Antenatal Testing
The following describes various antenatal testing procedures. For specific information regarding your health and treatment options, please contact your Hurley physician or medical professional.
Highly specialized obstetrical care for you and your unborn baby
At Hurley Medical Center, our Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine delivers highly specialized obstetrical care to both you and your fetus throughout a high-risk pregnancy and delivery. Part of this total care involves antenatal testing to try to determine the health of your unborn baby.
Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)
This test is an ultrasound that measures the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby. Normal levels of amniotic fluid are important to the health and development of your baby. This test is usually done weekly.
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
The biophysical profile is an ultrasound that is done to evaluate fetal well-being. During this test, we evaluate baby's gross and fine motor movements. We also watch for rhythmic movement of your baby's chest. This is called fetal breathing. The last component of this test is the AFI mentioned above. This test also is repeated weekly.
Non-stress test
Usually in the third trimester of your pregnancy, our maternal fetal medicine specialists may perform a non-stress test, or fetal activity study. The purpose of this test is to make sure the placenta, which feeds and provides oxygen to your baby, is functioning adequately. We test this by monitoring the baby's heartbeat.
While you are in a comfortable position, electronic fetal monitors will be attached to your belly to monitor your baby’s heartbeat, first while the baby is resting and then while he/she is moving. Just as your heart beats faster when you are active, your baby's heart rate should go up while he/she is moving or kicking. Your Hurley physician may want to repeat this test every week (or more often) until your baby is born.
Genetic testing and counseling
If you are diagnosed with a genetically-transmitted condition or if you have family members who need to be screened for a genetically-transmitted condition, Hurley provides a Genetics Clinic with full diagnostic services. The clinic is staffed by a Michigan State University geneticist and Hurley Medical Center doctors.
Services offered:
- Pre-pregnancy genetic testing and counseling
- Genetic testing and counseling while pregnant
- Genetic testing, family counseling, and referral for treatment after your baby is born
- Genetic testing and counseling of family members
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Hurley Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine
Hurley Medical Center
One Hurley Plaza, 3West
Flint, MI 48503
(810) 424-4787







