Prenatal Testing
About Prenatal Testing
As a part of prenatal care at Women’s Health at Valley View, our team of board-certified OB/GYNs and certified nurse midwives may suggest specific tests to check on the health of your baby. At our Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Eagle and Silt, CO locations, we offer a series of testing options in order to detect abnormalities and risks to the expectant mother or baby. These tests are scheduled in the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy, depending on which tests are being performed. Based on your medical history and any current conditions or concerns, we can provide recommendations for common prenatal tests during a thorough consultation. Our team will also be able to consult with you about what each test entails and what you can expect throughout the process.
Testing Options
At Women’s Health at Valley View, we provide several different tests to check on the development of your baby and ensure that you remain healthy throughout your pregnancy. These tests include:
- Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT): This test screens for Down syndrome and additional chromosomal abnormalities. This test can also tell you the gender of your baby.
- Genetic carrier screening: A test that can determine if either the mother or father is a carrier of certain genetic disorders that may be passed on to your children.
- Maternal Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): This blood test is used to help identify the likelihood of spina bifida, anencephaly or other neural tube defects.
- Group B Strep (GBS): This is a bacterium that can be found in the vagina or rectum and can make the newborn susceptible to sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis if not detected through prenatal testing.
- Gestational diabetes: Your glucose levels will be tested to ensure that you are producing the proper amount of insulin throughout your pregnancy.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine consultation: A Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist is equipped and properly trained to handle high-risk pregnancies.
- Nonstress test: This simple, noninvasive, 20-minute test evaluates the baby’s movement, heart rate, and uterine contractions during labor. An NST can be performed at any of our Women’s Health locations
What to Expect
While some of these tests may be routine procedures, others may only be recommended if there is a family history of certain conditions or if you are showing symptoms. Additionally, the process for each test will differ and may include drawing blood, a mouth swab, external monitors, or another method. If you test positive for a condition, secondary testing may be recommended. Please do not hesitate to discuss your results with our experienced team if you have any questions or concerns. We are happy to provide any additional information about your testing options or your results.
Learn More
With prenatal testing, our OB/GYNs at Women’s Health at Valley View can identify many conditions that may require additional treatment or testing. With a variety of testing options, we will recommend any that may be necessary for you based on your medical history and current symptoms or concerns. To learn more, we invite you to contact one of our locations in Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Eagle or Silt, CO.