At Temple Women & Families, we want you to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. When you choose to receive your prenatal care and deliver your baby at Temple Health, our Fetal Center is where you will confirm your pregnancy and hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. From this day through your delivery and beyond, our team at the Fetal Center becomes part of your team, working with you and your obstetrician to help navigate your pregnancy and have the most positive experience.
Our ultrasound technologists, nurses, genetic counselors, and maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy) physicians provide personalized care to each birthing individual. We offer comprehensive screenings and routine ultrasounds to ensure you and your baby are healthy at all stages of your pregnancy. We use 3D ultrasound technology to provide you with the clearest images of your baby. Our team also works with your physician to identify any abnormalities through DNA tests, genetic screenings, and more so that your physician can guide you in making the best and safest choices for you – and your family.
Services We Offer
The Fetal Center offers various services to support you and your baby through a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. Some of our services include:
Genetic screening and counseling
Your physician may recommend genetic testing, such as Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, to learn more about your baby's health. CVS is a procedure in which a small amount of cells from the placenta are removed for genetic testing between the 10th and 13th week of pregnancy. During amniocentesis, a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the sack surrounding the fetus for genetic testing, often between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy.
These prenatal tests can help identify certain genetic disorders, such as sickle cell disease or tay-sachs disease before your baby is born. A genetic counselor will review the results of the genetic screenings and discuss the best course of action with you and your physician as needed.
Nonstress test
A fetal nonstress test is a painless, noninvasive screening that monitors your baby's uterine heart rate. Heart rate is measured for 20 to 30 minutes to see if it changes as the baby moves, as it should. A nonstress test is typically performed during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Prenatal ultrasound
We use ultrasound imaging to confirm your pregnancy and monitor your baby’s growth and development throughout your pregnancy. Ultrasound uses sound waves to safely take pictures of the baby and view inside your uterus and ovaries.
Our ultrasound technologists will provide 3D images to you and our physicians, who will ensure your baby is developing on or near schedule. Partners or support persons are welcome to join you during your ultrasound to share the experience.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (833-435-0684) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat high-risk pregnancies >