Advanced Fetal Diagnostic Testing

At UR Medicine, we offer advanced fetal diagnostic testing including Level II ultrasound (a detailed view of your baby’s anatomy), fetal echocardiogram, and fetal MRI.

Level II Ultrasound

We are a Level II diagnostic ultrasound unit. Level II ultrasound means that our staff and physicians are qualified to perform and interpret more detailed fetal ultrasounds than general OB/GYN physicians or general radiology offices.  At our AIUM accredited ultrasound unit, our team of 14 dedicated obstetrical sonographers are ARDMS certified, having the specialized training to be able to give you more information on complex findings in your baby.

Cervical Length Assessment

For women at risk for preterm delivery, cervical length monitoring may be recommended to help assess for shortening. Some therapies, including cerclage or progesterone for a shortening cervix, may be helpful to decrease the risk of delivering early.

Nuchal Translucency and Nasal Bone Assessments

Measurement of the Nuchal Translucency (NT) is part of a first trimester risk assessment for genetic conditions. The NT is a fluid-filled area at the back of the fetal neck and is measured between 11-14 weeks of pregnancy. When combined with blood work, this screening (called a first trimester screen) will provide patients with a risk-assessment for certain genetic conditions (Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 21 and sometimes sex chromosomes).

Additionally, thicknesses in this area has been associated with other fetal abnormalities, including other genetic disorders, cardiac conditions, and diaphragmatic hernias. Because this screening heavily relies on the accuracy of the NT measurement, it is vital to have skilled and qualified sonographers who are able to obtain this measurement. The NT/First Trimester Screen is an effective tool for screening in early pregnancy. 

Our team of sonographers have received the NT certification from the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) for both NT and nasal bone assessment.  The Fetal Medicine Foundation is an international foundation designed for physicians and sonographers as a way to uphold their skills and knowledge through education, certification, and annual renewal of their certification. Additionally, as a department, we maintain an internal monthly quality review of these scans to ensure all sonographers are providing the best and most accurate imaging possible for our patients.

Specialized Doppler Monitoring

Just like traditional ultrasound, Doppler uses sound waves to assess flow in the baby’s heart, brain, liver, or umbilical cord to detect specific issues or conditions. Monitoring includes following babies with IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction (small)) for signs of distress, following fetuses of pregnant people with antibodies that increase the risk for anemia (a condition called Isoimmunization or sensitization), and types of twins at risk for uneven perfusion or other complications. 

Doppler tests require additional training to be able to accurately measure and interpret the findings. Each year our team performs over 1000 Doppler assessments, giving us the experience to interpret these complex situations and help provide the best care for your growing baby. Our team has additional experience in pregnancies with complications that are rarely seen or monitored in community centers.

Specialized Twin and Multiples Monitoring

Ultrasound evaluation of twins or higher can be very complicated. Both parent and baby are at higher risk of complications. Our team of maternal-fetal medicine physicians and dedicated OB/GYN sonographers has the experience and equipment to make monitor your babies.

We are the most experienced team in the region in caring for and monitoring high order (triplet and more) multiple pregnancies. Each year, UR Medicine Maternal-fetal Medicine follows over 100 sets of multiples to watch for maternal and fetal complications. Additionally, the team has special experience caring for high-order multiples and has followed over 240 sets of triplets, and 30 pregnancies with quads or higher in the last 18 years.

One rare type of multiples, called monoamniotic or mono-mono twins, share an amniotic (water) sac and are at risk for becoming entangled in their umbilical cords. This type of twins requires special in-patient monitoring and early delivery. Each year, UR Medicine's Maternal-Fetal Medicine and UR Medicine's Golisano Children’s Hospital care for all the women and children in the region with this unique complication.

Fetal Echocardiogram

Our physicians are world-class sub-specialists with expertise in diagnosing and treating congenital heart defects. Nine of our providers and eleven of our sonographers have additional specializations in fetal echocardiography, allowing them to thoroughly evaluate the heart of a developing fetus.

Depending on the findings of your fetal echocardiogram, our fetal care coordinator may help organize any further imaging that is needed, including referral for imaging with the Children’s Heart Center at Golisano Children's Hospital. The Fetal Cardiology team includes a pediatric cardiologist, advanced practice nurse, and social worker, who will work collaboratively throughout your pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care. 

Fetal MRI

MRI is a noninvasive imaging test that provides detailed information about anatomic structures of the fetus. High-resolution images are taken rapidly using a “snapshot” technique. MRI pictures are obtained for evaluation using a magnetic field rather than radiation.

A fetal MRI can enhance the information obtained from a high-resolution fetal ultrasound and provide additional information about your baby’s diagnosis. It is performed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. An MRI evaluation is used to evaluate abnormalities in your baby’s body, brain, and spine. It may also be used to confirm an ultrasound diagnosis or add significant diagnostic information in complex cases. 

UR Medicine's Golisano Children’s Hospital is the only facility in Upstate New York with ultrafast fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). UR Medicine's Pediatric Radiology is specifically trained in the care of pediatric patients.