Pregnancy Tests and Procedures

Amniocentesis is a procedure used to take out a small sample of the amniotic fluid for testing.

Cesarean section or C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

This prenatal test involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems.

An episiotomy is an incision through the area between your vaginal opening and your anus. This area is called the perineum. This procedure is done to make your vaginal opening larger for childbirth.

Fetal heart rate monitoring measures the heart rate and rhythm of your baby (fetus). This lets your healthcare provider see how your baby is doing.

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy to create an image of the baby in the mother's womb (uterus).

A biophysical profile is a test that is sometimes used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is often done if there is a question about the baby’s health. This may be because of other test results or certain pregnancy symptoms, or because your pregnancy is high risk.