Prenatal Testing Options in Los Angeles
When you become pregnant, it is essential to check in regularly with a doctor to ensure you and your little one are in good health. Contact a double-board certified specialist today!
Prenatal screening tests can help to determine if there may be any issues with the pregnancy or the baby. At Reproductive Fertility Center (RFC), we understand the importance of preserving your fertility and your child’s health, and we are committed to helping our soon to be parents however we can.
Types of Prenatal Tests
Most prenatal tests are non-invasive and will not increase the risk of miscarriage. However, screening tests are limited to a few conditions and only check for the likelihood of the baby having the defect rather than determining a diagnosis. The most accurate way to detect a congenital disability remains the more invasive tests, which can pose a minimal risk of miscarriage. Generally, these tests are only done when there is a reason to suspect a problem.
First Trimester Pregnancy Screening Options
Testing done between 11-13 weeks of pregnancy
Ultrasound: this technology creates an image of the baby in the uterus using sound waves
- Used to determine the size and position of the baby, confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy, and find any potential abnormalities in the structure of your baby’s growing bones and organs
- Non-invasive screening
Blood tests: used to determine the chances of specific chromosomal abnormalities
- Tests for the likelihood of Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and other common chromosomal problems
- Non-invasive screening
Nuchal translucency ultrasound: a specialized ultrasound to check the amount of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck
- Excess fluid may indicate an increased risk of Down syndrome or other anomalies
- Non-invasive screening
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): a diagnostic test that involves taking a small tissue sample from the placenta. This tissue contains the genetic information of the baby and can be used to rule out or diagnose chromosomal abnormalities.
- Cannot test for neural tubal defects
- Accurate approximately 98% of the time
- Considered invasive and increases the risk of miscarriage by approximately .05% to 1.0%
Second Trimester Screening Options
Testing done between 13-27 weeks of pregnancy
Ultrasound: used to create an image of the baby in the uterus with sound wave technology
- Done to visualize the baby’s full anatomy and assess for either structural anomalies or abnormalities that are specific to certain genetic conditions
- Non-invasive screening
Blood tests: used to evaluate the levels of specific hormones and proteins
- Tests for markers of Down syndrome, neural tubal defects, and Trisomy 18
- Non-invasive screening
Amniocentesis: Generally, this test is only done after abnormal test results or ultrasounds. A needle is carefully inserted into the amniotic sac through the abdomen to withdraw fluid. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells.
- Amniocentesis can detect 99% of neural tubal defects and almost 100% of certain genetic anomalies
- Similar to CVS testing, this is an invasive diagnostic test that carries a small increased risk of miscarriage
Schedule a Prenatal Test with a Los Angeles Fertility Doctor Today
At Reproductive Fertility Center, it is our mission to help you achieve your fertility goals. If you are looking for a Los Angeles Board Certified Fertility Doctor, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are dedicated to helping you achieve your family goals and able to help every step of the way.
Contact us online, or call us at 310-881-8846
Most Frequently Asked
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“Eternally Grateful”
It is amazing what a difference a year can make. Last year we were feeling depressed and anxious and unsure about whether or not this would happen for us. This year we are expecting the birth of our first child. Dr. Saadat is amazing. You will feel the difference right away between his office and any other office around. They must make it a rule there to only hire friendly, compassionate people because everyone there was so sweet – especially all the nurses. Thanks again for everything guys!
"Felt Welcome From the Start"
I wanted to say thank you to the entire staff for making us feel welcome to our first visit especially on a Saturday. We met with Dr. Sadaat and was very informative and took time with us with all of our questions. For the financial department, Melissa was very helpful with keeping in contact with us regarding any paperwork that we needed as well as with setting our appointment. We do look forward for treatment with Dr. Saadat.
"The Solution to Our Problems"
We just celebrated our son’s first birthday, and thought we should send out warm wishes to Dr. Saadat and his team as well. Without them this would not have been possible. We had “unexplained” infertility issues and the first clinic we went to was not very friendly and we felt like we were just another “cycle”. Dr. Saadat was always willing to answer questions and the nurses there were terrific. I felt like everyone in the office was on our side, and that makes a huge difference. So thank you to everyone from Anna, Michael and Alex.
"One Big Thank You"
Dr Saadat is very open and accommodating to my financial and medical concerns. He doesn’t force unnecessary tests like other places do. He’s a very nice and efficient reproductive endocrinologist.
"Helpful in Every Way"
We traveled across the world to be treated by Dr. Saadat. My wife was not able to have babies and we could not get an answer from Doctors in our country why. It is also important in our culture that our first baby be male. Dr. Saadat was able to help my wife get pregnant and make sure that we had a baby boy. They were helpful in every way and we felt comfortable even though we are not from the United States. Everyone was patient and understanding and respectful. We will be back in a few years to grow our family.
"It's Never Too Late!"
All I can say is do not give up hope! I was 43 when I got pregnant for the first time. I had honestly been trying for years. I now have 3 beautiful children, a 6 year old girl and 3 year old twins – a boy and a girl. I feel blessed every day. It can happen. Thank you Dr. Saadat.
"The Perfect Fit for the Job"
I came to Dr. Saadat’s office because I felt like the Doctor I was working with was not a good fit. It isn’t that they were doing anything wrong but I did not feel a connection. This is such a personal type of medical treatment, and I want the people helping me to make me feel cared for. Dr. Saadat’s approach is also a bit different – he does all the ultrasounds himself – which is very reassuring. His staff is great, and his bedside manner is comforting. I am thankful for everything they all did, and thankful everyday for my daughter!
Start your Journey with a Southern California Fertility Specialist
To better service our patients, we have several locations in West Hollywood, Riverside, and Glendora. We also offer private transportation arrangements to in-home care, and nearly everything in-between. Concierge Services will take care of many of the details for you.