• Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, and Other Chromosomal Diagnoses: Information for Expectant Parents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Common Chromosomal Conditions>What Happens After Diagnosis>The Emotional Journey & Resources Receiving news about a prenatal chromosomal diagnosis can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve received a positive result from non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or confirmation from diagnostic testing like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), you likely have many questions. This article provides information…

  • Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents After a Prenatal Diagnosis

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>What to Expect During Pregnancy>Health Considerations After Birth>Growth & Development>Making Informed Decisions Learning that your baby may have or has Down syndrome can bring up a range of emotions. You might feel overwhelmed, uncertain about the future, or worried about what this means for your pregnancy and your child’s life. These feelings…

  • Enlarged Nuchal Translucency and Cystic Hygroma in Pregnancy

    If you’ve been told your baby has an “enlarged nuchal translucency” or “cystic hygroma” during an ultrasound, you likely have many questions and concerns. This article aims to explain what these terms mean, how they’re diagnosed, what they might indicate, and what steps typically follow such findings. What is Nuchal Translucency? Nuchal translucency (NT) refers…

  • Shortened Long Bones on Ultrasound

    When the baby’s femur (thigh bone) or humerus (upper arm bone) measures shorter than expected for gestational age, it may be flagged for review. This finding is typically identified when the observed long bone length is less than 90% of what would be expected for the baby’s gestational age. What Constitutes “Short” Long Bones? Sonographers…

  • Echogenic Bowel on Ultrasound: What Does It Mean?

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>What Happens After it’s Identified>Reassuring Reality During pregnancy, ultrasound examinations help healthcare providers monitor your baby’s development and identify any potential concerns. One finding that sometimes appears during a second-trimester ultrasound is something called “echogenic bowel.” While this term might sound alarming, understanding what it means and its implications can help ease…

  • Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Explained

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>How is the test performed?>What to expect after If you’re reading this, you may be considering amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or perhaps you already have a procedure scheduled. These tests represent important tools in prenatal care that can provide valuable information about your baby’s health. While the prospect of these…

  • Abnormal Cell-Free DNA Results (NIPT): What You Need to Know

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Understanding Your Results>Next Steps If you’ve recently been told that your cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening test came back “abnormal” or “positive,” you may be feeling worried, confused, or overwhelmed. These feelings are completely normal. Taking a deep breath and learning more about what these results actually mean can help you navigate this…

  • Blood Antibodies in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know When Your Test Shows Antibodies

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>The Impact>The Outlook>Common Questions Finding out you have antibodies in your blood during pregnancy can be concerning. You may have been told you have antibodies with names like “anti-Kell,” “anti-c,” or “anti-E” during your prenatal testing. Learning about these unfamiliar terms can feel overwhelming, especially when they might affect your pregnancy. This…

  • Rh Factor in Pregnancy: Guide for Rh-Negative Parents

    Rh Factor in Pregnancy: Guide for Rh-Negative Parents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Prevention>Testing for Rh>Frequently Asked Questions If you are Rh-negative, you might have questions about what this means for you and your pregnancy. This article will help explain the Rh factor, why it matters during pregnancy, and how modern medicine can protect both you and your baby. What Is the Rh Factor? The…

  • Preterm Labor: A Comprehensive Guide

    Preterm Labor: A Comprehensive Guide

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Risk Factors>Screening & Prevention>Diagnosis>Giving Birth Preterm Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with anticipation and hope. For most people, pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, with birth occurring between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. However, approximately 10% of births in the United States occur before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which is defined…