Obstetrical Ultrasound & Prenatal Diagnosis Specialist
Advanced Perinatal Associates
OBGYN located in Manalapan, NJ & Little Silver, NJ
Prenatal diagnosis can identify conditions like congenital anomalies at the earliest possible point in your pregnancy. At Advanced Perinatal Associates, with two offices in Manalapan and Little Silver, New Jersey, maternal-fetal medicine expert Paul Matta, DO, and his caring team offer the very best in prenatal diagnostics, including the use of obstetrical ultrasounds. Call the office in your area or click on the booking tool to arrange your appointment today.
Obstetrical Ultrasound & Prenatal Diagnosis Q & A
What is prenatal diagnosis?
Prenatal diagnosis identifies problems such as congenital anomalies. Up to one-quarter of perinatal deaths happen because of congenital anomalies, but an early diagnosis can identify these conditions and allow you to take positive steps to ensure your baby's health now.
When would I need a prenatal diagnosis?
In situations where you may be at risk for congenital anomalies or other problems, the Advanced Perinatal Associates team may recommend prenatal diagnosis. This may include situations such as:
- Age 35 or older
- Family history of congenital anomalies
- Abnormal ultrasound
- Prenatal screening reveals possible issues
- Chromosomal condition in a prior pregnancy
- Pregnancy by a first cousin
If you have any concerns about the health of your baby, prenatal diagnosis can give you the answers you need and put your mind at ease.
What does prenatal diagnosis include?
Prenatal diagnosis includes a variety of tests, such as:
Obstetrical ultrasounds
Advanced Perinatal Associates offers 3D and 4D obstetrical ultrasounds to check many things, including baby size, gestational age, heartbeat, breathing, and movement. Obstetrical ultrasounds can also identify birth defects, amniotic fluid issues, and other problems.
Blood tests
Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a blood test that can identify chromosomal disorders including Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 14, and duplicate sex chromosomes. NIPT checks for the same things as amniocentesis, but without the invasive test.
However, in some cases, you may need an amniocentesis for a definitive diagnosis after an abnormal NIPT.
Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling is a medical history review and genetic analysis. This helps your providers determine possible birth defects and genetic conditions that your child could have.
Genetic screening
Genetic screening usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. This type of testing includes blood tests and ultrasounds, which check for chromosomal abnormalities and other birth defects.
Prenatal diagnosis is a very important part of your pregnancy because it gives you a wide range of information about your baby.
If you're planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, prenatal diagnosis can be incredibly helpful. Advanced Perinatal Associates can recommend specific tests for your unique needs, so learn more about the process now by calling the office nearest you or clicking on the online appointment maker.