CPD offers a wide range of services that are designed to give you and your obstetrician or primary physician important information about your pregnancy. Some of these services are standard with every visit, others may be requested by your doctor. Please feel free to ask us questions about any of these services during your visit.

Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize the baby. Ultrasound is often used to estimate fetal age, evaluate the baby for any possible birth defects, and follow fetal growth and development.

Genetic Counseling
You may have a genetic consult where a family and pregnancy history will be taken. Possible risks to your pregnancy or future pregnancies may be discussed. Genetic consulting allows the practitioner to review with you and your partner the various screening tests and/or procedures that may be recommended.

Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a procedure where a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the uterus. This is done to evaluate a pregnancy for certain kinds of birth defects. Prior to the procedure, an ultrasound scan is performed. After the image is reviewed, a doctor inserts a very thin needle through the woman's abdomen into the uterus and takes out about an ounce of amniotic fluid. This procedure takes only a few minutes. After the amniotic fluid sample is taken, another ultrasound check is done. Any possible risk/benefits of the procedure will be fully explained by your practitioner prior to testing.

Biophysical Profile
A Biophysical Profile (BPP) is a tool used to provide information regarding the well being of your unborn baby. A BPP is based on a scoring method. The score consists of four parts: 1) Evaluation of the amniotic fluid; 2) Large body movements; 3) Limb movements; and 4) A breathing motion. An additional two points are given for a reactive non-stress test (NST) if warranted by gestational age. Biophysical Profiles are usually ordered on patients with MFM (maternal fetal medicine) problems such as hypertension, diabetes and blood clotting disorders. There are many other situations where your physician may order a BPP, such as decreased fetal movement, increased or decreased amniotic fluid, and postdates. A score of 8 or more out of 10 is considered passing. A repeat BPP is suggested for a 6 out of 10 score. For a score of 4 out of 10, your doctor or midwife will be contacted about further monitoring.

First Trimester Screening
First Trimester Screening is a combination of a maternal blood test and an ultrasound measurement which identifies unborn babies at increased risk of having certain birth defects like Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18. These disorders result from an extra chromosome in each cell. The risk of having a baby with an extra chromosome increases with the mother's age. For optimal results, it is recommended to perform testing 11-13 weeks from the first day of the patient's last period.

Maternal Fetal Medicine Consult
In addition to the services listed above, a maternal fetal medicine consult may be necessary. An MFM consult may include a complete medical history, physical exam, and other indicated testing.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
This test is used to check for genetic defects in the fetus. A small piece of tissue is removed from the placenta and reviewed in the laboratory.