Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

Shamsah Amersi, MD

OB-GYN & Breast Cancer Assessment located in Santa Monica, CA

Making sure you have a healthy pregnancy is important to you and to your baby. Dr. Amersi's compassionate, skilled approach helps women from Santa Monica, CA, and the surrounding area get the noninvasive prenatal testing they need to identify potential risks and arrange for treatment or counseling when needed.

310-264-5600

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Q & A

What is noninvasive prenatal testing?

Prenatal testing includes both screening tests for the mom and diagnostic tests for the baby. Screening tests can be used to identify health issues in the mother that place the mothers or babies at risk, including:

gestational diabetes
anemia
sexually transmitted diseases
cervical cancer

Diagnostic tests can help determine the presence of birth defects or other health problems like heart abnormalities in the baby even before it's born. Early diagnosis enables some of these conditions to be treated or addressed before the baby is born; other diagnoses can help you plan for care that might be needed following delivery. Diagnostic testing can also help identify and diagnose genetic abnormalities.

Who should have prenatal testing?

Prenatal testing may be recommended for women who:

will be at least 35 years of age by the time they deliver
have a child or close relative who was born with a birth defect
have known genetic risk factors in their family or the father's family
have been exposed to drugs that may be harmful to the fetus
have had abnormal ultrasound findings
have engaged in sexual behavior that may have exposed them to sexually transmitted diseases
have other concerns about the health of their unborn baby, or whose doctor has recommended testing for medical- or health-related reasons

What if a test is positive?

If a screening test is positive, your doctor can help you decide if additional diagnostic testing is recommended. If a diagnostic test is positive, you may be referred to a genetic counselor or other healthcare provider who can provide you with additional care options, including discussions of possible procedures that may be performed on the baby before birth.

Ask us about our Holistic Gynecology services.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

We accept only PPO insurance plans. Below is a short-list of just some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed below.

View full list of companies

Testimonials

Words from our patients

"Dr. Amersi is a fantastic, loving, and attentive doctor. She has been nothing but supportive and answers every question I have"

Adriana J.
"Dr. Amersi & staff are top notch. From check-in to post appt problems with a prescription, they were attentive, thorough and happy"

Pamela W.
"I had a consultation with Dr. Amersi yesterday. Love her! Love the offices!"

Traci C.
"Dr. Amersi is absolutely wonderful. Not only is she attentive and nurturing, but she makes you feel like an old friend"

Julianna O.
"It took me 7 years to find the right gynecologist, and Dr. Amersi is it. Her office is so peaceful and her staff is so kind. I am so grateful to have found her!"

Meghan H.
"I've been going to Dr. Amersi for about four years now and I absolutely love her"

Christine C.
"I've been going to Dr. Amersi for about 9 years now and couldn't be more pleased with her level of care, understanding, knowledge and professionalism"

Natalie S.
"Okay, so I'll just start off by saying that Dr. Amersi is the best doctor, ever. I found her using Yelp and couldn't be happier!"

Victoria F.
"Her office was very pretty & her staff was friendly. Even though I hate these types of visits Dr Amersi was very friendly, welcoming & made the visit easy :)"

Cynthia G.
" Love this doc. She's quick and efficient but if you need to talk to her more or ask questions she's willing to take the time to do that."

Ashley D.
"Dr Amersi gave me one of the best gifts: she kept me and both of my baby boys healthy and safe during pregnancy and delivery!"

Joanna B.
"She is incredible! She genuinely cares about her patients and she really takes time to get to know you and treat you as a person, not just a patient."

Sandi T.
"She is a true doctor who works from the heart and with such expertise! She has a way of looking at the whole picture that I think is so important."

Madison P.
"Doctors don't come any better then Amersi! She sincerely cares for her patients and is great at listening and providing the best care possible."

Jeana C.
"Dr Amersi has been my doctor since 2004, she is really fantastic at what she does and really cares about her patients. The staff is super friendly."

JJ S.
"I have seen Dr. Amersi for the past six years or so and really love her. She thinks ahead and asks questions to make sure she is familiar with your situation."

Sarah P.
"Dr. Amersi was able to calm all of my first time mom fears during my pregnancy and I knew I was in great hands when it came time to deliver.".

Cynthia S.
"She is very informative and knowledgeable, however she is also warm and caring and truly interested in your well- being!"

Stephanie S.
"Her knowledge, professionalism & caring attitude is a set of characteristics that I was never able to find in another OBGYN."

Cindy O.
Dr. Sham helped us deliver Penelope & Adam safely into the world. You're more than an extraordinary doctor. We are grateful for your excellent care & genuine compassion

Monica & Nick