What We Offer

OC Maternal-Fetal Medicine

State-of-the-Art Comprehensive Obstetrical Ultrasound Services

oc maternal fetal medicine

1st trimester ultrasound

The late 1st trimester ultrasound (generally performed at 11-14 weeks’ GA is a very important early ultrasound during your pregnancy for several reasons. In addition to confirming the ongoing viability of the pregnancy, it is the first opportunity to assess the structural development of the baby. Even at this early gestational age, it is possible to begin to assess various elements of the baby’s anatomy including early views of the heart, brain, spine, and other organs as well as confirmation of gender. Additionally, assessment of the nuchal translucency (the amount of fluid in the back of the baby’s neck) is a valuable screening test for certain genetic disorders. Even though genetic screening has now transitioned to the use of NIPT, a blood test which is a high level screen for genetic disorders involving chromosomes 13, 18, and 21 (such as Down syndrome), the 1st trimester ultrasound provides important information regarding the baby’s structural development which would not be detected on NIPT. As such, even if you have undergone NIPT and the screen is negative, the late 1st trimester ultrasound may still provide important information about your baby’s early development which would otherwise be missed until later in the pregnancy.

Additionally, the late 1st trimester ultrasound can provide valuable information about the appearance of your cervix and the position of the placenta. In some patients, abnormalities of the cervix can be identified as early as 11-14 weeks’ which may help a patient to prevent pregnancy loss or early delivery. At OCMFM, we are accredited by the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine to provide these higher level services of fetal evaluation at these early gestational ages.

Lastly, if you do not yet have confirmation of the baby’s gender as yet (through NIPT), we are usually able to determine the gender of your baby at the time of the 1st trimester ultrasound (as early as 12 weeks’ gestation). While this initial determination is preliminary (don’t paint the walls yet!), it is generally correct in over 95% of cases. Presuming that return for a second trimester ultrasound, the gender will be able to be confirmed with virtually 100% accuracy.

Targeted anatomic survey (mid 2nd trimester ultrasound) including screening fetal echo

Of all the tests you will undergo during your pregnancy, the 2nd Trimester Comprehensive Ultrasound (also known as a Targeted Anatomic Survey) is clearly one of the most important because it is the best opportunity to assure that your baby’s anatomy and organ development is proceeding normally as expected. Of course, it is also a wonderful time to see the first views of your baby’s appearance and confirm the gender. Our desire is that the ultrasound of your baby will be a joyful, reassuring experience. We provide information during and after your ultrasound so that you will know everything there is to know about the results of your exam while you are still in the office. We always provide plenty of pictures of your baby to remember the experience (as well as complementary 3D/4D views of your baby depending on your gestational age).

One of the advantages of having your ultrasound performed at OC Maternal-Fetal Medicine is that we are certified by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine as specialty providers of this important service. Additionally, Dr. Kurtzman personally evaluates every baby. He is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Perinatology) and has also completed additional fellowship training in Obstetrical Ultrasound. Fortunately, most ultrasounds are completely normal. However, even in patients with no high-risk factors, there is a 2-4% baseline frequency of major and minor fetal structural abnormalities (anomalies). Our state-of-the-art high-resolution ultrasound machines and our specific expertise in obstetrical ultrasound allow us to perform the highest level of comprehensive ultrasound examination of your baby. In the rare event that an abnormality is identified, Dr. Kurtzman will provide you will expert counseling on the spot to understand the findings and to review the recommendations regarding further evaluation and ongoing management.

OC Maternal-Fetal Medicine is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

3rd trimester US and 3D/4D ultrasound

Along with comprehensive first and second trimester ultrasound, we provide ultrasound in the late stages of pregnancy as well. These ultrasounds are generally performed to assess fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume, and placental function to assure the ongoing well-being of your baby as you approach your due date. Additionally, our state-of-the-art machines are equipped with the best 3D/4D imaging available for both diagnostic and enjoyment purposes (which we will provide as a courtesy to you during your otherwise medically-indicated exam).