Medical services
Our dedicated team of sonographers and healthcare professionals are committed to providing unparalleled maternal-fetal ultrasound services, ensuring the highest standard of care for expecting families.
Categories
Ultrasound
Imaging procedures that utilize sound waves to create real-time images of the fetus, enabling us to monitor fetal development, detect any abnormalities, and provide expectant parents with visual updates on their baby's progress during pregnancy.
Nuchal translucency ultrasound is a specialized prenatal screening test performed during the first trimester of pregnancy, typically between weeks 12 and 14. This ultrasound evaluates the thickness of the nuchal fold, a clear space at the back of the fetus's neck. An increased nuchal translucency measurement may indicate a higher risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), or Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). While an increased nuchal translucency measurement does not provide a definitive diagnosis, it may prompt further diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, to confirm or rule out the presence of a chromosomal abnormality. Nuchal translucency ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive screening tool that provides valuable information to expectant parents about their baby's health and allows for informed decision-making regarding prenatal care.
The first, second, and third-trimester anatomical surveys are comprehensive ultrasound examinations performed during specific stages of pregnancy to assess the growth and development of the fetus and to detect any potential structural abnormalities. The first-trimester anatomical survey, often conducted around 12-14 weeks of gestation, focuses on evaluating fetal anatomy, measuring nuchal translucency, and assessing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. The second-trimester anatomical survey, typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks, involves a detailed examination of fetal anatomy, including the brain, spine, heart, limbs, and abdominal organs, to identify any potential congenital anomalies. Additionally, this scan evaluates the placenta, amniotic fluid levels, and the cervix. The third-trimester anatomical survey, usually conducted around 28-32 weeks, assesses fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume, and placental function, while also checking for any late-developing structural abnormalities. These anatomical surveys play a crucial role in monitoring fetal health and development throughout pregnancy, enabling our team of healthcare providers to provide appropriate management and counseling to expectant parents.
Advanced 3D/4D ultrasound technology represents an innovative approach to prenatal imaging, providing detailed, three-dimensional (3D) visualizations of the developing fetus in real-time. Unlike traditional 2D ultrasounds, which produce flat, two-dimensional images, advanced 3D/4D ultrasound allows for the creation of high-resolution, lifelike images and videos that offer a more comprehensive view of the baby's anatomy and movements. This technology utilizes sound waves to generate detailed images of the fetus, allowing healthcare providers to assess fetal growth and development, detect any structural abnormalities, and provide expectant parents with a deeper understanding and connection to their unborn child. Additionally, 4D ultrasound provides the added dimension of time, capturing dynamic movements such as fetal facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements in real-time. While advanced 3D/4D ultrasound is primarily used for prenatal imaging and bonding purposes, it can also aid in diagnosing certain fetal abnormalities and guiding medical interventions when necessary. Overall, advanced 3D/4D ultrasound offers a unique and valuable tool for enhancing the prenatal experience and promoting maternal-fetal bonding.
Fetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound examination performed during pregnancy to evaluate the structure and function of the fetal heart. This advanced imaging technique provides detailed, real-time images of the fetal heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess cardiac anatomy, detect any structural abnormalities, and evaluate heart function and blood flow patterns. Fetal echocardiography is typically recommended when there is an increased risk of congenital heart defects due to factors such as family history of heart disease, maternal diabetes, or abnormal findings on routine prenatal ultrasound. By identifying cardiac abnormalities early in pregnancy, fetal echocardiography enables our team of healthcare providers to provide expectant parents with accurate diagnoses, counseling, and appropriate management plans, including referral to specialized pediatric cardiology centers for further evaluation and intervention if necessary. Overall, fetal echocardiography plays a crucial role in prenatal care, allowing for timely detection and management of congenital heart defects and promoting the best possible outcomes for affected infants.
Multiple gestation imaging refers to the specialized ultrasound examinations performed during pregnancy to assess the development and well-being of multiple fetuses, such as twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. These ultrasound scans are tailored to address the unique challenges and complexities associated with multiple pregnancies, including monitoring fetal growth, assessing placental function, and identifying any potential complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP sequence). Multiple gestation imaging plays a crucial role in prenatal care, allowing our team of healthcare providers to monitor the health and development of each fetus individually, detect any structural abnormalities or growth discrepancies, and provide appropriate management and counseling to expectant parents. Close monitoring and specialized care are essential to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the babies in multiple pregnancies, and multiple gestation imaging serves as a valuable tool in achieving this goal.
Doppler studies in pregnancy refer to a specialized type of ultrasound examination used to assess blood flow within the maternal and fetal circulatory systems. By utilizing Doppler ultrasound technology, these studies measure the speed and direction of blood flow in various vessels, providing valuable insights into the vascular health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Doppler studies are commonly employed to evaluate blood flow in the umbilical artery, uterine artery, and fetal middle cerebral artery, among others. These assessments help our team of healthcare providers to detect abnormalities such as placental insufficiency, fetal distress, or intrauterine growth restriction, which can impact pregnancy outcomes. By identifying such issues early, Doppler studies enable healthcare teams to implement appropriate interventions and closely monitor pregnancies to optimize the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Diagnostic Screenings
Utilize advanced imaging technologies to provide detailed visual assessments of the fetus's growth, development, and overall health.
