Comprehensive Prenatal Testing, All Under One Roof

Pregnancy brings many questions, and getting the right answers quickly makes all the difference. At Women's HealthFirst, we offer a full range of prenatal testing and monitoring services directly in our offices, so you spend less time shuttling between appointments and more time focused on what matters most: a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Testing and monitoring services available at Women's HealthFirst include:

  • Genetic Testing & Carrier Screening
  • Non-Stress Tests (NSTs)
  • Biophysical Profiles (BPPs)
  • OB Ultrasound
  • In-Office Lab Work & Phlebotomy
  • Insulin Teaching

You may be recommended for testing or monitoring if:

  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have recently experienced a pregnancy complication
  • You are of advanced maternal age (35 or older at the time of delivery)
  • You have a family history of genetic conditions
  • Your provider has identified a concern
  • You have a pre-existing condition
  • You are carrying multiples (twins or more)

Additionally, your provider may recommend continued monitoring if:

  • Initial test results indicate a finding that requires follow-up or additional confirmation
  • Your pregnancy is progressing beyond your due date, and fetal well-being needs to be assessed
  • Your or your baby's health status changes at any point during pregnancy, and your care plan needs to be adjusted

Preparation varies depending on the type of test. For most monitoring appointments — including NSTs and BPPs — no special preparation is needed. For ultrasounds, you may be asked to arrive with a full bladder, particularly for early-pregnancy scans. For lab work or glucose testing, your provider will let you know in advance whether fasting is required.

If you have questions about how to prepare for a specific test, our team is happy to walk you through it when you schedule your appointment. You can also reach us at (847) 808-8884.

Most testing and monitoring appointments are non-invasive and take between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the type. For ultrasounds, a provider or trained sonographer will perform the scan and explain what they're seeing in real time. For NSTs and BPPs, sensors or a transducer will be gently placed on your abdomen while you rest comfortably.

For lab work and phlebotomy, a clinical team member will draw blood quickly and professionally — typically in just a few minutes. Insulin teaching sessions are conducted one-on-one with a provider or nurse and may take a bit longer to ensure you feel fully comfortable before leaving.

Throughout any appointment, you're encouraged to ask questions. Our team will always take the time to explain what they're doing and what the results mean for you and your baby.

Many test results, including NSTs, BPPs, and ultrasound findings, are reviewed by your provider the same day, often immediately following the appointment. For lab work, turnaround times vary, but our team will follow up with you promptly once results are available.

If any test reveals a finding that requires follow-up, your provider will contact you directly and walk you through the next steps clearly and calmly. You'll never be left waiting for a callback without context. For urgent concerns, we will reach out to you by phone. Routine results may also be available through the patient portal.

Your Testing Appointment: What to Expect

Testing and monitoring appointments at Women's HealthFirst are designed to be as straightforward and comfortable as possible. Here's what you can expect from start to finish.
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Insurance Coverage for Testing & Monitoring

Most prenatal testing and monitoring services, including ultrasounds, genetic screening, NSTs, lab work, and BPPs, are covered by health insurance when medically indicated. Coverage can vary based on your specific plan, the type of test, and the trimester in which it's performed. Our team can help you verify your benefits before your appointment, explain any potential out-of-pocket costs, and make sure there are no surprises. We accept Aetna, Blue Shield PPO, Cigna HMO, Cofinity PPO, and most major insurance plans.

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Patient Resources

From accessing your patient portal and downloading pre-visit forms to reviewing your insurance information and exploring our patient education library — we make it easy to stay informed, prepared, and confident in your care at every step of the way.

Find a Women’s HealthFirst Near You

Office Locations

Palatine, IL

231 E Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60067

Schaumburg, IL

Hoffman Estates, IL

Bartlett, IL

Questions? Concerns? Let’s Find the Answers Together.

Frequently Asked Questions

An NST monitors your baby's heart rate in response to movement. A BPP combines ultrasound with an assessment of five well-being indicators, giving your provider a fuller picture when needed.

It depends on your risk level. Routine pregnancies typically begin monitoring in the third trimester. High-risk pregnancies may require weekly or twice-weekly appointments. Your provider will build a schedule that fits your needs.

No. Carrier screening tests you and your partner for gene mutations you could pass on to your children. Prenatal genetic testing, like NIPT or amniocentesis, tests the baby directly. Your provider will help you decide which, if any, makes sense for you.

The glucose challenge test (GCT) requires no fasting. If a follow-up glucose tolerance test (GTT) is needed, fasting for 8 hours beforehand is required. Your provider will give you clear instructions when the test is scheduled.

Your provider will review results immediately and discuss next steps the same day, whether that means additional monitoring, a follow-up scan, or an updated care plan. You won't be left without a clear path forward.

Yes. OB ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has been used safely in prenatal care for decades. There is no evidence of risk to a developing baby when performed by trained providers.

Insulin teaching is one-on-one guidance for patients who need insulin to manage gestational diabetes. Not everyone with gestational diabetes requires insulin; your provider will advise you, and our team will walk you through everything if it's needed.

Yes. We offer in-office phlebotomy at all four locations. We cover routine prenatal panels, glucose testing, Group B strep cultures, and more. Fewer trips, faster results, and a team that can act on your labs right away.