Your Baby's Development
Ears move to their final position and they stand out from the head. And start brushing up on your lullabies — in the coming weeks, your baby will probably be able to hear! The bones of the middle ear and the nerve endings from the brain are developing so that your baby will hear sounds such as your heartbeat and blood moving through the umbilical cord. He or she may even be startled by loud noises! Your baby's eyes are also developing — they're now facing forward rather than to the sides, and the retinas may be able to detect the beam of a flashlight if you hold it to your abdomen.
Until now, your baby's bones had been developing but were still soft. This week, they begin to harden, or ossify. Some of the first bones to ossify are those in the clavicles and the legs.
Your Body
You're probably beginning to prepare for life with baby. Your preparations should extend beyond gathering the layette and decorating the nursery, though. This is a good week to begin your search for a pediatrician or other health care provider for your child. Schedule visits to meet with potential doctors to discuss issues such as appointment availability, immunization scheduling, and when to call in an emergency. You'll also want to learn as much as you can about their practices and procedures.
Some good questions to ask: How many health care providers are in the practice? Who covers nights and weekends? What is their policy on phone calls? Which hospitals are they affiliated with? What insurance do they accept? What specialists do they work with? How are emergencies handled?
It's important that you feel comfortable with your child's doctor, so do your homework and make your decision carefully.
Showing posts with label prenatal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prenatal. Show all posts
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Week Seventeen
Your Baby's Development
At about 5.1 inches (13 cm) from crown to rump and weighing 4.9 ounces (140 grams), your baby is still very tiny.
The placenta, which nourishes the fetus with nutrients and oxygen and removes wastes, is growing to accommodate your baby. It now contains thousands of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen from your body to your baby's developing body.
Your Body
You may notice that your breasts have changed considerably since your pregnancy began. Hormones are preparing your breasts for milk production — more blood is flowing to the breasts, and the glands that produce milk are growing in preparation for breastfeeding. This can increase your breast size (many women increase one to two cup sizes) and cause veins to become visible. Buy supportive bras in a variety of sizes to accommodate your breast growth during pregnancy.
At about 5.1 inches (13 cm) from crown to rump and weighing 4.9 ounces (140 grams), your baby is still very tiny.
The placenta, which nourishes the fetus with nutrients and oxygen and removes wastes, is growing to accommodate your baby. It now contains thousands of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen from your body to your baby's developing body.
Your Body
You may notice that your breasts have changed considerably since your pregnancy began. Hormones are preparing your breasts for milk production — more blood is flowing to the breasts, and the glands that produce milk are growing in preparation for breastfeeding. This can increase your breast size (many women increase one to two cup sizes) and cause veins to become visible. Buy supportive bras in a variety of sizes to accommodate your breast growth during pregnancy.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Week Sixteen
Your Baby's Development
Your baby now weighs about 3.9 ounces (110 grams) and measures about 4.7 inches (12 cm) in length from crown to rump. Your baby can hold his or her head erect, and the development of facial muscles allows for a variety of expressions, such as squinting and frowning.
Your Body
Between weeks 16 and 18 of pregnancy, your health care provider may offer you the maternal blood screening test, also known as a "triple marker" test or "triple screen," which measures the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein produced by the fetus, and the pregnancy hormones hCG and estriol in the mother's blood. The test is sometimes called a quadruple screen when the level of an additional substance, called inhibin-A, is also measured. The results of these tests can tell moms whether their babies are at risk for (not whether they have) neural tube defects such as spina bifida or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Out of every 1,000 women who take these tests, about 50 will have abnormal results, but only one or two women will actually have babies with a problem. Talk to your health care provider about the risks and advantages of these tests.
Your baby now weighs about 3.9 ounces (110 grams) and measures about 4.7 inches (12 cm) in length from crown to rump. Your baby can hold his or her head erect, and the development of facial muscles allows for a variety of expressions, such as squinting and frowning.
