests to evaluate the health of you and your baby. Once a diagnosis is made, treatments are available for some conditions. Your primary obstetrician may refer you to the center for one or more of these tests or treatments:

• Ultrasound (basic): An evaluation of your baby using sound waves to assess gestational age and basic structure. This test does not involve X-rays.
• Ultrasound (targeted): A more detailed evaluation of your baby using sound waves. It includes all the measurements in the basic ultrasound as well as a closer examination of particular organ systems.
• Fetal echocardiography: An in-depth evaluation of your baby using sound waves to evaluate the structure and function of your baby's heart.
• Duplex doppler: A test using sound waves to evaluate the circulation of blood in the placenta and baby. This test is valuable in the evaluation of hypertensive pregnancies, in pregnancies at risk for growth problems, those complicated by diabetes and in instances of multiple gestations (twins, triplets).
• Nonstress test (NST): An evaluation using a fetal monitor to assess your baby's well-being.
• Contraction stress test (CST): An evaluation of your baby's heart-rate response on a fetal monitor during uterine contractions. Your contractions may be spontaneous, brought on by gentle nipple stimulation or by an intravenous solution of oxytocin.
• Biophysical profile: A test using ultrasound to evaluate the well-being of your baby. Your baby's various movements and amniotic fluid are assessed. This test is frequently performed in conjunction with a nonstress test.
• Fetal blood sampling (PUBS, cordocentesis): A diagnostic procedure performed to obtain samples of your baby's blood. It is also used, when necessary, to give blood transfusions or medications to your baby through the blood vessels of the umbilical cord.
• Amniocentesis: In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the uterus and a small amount of fluid is removed from the sac around your baby. Usually, this test is done to determine the maturity of your baby's lungs or to provide important genetic information.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Your baby's placenta may be tested early in your pregnancy for genetic evaluation.
• Fetal surgery: Surgery can be performed on your baby while still in your uterus to correct or treat a condition prior to the time of delivery.
• Consultation: We offer preconception counseling and counseling for genetic conditions and malformations that may affect your baby. We also will counsel you about any medical conditions you may have that may affect your pregnancy. After consultation, we may continue to follow your pregnancy in conjunction with your obstetrician.

• If experiencing an emergency, dial 911
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