High Risk Pregnancy Diagnosis

Home » Specialties » High Risk Pregnancy » High Risk Pregnancy Diagnosis

High risk pregnancies can be diagnosed in a number of ways by a medical practitioner. The below tests will help in the identification of high risk pregnancy, and will be prescribed by your doctor depending on your condition or symptoms.

  1. Amniocentesis – During this test, a sample of the amniotic fluid, which surrounds your baby, is harmlessly extracted for tests. Typically conducted after the 15th week of your pregnancy, as part of high risk pregnancy diagnosis, to test for genetic conditions like neural tube defects, or brain and spinal cord abnormalities.
  2. Cordocentesis – Typically conducted after the 18th week of pregnancy, this test is able to identify certain fetial chromosomal abnormalities, blood conditions and viral or bacterial infections.
  3. Ultrasounds – A number of ultrasounds are used for high risk pregnancy diagnosis. These include targeted ultrasounds, which can construct an image of your child in the womb, and target a suspected issue, like an abnormal fetal development.
  4. Chorionic Villus Sampling – This test is typically suggested to test abnormalities, in the event that your doctor suspects a fetal genetic conditions. Conducted between the 10th and 12th week of your pregnancy, the cells of the placenta are harmlessly removed and tested.
  5. Laboratory Tests – In case you have had a history of pre-term labour, your doctor may suggest that a sample of your vaginal fluid be tested for fetal fibronectin. This is a glue-like substance that helps connect the fetal sac to your uterine lining. If the test comes back positive, this could be a sign of an early delivery.
  6. Blood Testing – A routine blood test may also be diagnosed, as it can indicate that you have an underlying condition, such as gestational hypertension. This can place you and your child at risk, and will require prenatal monitoring and treatment.
  7. Urinalysis – Conditions like preeclampsia can be diagnosed through this test, as it can detect excess protein in the urine.
  8. Fundal Height Measurement: Fundal height is the measurement which indicates the distance between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus. A measurement that is too large can indicate a macrosomic, or an overly large fetus.
  9. Fetal Monitoring: An unborn baby that is thought to be unduly large can be monitored through non-stress testing. This test will measure your baby’s heart rate, in response to their movements, and may also be conducted if your doctor feels that the child may have a condition that can cause fetal distress during delivery.

It is essential that you get in touch with an experienced medical practitioner to help conduct your tests. Schedule an appointment with Apollo Cradle’s team of experts today, if you feel that you are exhibiting any symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy.