Laboratory tests and ultrasound evaluations play a critical role in monitoring the development and progression of pregnancy. At Viva Eve, we offer the most advanced on-site lab testing and ultrasound services available to assess the health of both mother and baby.
Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing is an integral part of the care that Viva Eve provides. This includes screening and diagnostic tests which are performed to detect health problems and maternal conditions that could complicate the pregnancy. Common tests during pregnancy include:
- Urine tests. These are routinely performed to make sure your protein and sugar levels are normal. Your prenatal care provider often uses urine to rule out a urinary tract infection, evaluate white blood cells, nitrates, PH, and protein.
- Blood tests. In addition to checking your blood type, routine blood tests can detect a rubella infection, HIV or other STDs, blood glucose levels and cystic fibrosis. Regular blood tests also allow your prenatal care provider to check hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and perform antibody screening.
- Cell-free fetal DNA testing. The cell-free DNA screening test in pregnancy screens for an increased chance for specific chromosomal abnormalities. The test involves drawing a sample of your blood to evaluate fetal DNA. If any abnormalities are noted, your doctor may suggest a diagnostic test to confirm.
- Amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that diagnoses chromosome defects and neural tube defects (which affect development of the brain, spine, or spinal cord). Unlike cell-free fetal DNA testing, which is noninvasive, amniocentesis involves inserting a needle into your belly and into the uterus and extracting a sample of your amniotic fluid, which is the sac surrounding and protecting your developing baby. It is then sent to a lab for testing.
- Chorionic villus sampling. Chorionic villus is a diagnostic test that diagnoses certain genetic abnormalities. This is done by collecting a small sample of cells from your placenta. The procedure involves inserting a needle into your belly and into the uterus and extracting a sample of your placenta, or inserting a very small tube through your cervix to extract a tiny piece of your placenta. It is then sent to a lab for testing.
Ultrasound Evaluations
Throughout your pregnancy, you may be offered a number of ultrasound scans to check how your baby is growing. By using high-sound frequency waves, your doctor or sonographer can create images of your baby and help monitor for birth defects. Ultrasounds even provide information that helps your OB/GYN to determine your due date. The two types of ultrasounds that Ob/Gyns perform are vaginal and pelvic ultrasounds.
Transabdominal ultrasound imaging has a wide variety of uses in pregnancy, including:
- Assessment of fetal viability
- Evaluation of placental location and number
- Detection and monitoring of fetal movements
- Identification of multiple gestation
- Assessing adnexal structures
- Identifying uterine abnormalities
- Determining fetal presentation
- Documenting fetal age
Transvaginal ultrasound is the most common method of detecting pregnancy, as it can detect pregnancy earlier than other methods. It also reveals the baby’s gender and determines the baby’s viability and other anatomical features that can be critical to identify pregnancy complications.
Laboratory and Ultrasound Evaluations with Viva Eve
Viva Eve’s clinical team offers the latest laboratory testing and ultrasound evaluation techniques. From genetic screening to prenatal fetal testing, our team of Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Sonographers are equipped with the tools to monitor the health of you and your growing baby. These tools allow us to guide patients to the best possible outcomes.
