Prenatal Tests and Screenings

Prenatal testing is an essential part of complete pregnancy care. At BJC HealthCare, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality prenatal tests in a comforting, nurturing environment. From routine prenatal ultrasounds and genetic testing to specialized testing for high-risk pregnancies from WashU Medicine, we offer guidance and support at every stage.

Find a specialist Request an appointment

Why choose us for prenatal testing and screenings?

Prenatal testing and screenings are an important part of routine pregnancy care. They help monitor your baby’s development and provide information at various stages throughout pregnancy, supporting early identification of potential concerns and informed care decisions. 

We offer:  

  • Comprehensive prenatal screening services: We use advanced diagnostic tools to support an early and accurate assessment.  
  • Coordinated care across specialties: We ensure timely follow-up and seamless communication with your care team. 
  • Convenient access to testing services: Our testing services are designed to fit your schedule and support routine prenatal care.  

Pregnancy tests and procedures

During your pregnancy, there are tests and procedures you may undergo to assess the health and progress of both you and your baby. 

 First trimester prenatal screening tests

 First trimester screening is a combination of fetal ultrasound and maternal blood testing. This screening process can help determine the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects.

Second trimester prenatal screening tests

Second trimester prenatal screening may include several blood tests, called multiple markers. This provides information about a woman's risk of having a baby with certain genetic conditions or birth defects.

Amniocentesis

 An amniocentesis is a procedure that obtains a small sample of amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus to diagnose chromosomal disorders and open neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Chorionic villus sampling

 Chorionic villus sampling involves taking a sample of placental tissue, which contains the same genetic material as the fetus. It can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic conditions

Fetal ultrasound

 A fetal ultrasound is a diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. It is performed to check fetal growth and verify the due date.

 Genetic screening

 Many genetic abnormalities can be diagnosed before birth with prenatal genetic screening. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if you or your partner have a family history of genetic disorders.

Fetal monitoring

 During late pregnancy and labor, your doctor will monitor the fetal heart rate and other functions. Fetal heart rate monitoring checks the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat.

 Glucose tolerance test

 The one-hour test is a glucose challenge test. If the results are abnormal, a glucose tolerance test is done, which measures levels of sugar in the mother's blood. Abnormal glucose levels may indicate gestational diabetes.

Alpha-fetoprotein

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening is a blood test that measures AFP levels in the mother’s blood during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain fetal conditions. AFP is a protein made by the baby’s liver and passes into maternal blood.

Fetal blood sampling

 Fetal blood sampling removes a small amount of blood from the fetus. It is done as part of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring fetal problems during pregnancy.

Fetal movement counting

 Fetal movement counting, often called kick counting, is a way a mother helps monitor movements of her baby by counting the number of kicks in a certain time period.

Nonstress testing

 A nonstress test measures the fetal heart rate in response to the fetus's movements. The heart rate of a healthy fetus increases when the fetus moves.

Biophysical profile

A biophysical profile (BPP) checks the health of your baby in the womb. The test combines a nonstress test with ultrasound, which measures your baby's heart rate as they move around.

 Doppler flow studies

Doppler flow uses sound waves to measure blood flow through blood vessels. These studies assess blood flow in the umbilical vein and arteries, fetal brain, fetal heart, and other organs.

Locations near you.