NIPT is a screening blood test given between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy to measure your baby’s risk for chromosomal disorders. This test looks for extra or missing chromosomes in the small pieces of fetal DNA circulating in your blood. NIPT is over 99% effective at detecting the most common chromosomal disorders — Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images of your baby. Our physicians use state-of-the-art ultrasound machines and have extensive experience interpreting these images. Depending on your risk of complications, we may perform different types of ultrasound scans, such as:

• Obstetric ultrasound: These routine ultrasounds can detect problems during pregnancy, including fetal abnormalities.
• Detailed obstetric ultrasound: This test is a thorough scan of your baby’s body during the second trimester of pregnancy. It helps us identify abnormalities of the fetus and placenta. You may have this test if your baby is at high risk of a congenital condition or if a blood test or routine ultrasound indicates an increased risk.
• Fetal echocardiography: This test involves a complete assessment of your baby’s heart. We work with pediatric cardiologists to perform and interpret fetal heart scans.
• Fetal Doppler ultrasound: A Doppler ultrasound measures how blood flows through blood vessels. In fetal medicine, we use this specialized test to check for fetal anemia, heart problems and development of the placenta.
• Biophysical profile (BPP): This test provides an overall picture of your baby’s well-being. A BPP involves several ultrasound measurements along with a nonstress test to check your baby’s heartbeat and movement. We typically perform a BPP later in pregnancy if there is a concern for your baby’s health. The results of a BPP can help us decide the right time for delivery.

Diagnostic tests involve collecting a small sample of fluid, tissue or blood for genetic and other lab tests. Because these tests are invasive and carry a small risk to the fetus, they are not a standard part of fetal care. We typically use them in high-risk pregnancies or if a problem is suspected.

Types of diagnostic tests we use include:

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): This test involves collecting cells from your placenta and analyzing them for chromosomal and genetic disorders. We offer this test between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
• Amniocentesis: In this test, we remove a small sample of the fluid in your uterus that contains fetal cells (amniotic fluid). Laboratory testing of the fluid helps us diagnose chromosomal and genetic disorders and other fetal conditions. We perform this test in the second trimester of pregnancy.
• Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS): In this test, we collect blood from your baby’s umbilical cord to check for fetal anemia or other conditions. We use PUBS after 17 weeks of pregnancy and only when we cannot obtain the information we need from other tests.

Our maternal-fetal specialists can perform fetal interventions before your baby is born, using the same techniques we use for diagnostic tests. These procedures include:

• Blood transfusion: We use a procedure similar to PUBS to give your baby a blood transfusion through the umbilical cord.
• Amniotic fluid removal: We use amniocentesis as an interventional procedure to remove excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).
• Fetal shunt: A shunt is a tube placed inside your baby to drain excess fluid from their bladder, abdomen or chest.

Carrier screening identifies genetic conditions for which your fetus may be at risk. We have genetics counselors and physicians available if discussion is needed.