Laboratory tests are an important part of your pregnancy care. At Mansfield Miracles, we offer routine, screening and diagnostic tests to assure you and your baby are healthy from start to finish. Prenatal lab tests assure you and baby are healthy from start to finish and are performed virtually all moms-to-be.

Early in your pregnancy, we’ll test your blood and urine to make sure there are no untreated conditions that might pose a risk to you and your baby. Abnormal results may require special treatment or management during pregnancy. Items we will be looking at in your lab tests include

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood type
• Urinalysis (and culture if necessary)
• Glucose tolerance test
• Rubella
• Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV testing, with permission)

Gynecologic Ultrasound

Sonograms are performed at our Mansfield Miracles office located in the Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, by Dr. Daum, M.D. Many times, this can can be performed without at second visit needed.

The examination can be performed transabdominally, usually with a full bladder to achieve better visualization, or transvaginally with a special vaginal transducer. Dr. Daum, M.D. offers both transabdominal and transvaginal gynecological ultrasound at both offices. Generally transvaginal imaging gives better resolution of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, whereas lesions reaching into the abdomen are better seen transabdominally. 

The procedure is painless, noninvasive, and safe. Sonohysterography is a specialized procedure by which fluid, usually sterile saline, is installed into the uterine cavity, and gynecological sonography performed at the same time. The procedure helps diagnose uterine and ovarian problems such as cysts, polyps or fibroids.

OB Genetic Testing

Screening for genetic traits is offered as a routine part of each pregnancy. These include cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome. Testing for Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems is offered as early as 10 weeks, through fetal DNA testing.

The Quad screen is a test of the mothers blood for hormones that come from the baby. The level of four different hormones are determined, and then calculations are made for your baby's risk of certain birth defects. The problems directly tested for are Down syndrome, spina bifida, and Trisomy 18. Trisomy 18 is a lethal chromosomal defect where there is an extra copy of chromosome 18 in the baby. Testing is offered between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. Results are usually available within 3 to 4 days.

The quad screen is a screening test which is offered to all pregnant women. It is the most commonly used and most universally available test for screening your baby for common birth defects. Not all women will be interested in testing. The quad screen is not a diagnostic test. (such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, or cordocentesis) The quad screen uses the levels of four fetal hormones in the mother's blood to calculate new and specific risks for your baby. 

Commonly quoted risks for birth defects are usually based only on the age of the mother at delivery. The newly determined risk will either be lower than normal, normal, or elevated. Most elevated risk results will result in the birth of a normal baby, but about 90% of Down syndrome babies, 90% of spina bifida babies, and most Trisomy 18 babies will be within the group with abnormal results.

Further testing will be offered, including referral for level II sonograms, genetic counseling, and if necessary, Materna iT21 blood testing or Amniocentesis. Other fetal problems may result in an abnormal quad screen. Such pregnancies are considered high risk and are closely watched for growth and fetal well being.  Quad screen testing is optional and may not be for you. As a routine part of your prenatal care, we will discuss whether or not you desire testing.

Obstetrical Ultrasound

Sonograms are an important part of caring for you and your baby. Sonograms are performed both at the Mansfield office. Dr. Daum, M.D. performs the sonograms himself, and includes free 3D and 4D examinations with pictures to take home to family and friends. 

A sonogram is routinely performed at the first office visit. This sonogram will confirm your due date, make sure you don't have a tubal pregnancy, and help to evaluate your risk of miscarriage. A second sonogram is offered to determine the sex of your baby. A third sonogram is usually performed about 26 weeks to look at detailed anatomy, growth and make fun 3D pictures. Later sonograms are sometimes needed to evaluate the growth and health of your baby.

This sonogram is performed to evaluate the baby's growth and check your baby's anatomy. Not all birth defects can be detected, but it is fun and reassuring to see that your baby appears to be healthy and growing well. If a problem is suspected, you will be referred to a high risk pregnancy specialist for more detailed evaluation. Pictures of the baby are given with each sonogram.

More frequent sonograms are sometimes necessary to follow high risk pregnancies such as twins or pregnancies complicated by maternal health problems. Having a sonogram is fun, and the family is invited to watch.