Obstetric ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of a baby (embryo or fetus) within a pregnant woman, as well as the mother's uterus and ovaries. It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and is the preferred method for monitoring pregnant women and their unborn babies.

A postpartum checkup is a medical checkup you get after having a baby to make sure you're recovering well from labor and birth.

A fetal echocardiogram (also called a fetal echo) uses sound waves to create pictures of an unborn baby's heart. This painless ultrasound test shows the structure of the heart and how well it's working.

A non stress test is a common prenatal test used to check on a baby's health. During a nonstress test, the baby's heart rate is monitored to see how it responds to the baby's movements. The term "nonstress" refers to the fact that nothing is done to place stress on the baby during the test.

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for testing or treatment and is used primarily in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections.

Periumbilical blood sampling is the aspiration of fetal blood from the umbilical cord, using ultrasound to direct needle aspiration through the maternal abdominal wall; the blood cells are analyzed for chromosome abnormalities, hereditary disorders, and anemia.

Childbirth, also known as labor or delivery, is the ending of pregnancy where one or more babies leaves the uterus by passing through the vagina or by Caesarean section.

A prenatal care approach aimed at providing a more supportive environment for moms-to-be, centering pregnancy uses small group sessions instead of individual doctor appointments.

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that can arise during pregnancy and may lead to complications that affect both mother and baby.

Preeclampsia is a sudden increase in blood pressure that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Although this high blood pressure usually goes away after birth, it is dangerous for both the mother and baby and can lead to several pregnancy complications.