Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions—we've got answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions expectant mothers have about Bryn Mawr Hospital's Perinatal Testing Center.

What do I need to do to make an appointment?

You will need to know which test you need, why the doctor has requested it, and how many weeks pregnant you are.

Most of our doctors use an order form from the Perinatal Testing Center. This form will need to have the type of test checked off on the front and the diagnosis code checked off on the back, as well as the doctor's signature. If the doctor's office does not have these forms, a regular prescription will do as long as it contains the same information.

Once you have that information, call our central scheduling desk at 484-476-3415, then select option #1. Inform our scheduler which Main Line Health hospital you are interested in. After you have made your appointment, contact your doctor's office and let them know the date and have them activate your referrals if needed.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

You will need to bring the order form (or regular prescription) and your insurance card. If your insurance plan requires a referral, you need to bring your referral, too, and present it prior to the test.

If you are having a test done, you will need to supply documentation confirming your blood type. Your doctor's office should have a copy if you have had your obstetric panel drawn.

If you are coming in for a consultation, a copy of your prenatal records and all testing results must be supplied for the perinatologist to review prior to the day of your appointment.

May I videotape my ultrasound?

Although this is a happy and exciting time for expectant parents, this is still a medical process and we do not allow photographing or videotaping. Our technicians and doctors have to be able to concentrate to complete this comprehensive evaluation of your baby.

How do I get the 4-D ultrasound?

The 4-D ultrasound is used at the discretion of the doctor when it is medically necessary.

Who performs the ultrasound?

The ultrasound is performed by a specially trained perinatal sonographer and the perinatologist.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

If you are less than 15 weeks pregnant, you will need to drink 16 ounces of water within an hour of your appointment. For example, if your appointment is at 10 a.m., start drinking at 9 a.m. Otherwise, no special preparation is required; you may eat and drink normally prior to the test.

Does the doctor run on time?

Every effort is made to ensure that our perinatologists stay on schedule. Please remember that the nature of medicine assumes that certain unexpected and emergent situations will arise throughout the day. Due to the nature of high-risk and emergent-care situations, more time with the perinatologist may be necessary. In order to maintain the doctors' schedules, we require that patients keep to their scheduled time. If a patient arrives more than 30 minutes after her scheduled appointment time, we will offer two options: You may reschedule the appointment for another day, or you may wait until the first available opening that day.

Please remember to allow enough time for traffic and parking.

How do I prepare for a first-trimester/sequential screening?

The only preparation needed for the first-trimester/sequential screening is to drink 16 ounces of water within the hour prior to your appointment.

How do I prepare for a CVS?

For a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) we must have a hard copy of your current blood type in our file prior to the procedure. Ask your doctor's office to fax it to us. In addition, you will need to drink 16 ounces of water with in the hour prior to your appointment.

How do I prepare for an amniocentesis?

For an amniocentesis we must have a hard copy of your current blood type in our file prior to the procedure. Ask your doctor's office to fax it to us. 

How do I prepare for a nonstress test?

The nonstress test is used to check the well-being of the baby. No special preparation is needed, but try to eat before coming for your appointment.

How do I prepare for genetic counseling?

If you have a specific genetic issue or a significant family history with either parent, or you have a history of a disorder from previous pregnancies, please bring all your records with you, or ask your doctor's office to fax it to us. The more information the counselor has at the time of your appointment, the more comprehensive the session will be. Please remember that if your insurance plan requires referrals, you will need to bring a referral for the genetic counseling conference.

Referrals and Appointments

Your physician may refer you to the Perinatal Testing Center. Our staff is here to answer your questions and assist you. For more information or to make an appointment, call 484-476-3415.