First trimester screening combines fetal ultrasound and blood tests for the mother. It’s done during the first trimester of pregnancy, during weeks 1 to 12 or 13. It can help find out the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects.
Screening is usually performed by taking a sample of the mother's blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal).
Alpha-fetoprotein screening is a blood test that measures the level of AFP in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels may indicate certain problems with the fetus.
Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy to create an image of the baby in the mother's womb (uterus).
This prenatal test involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems.
Amniocentesis is a procedure used to take out a small sample of the amniotic fluid for testing.
Fetal blood sampling is a procedure to take a small amount of blood from an unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. Fetal blood sampling is usually done by a perinatologist with special training. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in the care of babies in high-risk pregnancies.
Fetal heart rate monitoring measures the heart rate and rhythm of your baby (fetus). This lets your healthcare provider see how your baby is doing.
Fetal movement counting is a way to check the health of a woman’s unborn baby (fetus). It’s often called kick counting. It’s done by counting the number of kicks you feel from your baby in the womb in a certain time period.
A nonstress test is a type of test done during pregnancy. It measures the heart rate of the unborn baby in response to its movements. In most cases, the heart rate of a healthy baby increases when the baby moves.
A biophysical profile is a test that is sometimes used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is often done if there is a question about the baby’s health. This may be because of other test results or certain pregnancy symptoms, or because your pregnancy is high risk.
Cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
An episiotomy is an incision through the area between your vaginal opening and your anus. This area is called the perineum. This procedure is done to make your vaginal opening larger for childbirth.