Three convenient locations

We offer antepartum fetal surveillance at units in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Newport News which are strategically located in close proximity to Labor and Delivery units. A wide range of services to monitor a baby's well being before it is time to deliver are provided. The antenatal fetal testing units are staffed by experienced Perinatal RNs with extensive fetal testing experience.

Several conditions place a pregnancy at higher risk for complications and may benefit from antenatal fetal surveillance prior to delivery. Testing is usually initiated at some time after 28 weeks.Services provided include:

  • Non-stress tests that monitor the baby's heart rate using a harmless device that emits sound waves.
  • Ultrasound assessment of the amniotic fluid volume.
  • Ultrasound biophysical profile assessments to evaluate the baby's movement, tone and breathing exercises while still in utero.
  • Contraction stress tests that assess if the placenta is functioning adequately to provide the baby with good oxygen supply.
  • Doppler flow studies to assess the blood flow in the baby's blood vessels as well as in the maternal uterine arteries when clinically indicated.
  • Amniocentesis procedure to assess fetal lung maturity prior to elective delivery when indicated.

Reasons for testing include but are not limited to:

  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Intrauterine growth restriction ("IUGR") [baby not growing as well as it should]
  • Low amniotic fluid volume
  • Two or more babies in the same uterus (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.)
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