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The Perinatal Diagnostic Center provides specialized and personalized care for pregnant women and fetuses at risk for pregnancy-related complications by offering diagnostic and treatments options necessary to achieve that goal.
To learn more about the perinatal ultrasound services at Emory Crawford Long Radiology, please click on the links below:
Return to Services
FAQ's about perinatal ultrasound
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Schedule an appointment:
To schedule an appointment, please call 404-686-2012.
Physicians
Stanley M. Berry, M.D.
Annette M. Miles, M.D.
Perinatal Diagnostic Center Services
First trimester ultrasound
OB comprehensive ultrasound
OB comprehensive and anatomy ultrasound
Biophysical profile (BPP)
Non-Stress Test (NST)
Growth scan
Fetal echo
Umbilical doppler
Interventional OB procedures
Amniocentesis
CVS
Cordocentesis
First Trimester Ultrasound
Any pregnancy less than 14 weeks.
The fetus is measured and the results are compared with the dates given based on the last menstrual cycle. If the patient does not know her last menstrual cycle, and this is her first Ultrasound, a due date will be determined.
Imaging includes: The fetus, the overall uterus, and the ovaries when visible.
Preparation: Full bladder
OB Comprehensive Ultrasound
An exam done between 14 weeks and 18 weeks.
The fetus is measured and the results are compared with the dates given based on the last menstrual cycle. If the patient does not know her last menstrual cycle, and this is her first Ultrasound, a due date will be determined.
Imaging includes: The fetus, the placenta, a limited view of the fetal heart, a limited view of the fetal spine, the amniotic fluid, and the ovaries when visible.
Preparation: None
OB Comprehensive and Anatomy Ultrasound
An exam done between 19 and 21 weeks gestation.
This is a detailed evaluation of the fetal anatomy.
Imaging includes: Fetus with measurements, heart, brain, face, spine, stomach, bladder, kidneys, umbilical cord insertion, umbilical cord, upper and lower extremities, placenta, fluid, and maternal cervix.
Preparation: None
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Biophysical Profile (BPP) Growth Scan
This is a combination of acute and chronic markers reflecting fetal well-being.
An ultrasound is performed to evaluate acute markers- fetal breathing movements, fetal movements and fetal tone (flexing of limbs or spine). The chronic markers evaluated are placenta and amniotic fluid. An NST evaluation is also part of the BPP. Each of these markers are given a score of either zero or two (zero being poor and two being good ). A perfect score would be a 10 out of 10.
Preparation: None
Non-Stress Test (NST)
A fetal monitor is applied to the maternal abdomen. Fetal heart rate and uterine contractions are monitored.
Preparation: None
Growth Scan
This ultrasound exam is done when the fetus needs to be measured to either monitor growth, evaluate for size less than dates or size greater than dates or determine a fetal weight.
Preparation: None
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Fetal Echo
This is a detailed ultrasound examination of the fetal heart.
Preparation: None
Umbilical Doppler
Using ultrasound, the blood flow velocity in the umbilical artery is documented in the form of a spectral Doppler display and measured. This measurement can determine if the fetus is receiving adequate blood from the placenta.
Preparation: None
Interventional OB Procedures
Amniocentesis
Exam done at approximately 16 weeks' gestation.
This ultrasound guided procedure involves inserting a needle into the mothers' abdomen and into the uterus. Approximately 20cc's (less than an ounce) of amniotic fluid is removed. This fluid is sent to the lab for chromosomal analysis. Other things that can be determined from amniocentesis is, spina bifida, infection, and in the 3rd trimester- fetal lung maturity.
Results are available in 10 to 14 days.
Preparation: Must have documentation of maternal blood type prior to examination.
Post Exam Instructions
Chorionic Villus Sampling CVS
This is a first trimester diagnostic procedure done at approximately 13 weeks gestation.
This ultrasound guided procedure involves inserting a needle into the mothers abdomen and into the uterus. The needle is then directed into the placenta and a sampling of placental chorionic villus cells are obtained. This sample is sent for chromosomal analysis.
Results are available in 10 to 14 days.
Preparation: Must have documentation of maternal blood type prior to examination.
Post Exam Instructions
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Cordocentesis
Exam done after 20 weeks gestation.
This ultrasound guided procedure involves inserting a needle into the mothers abdomen and uterus and then directing the needle into the umbilical cord to obtain a fetal blood sample. Indications for fetal blood sampling are: confirmation of chromosomal mosaicism found on amniocentesis or CVS, rapid karyotyping (48-72 hours), fetal blood grouping, assessment of fetal anemia, hemophilia or other clotting disorders, and inborn errors of metabolism.
This procedure is typically done in labor and delivery and a mild sedative is administered prior to the procedure. Post-procedure requires maternal and fetal monitoring for at least 6 hours.
Preparation: Must have documentation of maternal blood type prior to examination.
Post Exam Instructions:
Instructions for your amnio, cvs or codocentesis exam:
On the day of the procedure:
- You should not work
- Relax for the rest of the day, sitting or lying down
- You can eat and drink normally
- You should, not exercise, no heavy lifting, no long walks, no housework, no shopping, no sexual intercourse.
- Drink at least 4 large glasses (8 oz. Each) of water or juice during the remainder of the day.
- It is normal to experience a little pain or burning in the skin where the needle was placed.
- It is normal to experience some lower abdominal, pelvic, or back pain (cramping, heaviness, discomfort). This should be gone by the following morning.
- You may take 1-2 tablets Regular Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) every 4 -6 hours if needed.
On the day after the procedure:
- If you feel well, you may return to work
- Gentle walking is ok
- No Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting
Call your doctor or our office anytime you are concerned and specifically if you experience any of the following:
- If you just feel ill in any way
- If you have abdominal or back pain worse than menstrual cramps
- If you have rhythmic lower abdomen pain
- If you have vaginal bleeding
- If there is any fluid or unusual discharge from the vagina
- If there is a foul smelling vaginal discharge
- If you feel hot, take your temperature. Call your doctor if you temperature is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Centigrade)
(back to top) Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell me the sex of the baby?
The primary purpose of the ultrasound is done to determine the well-being of the baby. If the baby cooperates, however, we may be able to determine fetal gender after 16 weeks of the pregnancy.
Is ultrasound harmful to my baby?
No. Ultrasound is a specialized exam using sound waves, not x-rays, to visualize your baby. No radiation is involved.
Can I get a 3D picture of my baby?
Unfortunately, no. Ultrasound is done to determine the well-being of the baby.
Can I video tape the exam?
Patients may bring a VHS and a portion of the exam will recorded for them. Patients may not, however, bring a video camera and record any portion of the procedure.
Do I need a full bladder?
Only those patients that are in their 1st trimester of pregnancy need a full bladder.
How many people / family members are allowed in the exam room?
Only 2 people are allowed in the exam room at a time. It is important that those in the exam room keep questions and conversation to a minimum as the clinician needs to concentrate on obtaining important exam information on the baby.
Will I see a doctor after my exam?
Yes, in most cases. Sometimes, however, the doctor may be called away for an emergency while your exam is being completed.
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