Your Body
Between weeks 16 and 18 of pregnancy, your health care provider may offer you the maternal blood screening test, also known as a "triple marker" test or "triple screen," which measures the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein produced by the fetus, and the pregnancy hormones hCG and estriol in the mother's blood. The test is sometimes called a quadruple screen when the level of an additional substance, called inhibin-A, is also measured. The results of these tests can tell moms whether their babies are at risk for (not whether they have) neural tube defects such as spina bifida or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Out of every 1,000 women who take these tests, about 50 will have abnormal results, but only one or two women will actually have babies with a problem. Talk to your health care provider about the risks and advantages of these tests.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Week Fifteen
Your Baby's Development
Parents are often amazed by the softness of their newborn's skin. Your baby’s skin has been continuously developing, and it is so thin and translucent that you can see the blood vessels through it. Hair growth continues on the eyebrows and the head. Your baby's ears are almost in position now, although they are still set a bit low on the head.
Internally, your baby's skeletal system continues to develop. Muscle development continues too, and your baby is probably making lots of movements with his or her head, mouth, arms, wrists, hands, legs, and feet.
Your Body
Has it sunk in yet that you're pregnant? Many women say that it isn't until they trade in their jeans for maternity clothes and others start noticing their swelling abdomens that the reality of pregnancy sets in. For many, this realization is both joyful and scary. It's normal to feel as if you're on an emotional roller coaster (you have your hormones to thank). Another thing you may be feeling? Scatterbrained. Even the most organized women report that pregnancy somehow makes them forgetful, clumsy, and unable to concentrate. Try to keep the stress in your life to a minimum and take your "mental lapses" in stride — they're only temporary.
Parents are often amazed by the softness of their newborn's skin. Your baby’s skin has been continuously developing, and it is so thin and translucent that you can see the blood vessels through it. Hair growth continues on the eyebrows and the head. Your baby's ears are almost in position now, although they are still set a bit low on the head.
Internally, your baby's skeletal system continues to develop. Muscle development continues too, and your baby is probably making lots of movements with his or her head, mouth, arms, wrists, hands, legs, and feet.
Your Body
Has it sunk in yet that you're pregnant? Many women say that it isn't until they trade in their jeans for maternity clothes and others start noticing their swelling abdomens that the reality of pregnancy sets in. For many, this realization is both joyful and scary. It's normal to feel as if you're on an emotional roller coaster (you have your hormones to thank). Another thing you may be feeling? Scatterbrained. Even the most organized women report that pregnancy somehow makes them forgetful, clumsy, and unable to concentrate. Try to keep the stress in your life to a minimum and take your "mental lapses" in stride — they're only temporary.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Prenatal Testing
There are many tests that can be done throughout pregnancy to make sure that you and your baby are progressing well. Some of these tests are done routinely and others are done if there is concern about the well-being of the baby.
Routine testing
A number of tests are done routinely during pregnancy. These include urine tests, blood tests, a Pap smear, an ultrasound, and tests for gestational diabetes and Streptococcus B.
Blood tests (first medical visit)
Blood tests are done to confirm the pregnancy and to check for a number of things, including iron, infectious diseases, immunities to other infectious diseases, and rhesus (Rh) factor. Low levels of iron in the blood could mean that you have anemia, which can complicate pregnancy. Low iron levels can be treated with dietary changes and sometimes supplements. Certain infections such as HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B are very serious and can affect the well-being of both mother and baby. Early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases can greatly improve the outcome of the pregnancy. The presence of a type of protein called Rh factor is also tested, because of the possibility of an incompatibility between the mother and baby’s Rh blood groups. If there is Rh incompatibility, it can be treated with an injection of Rh immunoglobulin during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth. Women and their partners who are high-risk for certain genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or cystic fibrosis can have a blood test done to see if they carry the traits for those conditions. If they do test positive for any of these traits, they can be referred to a genetic counsellor.
Pap smear (first medical visit)
The Pap smear is done to check for cervical cellular abnormalities. This is a quick and usually painless, but sometimes uncomfortable, test where an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a swab is used to take a few cells from inside and around the cervix. The swab is sent away for investigation to make sure the cells are healthy. Sometimes women spot after the Pap smear when the site where the cells have been scraped off bleeds a bit. The Pap smear cannot harm the baby or cause a miscarriage.
Urine test (every medical visit)
A urine test can be used at the very first medical visit to confirm the pregnancy. At every medical visit, a urine test is done to measure the presence of white blood cells, sugar, and protein. White blood cells may indicate an infection; sugar could be a sign of diabetes; protein is a sign of high blood pressure called pre-eclampsia or a sign of kidney problems. Diagnosis and treatment of these conditions can help to improve the health of both mother and baby.
