FAQs | GLOSSARY | STAFF | TCHAP HOME
It can be very frightening when your doctor or midwife tells you you are having a high risk pregnancy. Concerns for mom's and baby's health are normal. The Prenatal Testing Center, and the Prenatal Unit in the Maternity Center are here to help you throughout your pregnancy.
Prenatal Unit
Occasionally, before birth, a mother will need the full time care only a hospital can provide. For high risk mothers, a full staff of specially trained nurses provide close watch of your and your unborn baby. During your stay, we help you understand what is happening to your body and what to expect in the near future.
Please let callers know that they may reach you by dialing 907-562-2211 and asking the operator to connect them to your room. Moms on hospital bed rest need lots of rest, please encourage well-wishers to limit their visits. Consider setting up a web page on The Status to keep friends and family up to date.
Prenatal Testing
Your doctor or midwife may request certain tests during your pregnancy. Some of the reasons why include:
- if your baby is late;
- if you have pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension;
- if your baby seems small for your expected due date;
- if you have had previous problems in pregnancy;
- if you have other medical problems, such as diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, severe anemia;
- if your baby is moving less than normal.
Examples of the tests your doctor or midwive may request include:
Non Stress Test
A Non Stress test is a test that evaluates your unborn baby's heart beat as it relates to his or her movements. This test informs your caregiver of how well your baby is doing, and gives some idea of how well he/she will tolerate the stresses of labor. The baby's heart rate should increase slightly when he/she moves, just as your heart rate increases when you run or walk fast.
You will be on a bed in a slightly sitting position or on your side. Two monitoring leads will be placed on your abdomen with belts so that your uterine activity and your baby's heart beat can be recorded together. You may be asked to push a button every time you feel the baby move.
The test takes 20-40 minutes. Your baby may be sleeping when the test is started. Since the baby should be awake during the test, your baby might need to be stimulated by the nurse. She does this by pushing gently on your uterus to wake your baby or using a Vibro Acoustic Stimulator.
Biophysical Profile Return to List
A Biophysical Profile is a way to look at your unborn baby and evaluate physical characteristics which will help your caregiver assess the health status of your baby.
The nurse in the testing center will use an ultrasound machine to look at the baby through the abdominal and uterine walls. You will also be able to see your baby. The room will be darkened and you will be on the bed in a slightly sitting position. You and your baby will not feel anything except for some possible pressure.
The nurse will look for "breathing movements" of the baby's chest; watch for the baby to move; watch for the baby to kick or move its hands, called "tone"; and look for the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.
Amniotic Fluid Index Return to List
This a a method of measuring the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. The amount of amniotic fluid may vary with different obstetrical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, small size of baby for your expected delivery date, and if you go past your expected date of delivery.
You will be on a bed lying fairly flat. The nurse will use the ultrasound machine to look for "pockets" of amniotic fluid. You will be able to watch this being done. One section of the uterus will be scanned at a time. Four sections total will be scanned and measured. The nurse will notify your doctor or midwife with the final amniotic fluid index number.
Doppler Flow Study Return to List
There are several conditions in pregnancy that can alter the speed of the blood flow in the umbilical vessels between the placenta and the baby. Some of these conditions are twins, pre-eclampsia (hypertension), inter-uterine growth restriction (small baby for estimated dates), diabetes, Rh sensitization, and maternal vascular conditions.
You will be placed on a bed in a semi-sitting position. The ultrasound machine will be used to locate the baby's umbilical cord. When the cord is found, you will hear the heart beat, and see a picture on the ultrasound machine while the doctor makes some measurements. Usually 3 samples are taken.You and your baby will not feel anything during the test.
|
