Exceptional Prenatal Care in Southern California
Prenatal tests are procedures performed during pregnancy to gather information about the baby’s health and well-being.
The experienced doctors and staff at Dignity Health Southern California hospitals offer thorough prenatal testing in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino. Find a Doctor to receive care at one of our comfortable, modern birthing centers at our hospitals.
Our specialized team of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality care from the moment you are pregnant to the birth of your child.
Why We Perform Prenatal Tests
Prenatal tests give parents and doctors information about an unborn baby’s growth, development, and health. We use the information gathered from prenatal testing to manage the pregnancy and birth.
Some of the most common reasons for prenatal testing are to:
- Look for birth defects
- Check growth and development
- Assess the baby’s health
Common prenatal screening tests include:
- Early ultrasound, to confirm you’re pregnant and the number of babies you’re carrying, and to determine your due date
- First trimester screening, to determine the likelihood that your baby has Down syndrome or other chromosomal disorders
- Blood tests, to look for infections that can cause complications, anemia, and your Rh factor
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), to screen for certain birth defects and genetic diseases
- Amniocentesis, to identify certain diseases before birth or lung development during the third trimester
- Biophysical profile, to assess your baby’s well-being during the third trimester
What to Expect from Prenatal Tests at Dignity Health Southern California
Your doctor will recommend certain prenatal tests and explain the purpose and reason for each one.
It’s helpful to ask your doctor questions:
- Why do you recommend this test?
- Are there any alternatives to this test?
- What information will I get from this test?
- What risks are associated with testing?
- How will test results change the management of my pregnancy and birth plan?
It’s up to you to decide which prenatal tests — if any — you want to take. They are a way to learn more about your pregnancy and baby. Talk to your doctor about your options, and rely on us to look out for you and your baby’s complete well-being.
Caring Dignity Health doctors offer comprehensive prenatal testing in Southern California.