Services

Caring, Compassionate Outpatient Services

The physicians and staff of Diablo Valley Perinatal Associates provide comprehensive Maternal-Fetal-Medicine services in a caring, compassionate environment with technologically advanced diagnostic ultrasound equipment. Our three doctors are skilled prenatal diagnosticians, performing over 18,000 obstetrical ultrasounds and 400 diagnostic procedures annually. Our volume and expertise exceed that of most major university medical centers while our approach to individualized care make every patient the most important person of our day. We are a California state approved Perinatal Diagnostic Center (PDC) providing thorough, respectful, confidential counseling and diagnostic testing tailored to fit the needs of our diverse patient population.

Why is an ultrasound exam so important in pregnancy?

During the first trimester, a fetal ultrasound accurately assigns the gestational age of a pregnancy.  It is also the time when the health of an early pregnancy can be evaluated with the measurement of the nuchal translucency – a precise measurement of a “translucent” area on the back of the developing fetal neck (performed between 11-14 weeks).  This measurement, when performed in combination with a first trimester and second trimester blood test, provide a risk assessment for the most common chromosome abnormalities

During the second trimester, a detailed anatomic survey rules out most birth defects when done by a specialized perinatal center.  During that exam, stringent parameters are followed, established by the American Institute in Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM) regarding anatomic structures that must be evaluated – assuring to the limitation of ultrasound itself, you baby is thoroughly examined.

During the third trimester, a fetal ultrasound evaluates the size of the developing baby and identifies pregnancies with abnormal growth.  In the event of a growth abnormality, advanced imaging techniques including evaluation of blood flow velocities and wave forms through specific blood vessels in the brain,  heart, liver and umbilical cord can be undertaken.  In addition, biophysical parameters such as fetal breathing, tone and movement can also be used to determine the health of the developing baby in combination with a fetal non stress test.

 

 

FACTS:

Why is an ultrasound exam so important in pregnancy?

— During the first trimester, a fetal ultrasound determines the health of an early pregnancy with the measurement of the nuchal translucency.

— During the second trimester, a fetal ultrasound rules out most birth defects with a comprehensive evaluation of the fetal anatomy.

— During the third trimester, a fetal ultrasound evaluates the size of the developing baby and identifies pregnancies with abnormal growth.

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