Prenatal Testing

CVS: Chorionic Villi Sampling

Chorionic Villi Sampling is a prenatal test where a small sample of fetal placenta (chorionic villi) is obtained to perform genetic testing. Chorionic Villi sampling is similar to an amniocentesis, but can be performed earlier in a pregnancy. CVS is usually performed between the 8th and 12th week. » Read more

Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (or AFP Test)

The purpose of routine pre-natal exams is to monitor the health of both mom and baby. Typical prenatal exams consist of obtaining the mothers weight, vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure) listening to the fetal heart beat and discussing any questions or concerns the doctor or woman may have. » Read more

Slow Rising hCG Levels

By Rebecca Pillar

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG is more commonly known as “the Pregnancy Hormone” – unless hCG is injected into the body or taken in a pill form, the only way hCG can be found in a woman’s body is when she is pregnant.  HCG is produced by a growing placenta and can be detected by a urine test (simple home pregnancy test) or a blood test.  HCG level tes » Read more

Nuchal Translucency Screening

Beginning in the mid-nineties, doctors and sonographers began implementing a new type of prenatal screening. The name of this new screening tool: the Nuchal Translucency Screening or NT screening. » Read more

Non Stress Test

A prenatal screening tool used to help monitor the fetus’s condition is called a non stress test. The procedure is called a non-stress test because it causes no harm to the baby. » Read more

Rh Negative Blood and Pregnancy

You are probably somewhat familiar with blood types. Your mom may have told you that you were O+ or B-, etc. Blood is grouped into A, B, AB, or O and also by the Rh factor, either negative or positive. Most people are Rh positive. This means they have an antigen on their red blood cells for the Rh factor. People without the Rh factor antigen are Rh negative. » Read more

Progesterone Levels During Pregnancy

What is progesterone? Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It is first produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries and later is maintained by the placenta » Read more

HCG Levels in Pregnancy

What is hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)? Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is produced during pregnancy. It can be detected by a blood test around eight to eleven days past ovulation. » Read more

Group B Strep

According to the American Pregnancy Association, Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacterial infection that a woman can pass on to her baby. Group B strep is bacteria commonly found in the body. It should not, however, be confused with the group strep A, the bacteria responsible for strep throat. Most healthy adults carry the bacteria with no symptoms. Newborns, the elderly and persons with suppressed immune systems are at risk for serious complications. Early-Onset Group B Strep After birth, most GBS infections are present within the first week of life. » Read more

Glucose Tolerance Test

Around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy your doctor will likely want to screen you for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that may develop during pregnancy. » Read more