Pregnancy is a time of many changes for the mother. It is also a time when medical technology makes it possible to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and the health of the developing fetus.
Making sure that we address the needs of the mother and child during pregnancy is an essential part of making sure that a the birth experience at Baystate Medical Center is safe, healthy and positive.
The Perinatal Diagnostic Program allows our experts to evaluate the pregnancy by performing a variety of tests to learn early on if the pregnancy will require special attention.
Fetal Testing and Ultrasound
The Perinatal Diagnostic Program specializes in the evaluation of pregnancies. The center includes physicians, perinatal nurses, and sonographers who specialize in high-risk pregnancy services.
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The physicians are certified by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the subspeciality of Maternal Fetal Medicine.
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The Perinatal Diagnostic Center is certified by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.
Pregnancies considered to be high risk require closer monitoring. The care of high risk pregnancies is one of the specialties at Baystate Medical Center.
The following on-site services are available:
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Ultrasound of the pregnancy and fetus - is a way to see the baby inside your uterus. It’s like a baby’s first physical exam. It provides information about your unborn baby and the surrounding area within the uterus.
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Fetal echocardiogram
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Nonstress testing - monitors a baby’s heart beat while the baby kicks and stretches. If the heartbeat increases normally during the test, the baby is probably getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
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Biophysical profile (BPP)
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Doppler studies in pregnancy
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Amniocentesis - with the help of an ultrasound, allows fluid to be taken from around your baby while still inside your uterus. Testing this fluid can indicate if the baby has any health problems.
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Chorionic villous sampling (CVS)
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Fetal blood sampling
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High risk pregnancy counseling
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Genetic consultation and testing
For more information, please call 413-794-BABY (794-2229).
Bedrest
Our professional experts may advise bedrest because of possible complications of the pregnancy. In that event, the patients receive a Bedrest Survival Guide and Kit, a packet of information related to coping with bedrest, supportive services and other educational information. If they are unable to attend childbirth classes due to bedrest, they may also borrow a basket of books, videos, and packets related to childbirth education.
Your Pregnancy
Congratulations on your pregnancy. Every Baystate Health staff member understands that the birth of a child is one of life's most precious moments.
To help you get ready to welcome and care for the newest member of your family, the list below links you to information that every mother-to-be should know about pregnancy and childbirth. All these topics and more are covered in our comprehensive range of parent education classes.
The "Your Pregnancy" brochure provides information to assist the expecting mother:
Learn more about all aspects of pregnancy at the National Women's Health Information website.
