You may have an ultrasound or sonogram during your second prenatal visit, between 12 and 16 weeks, the American Pregnancy Association says. The ultrasound or sonogram will allow you to see your baby. Talk about this with your health care provider ahead of time.
Amniocentesis can provide valuable information about the health of your baby before it is born. Amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy.
The chorionic villi are tiny projections of placental tissue that look like fingers and contain the same genetic material as the fetus. Testing may be available for other genetic defects and disorders depending on the family history and availability of lab testing at the time of the procedure.
Certain tests and screenings may be scheduled during your pregnancy. Your health care provider will advise you on which tests you'll need.
Women with high-risk pregnancies often need a close watch for potential problems or complications. Many tests and procedures are available to monitor the health of both mother and baby.