Fetal Assessment Ultrasound, non-stress test, biophysical profile, fetal echocardiography, and Doppler velocimetry are all methods for establishing fetal well being, and are available at the Fetal Assessment Center. These techniques help determine the best plan for delivering your baby so that the baby has the greatest chance to be born healthy. In obstetrical ultrasound, sound waves are used to produce images of the baby in the mother's uterus. Ultrasound can identify the presence of more than one fetus, document fetal heart rate, help establish the due date, check on the baby's development and position, and can help to identify defects of the fetus. Our advance ultrasound techniques allow detailed examination of the fetus, placenta and umbilical cord.
Fetal echocardiogram is used to prenatally diagnose congenital heart disease.
A sonogram of the fetal heart is performed when the developing baby is at risk for heart defects due to maternal medication use, family history of heart defects, abnormal fetal heart rates, and maternal medical disorders such as diabetes. Doppler velocimetry is used to identify abnormalities of blood flow in the fetus, umbilical cord and mother' blood vessels. The non-stress test is used to determine how well the baby's heart rate responds to its own movements, and can help assess if the baby is receiving an adequate amount of oxygen. When the non-stress test does not provide enough information, a biophysical profile can be performed. The biophysical profile closely observes the baby's limb, body, and breathing movements, and measures the fluid surrounding the baby.