Cervical length screening is a crucial diagnostic procedure used to assess the length and integrity of the cervix during pregnancy. Typically performed via transvaginal ultrasound, this screening helps to evaluate the risk of preterm birth by measuring the cervical canal’s length and detecting any signs of cervical shortening or incompetence. A normal cervical length generally suggests a lower risk of preterm labor, while a shortened cervix may indicate a higher risk and necessitate further monitoring or intervention. By identifying potential issues early, cervical length screening enables healthcare providers to implement timely interventions, such as progesterone treatment or a cervical cerclage, to help reduce the risk of premature delivery and promote a healthier pregnancy outcome.
Genetic screening in pregnancy allows our team to offer personalized counseling, early detection, and informed decision-making to expectant parents, ultimately empowering them to make choices that best meet their individual needs and preferences. Genetic screening in pregnancy involves a range of tests used to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. These tests are typically offered to pregnant individuals, especially those with risk factors such as advanced maternal age, family history of genetic disorders, or abnormal prenatal screening results.
Carrier screening in pregnancy is a type of genetic testing offered to individuals or couples planning to have children to assess their risk of passing on certain genetic disorders to their offspring. This screening is typically performed before conception or early in pregnancy and involves analyzing the DNA of the prospective parents to determine if they carry genetic mutations associated with inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and thalassemia, among others. Carrier screening helps identify individuals who are carriers of these genetic mutations, meaning they have one copy of the mutated gene but do not typically show symptoms of the associated disorder. However, if both prospective parents are carriers of the same genetic mutation, there is a risk that their child may inherit two copies of the mutated gene, resulting in the development of the genetic disorder. Carrier screening allows individuals or couples to make informed decisions about family planning, including the option of pursuing further testing or interventions to mitigate the risk of passing on genetic disorders to their children.
Cell-free DNA screening, also known as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is a cutting-edge genetic screening method used during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. This noninvasive test analyzes fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother's bloodstream, which are derived from the placenta. By analyzing these cell-free DNA fragments, NIPT can detect the presence of extra or missing chromosomes, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), with a high degree of accuracy. NIPT can also provide information about the baby's sex and assess the risk of certain genetic conditions caused by specific chromosomal deletions or duplications. As a highly accurate and low-risk screening option, NIPT is often offered to pregnant individuals, especially those with advanced maternal age or other risk factors for chromosomal abnormalities. While NIPT is a powerful tool for prenatal screening, it is important to note that it is not a diagnostic test and may require confirmation through invasive diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) if abnormal results are detected. Overall, NIPT provides expectant parents with valuable information about their baby's health and allows them to make informed decisions about their pregnancy care.
Diagnostic Procedures
A range of medical tests and screenings conducted to assess the health and development of the fetus, identify any potential complications or abnormalities, and provide expectant parents with valuable information to guide their pregnancy journey.
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure performed during pregnancy to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus for diagnostic purposes. Typically conducted between weeks 15 and 20 of gestation, amniocentesis involves the insertion of a thin needle through the mother's abdomen and into the amniotic sac under ultrasound guidance. The collected amniotic fluid contains fetal cells, which can be analyzed to detect chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, neural tube defects, and other fetal anomalies. Amniocentesis is often recommended for women with certain risk factors, such as advanced maternal age, abnormal prenatal screening results, or a family history of genetic conditions. While amniocentesis carries a small risk of complications, such as infection or leakage of amniotic fluid, the procedure provides valuable information that can help expectant parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy, including options for prenatal care, management, and planning for the baby's future health needs.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal diagnostic procedure used to obtain a small sample of placental tissue from the chorionic villi, which are tiny finger-like projections on the placenta. Typically performed between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy, CVS involves the insertion of a thin needle or catheter either through the mother's abdomen or cervix, guided by ultrasound imaging, to access the chorionic villi. The collected tissue sample contains genetic material from the developing fetus, which can be analyzed to detect chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, and other fetal anomalies. CVS is often recommended for women with certain risk factors, such as advanced maternal age, abnormal prenatal screening results, or a family history of genetic conditions. While CVS carries a small risk of complications, such as miscarriage or infection, the procedure provides valuable diagnostic information that can help expectant parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy, including options for prenatal care, management, and planning for the baby's future health needs.
Pre-pregnancy
Pre-pregnancy planning involves optimizing health and lifestyle choices to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby during conception and pregnancy.
Pre-pregnancy consultations are an essential step for individuals or couples planning to conceive, providing an opportunity to optimize health before conception. During these consultations, we will review medical histories, assess existing health conditions, and offer personalized advice on diet, lifestyle, and any necessary vaccinations or screenings. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential risks or complications, ensuring that both partners are in the best possible health to support a successful pregnancy. Additionally, these consultations can offer guidance on prenatal vitamins, fertility awareness, and family planning, setting the stage for a healthier pregnancy journey and better outcomes for both the parent and the baby.
Gestational surrogacy clearance consultations are crucial steps in the process of engaging a surrogate to carry a pregnancy for intended parents. These consultations involve thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure the surrogate is physically and emotionally prepared for the role. Medical clearance includes comprehensive health screenings to confirm that the surrogate is in good health and capable of handling the demands of pregnancy, while psychological evaluations assess mental and emotional readiness. Additionally, legal and ethical aspects are reviewed to ensure that all parties understand and agree to the terms of the surrogacy arrangement. These consultations help to mitigate risks and establish a supportive framework, ensuring that the surrogacy process is safe, ethical, and successful for everyone involved.