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 healthy. Your prenatal care doctor checks for the onset of diabetes, a urinary tract infection or problems with your kidneys. Low protein could signal a condition called preeclampsia, a serious complication brought on by high blood pressure.
- 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 prenatal screening test screens for an increased chance for specific chromosome problems. The test involves drawing a sample of your blood in order to measure the relative amount of fetal DNA from chromosomes 21, 18, 13 and the sex chromosomes. If there is an abnormal amount of DNA from these chromosomes, your baby may be at greater risk for having certain genetic conditions, such as Down Syndrome. 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 sampling extracts a small sample of cells from your placenta to be tested for certain genetic abnormalities (but not neural tube defects). The procedure involves inserting a needle into your belly and into the uterus and extracting a sample of your pregnancy tissue, or inserting a very small tube through your cervix to extract a tiny piece of pregnancy tissue. 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 Nurses, Doctors, 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.