• CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling): A procedure in which a small sample of cells is taken from the placenta and tested for chromosomal abnormality, can be done around 9 weeks of gestation.
• Chromosomes: are located inside each cell in the body and contain the genes that determine if abnormality is positive, fetal cells can be separated from mother blood and evaluated around 9weeks onward.
• Ultrasound Exam: used to examine fetal internal and external structures during pregnancy, it can be used as indicator to evaluate genetic integrity of the fetus at 11-14 weeks, as well it can evaluate integrity of morphological features of the fetus around 20weeks of gestation, other evaluations can be done any time during pregnancy to evaluate fetal well been.

Getting at least two ultrasounds during pregnancy has now become a routine practice in most medical centers. Ultrasounds are usually ordered to get an accurate due date and to ensure your baby is developing normally. Knowing the date that your baby is due to be born is important not only so you can prepare for the new arrival, but is also important so that your doctor knows approximately how old the baby is when you go into labor. A good way to determine your baby’s due date is to use the date you started your last menstrual period. When you are unsure about your last menstrual period, the ultrasound is the most accurate method to determine the baby’s age and due date.

The sooner the ultrasound is done, the more accurate it is in determining the due date. However, a very early ultrasound may show a pregnancy exists but the baby may not be able to be seen yet. For this reason, we usually like to schedule ultrasounds for when you are about 11-13 weeks for evaluating the Nuchal thickness which is an indicator for the chromosomal well been of the baby and another one at 18 – 20 weeks for evaluating the anatomy and morphology well been oft baby along in the pregnancy. At this time, we can get a good view of the baby ensuring that its anatomy is developing normally, as well as getting an accurate due date. And if you’re interested, the ultrasound technologist may be able to let you know if you’re having a boy or girl, that is if the baby is co-operative enough to show them!

Although getting an ultrasound and seeing your growing baby is fun, most women will only need to get one ultrasound at 1st trimester and another one at 2nd trimester during their pregnancy. Your doctor can tell if your baby is growing normally by measuring your abdomen at each hospital visit. By doing this and listening to your baby’s heartbeat at each prenatal appointment, your doctor can make sure your baby is doing well. Occasionally, if you develop any complications or if there is anything your doctor is concerned about, it may be necessary to get another ultrasound. However, it is not routine to get an ultrasound at a 3ed trimester if you are having a normal pregnancy without any complications.

In the last five years 3D/4D ultrasound has become available technology for further evaluation of the baby, a medical indication is to clarify more about baby organs, but it is gaining popularity for having fun and start seeing baby details more clear, Avenue is providing this service to you upon your request.

An important point to mention that all researches prove the safety of using ultrasound for evaluating the baby.

Amniocentesis: withdrawing and testing a small amount of amniotic fluid and cells from the sac surrounding the fetus for chromosomal abnormality, can be done from 14weeks onward.