Ultrasound (weeks 16 to 20)
Ultrasound uses sound waves to scan the unborn baby in the uterus, and shows a video of the baby onscreen. For most couples, having an ultrasound done is very exciting because they are able to see their baby’s image, albeit a bit fuzzy, for the first time. Ultrasound is used to determine the age of the unborn baby, monitor the beating heart, and check for abnormalities of the head and spine. This technique can also confirm the presence of twins and pinpoint the exact position of the placenta.
Ultrasound is usually done just once during pregnancy, between weeks 16 and 20, but sometimes it is also done late in pregnancy to make sure that the baby is growing properly. Ultrasound can be done regularly throughout the pregnancy if needed.
Gestational diabetes test (weeks 24 to 28)
It is recommended that all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. If your health care provider determines that you are high-risk for gestational diabetes, he may request the test as early as 13 weeks. In the screening test, you will be asked to drink a special high-sugar drink, and one hour later, some blood will be drawn and tested. If the screen is borderline positive for gestational diabetes, you will be asked to do an oral glucose tolerance test to confirm the condition. The oral glucose tolerance test involves fasting for four to eight hours, after which time your blood sugar will be measured. You will then be given a sugar drink and your blood sugar will be checked again two hours later. If you test positive for gestational diabetes, you will need to see an endocrinologist to help manage the disease during your pregnancy.
Streptococcus B test (weeks 35 to 37)
Group B streptococcus infections are the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies. Some doctors choose to test all pregnant mothers in their care between their 35th and 37th week of pregnancy. Any pregnant mothers who test postive for group B streptococcus are then given antibiotics when labour starts. Other doctors do not routinely test all pregnant mothers, but instead treat only those mothers who are at high risk for group B streptococcus.
The group B streptococcus test is simple and painless. The doctor will do a swab of the vagina and rectum to check for the presence of the bacteria. If the test result is positive, the woman will need to receive preventive treatment, called prophylaxis during labour. Prophylaxis treatment involves giving the woman an antibiotic during childbirth. If a mother is high risk for group B streptococcus and either was not tested or the test results have not come back, she should be treated with antibiotics.
After birth, the baby will be monitored for signs of infection and treated with antibiotics if needed.
Screening tests
A number of tests are offered to pregnant women when there is a risk or suspicion that the baby may not be developing properly. Some of these tests are screening tests, meaning that they estimate the risk of a certain abnormality developing. The following is a list of screening tests that may be offered in pregnancy.
Nuchal translucency measurement test (10 to 14 weeks)
Some mothers, for example, those over 35 years of age, are at risk of having a baby with a chromosomal disorder such as Down syndrome. In these cases, a nuchal translucency measurement test can be given in weeks 10 to 14 of pregnancy to help estimate the risk that the baby has Down syndrome. This test uses ultrasound to measure the amount of fluid that has accumulated at the back of the fetus’ neck, between the skin and the underlying structures. When a fetus has a chromosomal disorder, the amount of fluid at the back of the fetus’ neck tends to be increased. If this screening test shows a high risk of Down syndrome, it can be followed by a diagnostic test such as chorionic villus sampling within the first three months of pregnancy, ideally at 10 to 12 weeks gestation, or amniocentesis after week 16.
First trimester combined screening (weeks 11 to 13) followed by alpha-fetoprotein assay (week 16)
First trimester combined screening (FTS) is done in weeks 11 to 13 and consists of a combination of the nuchal translucency ultrasound and a blood test, usually done on the same day. FTS is done to estimate the chances of having a chromosomal abnormality such as Down syndrome. FTS is followed by a blood test called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay in week 16. This test checks the level of AFP in the blood. AFPis a substance produced by the unborn baby’s nervous system tissue. High levels of this protein could mean that the baby may have spina bifida. However, it could also mean that the pregnancy is farther along than originally thought or that the mother is carrying twins. A low level of AFP could mean that the baby has Down syndrome or simply that the pregnancy is not as far along as originally thought. Because this is a screening test, any abnormal results will be followed by a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis.
Integrated prenatal screening (weeks 11 to 13 and again at weeks 15 to 20)
This is similar to FTS followed by AFP. Integrated prenatal screening is a combination of ultrasound, nuchal translucency measurement, and two blood tests to determine your risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect. The ultrasound is usually done between weeks 11 to 13 of pregnancy. The first blood test is also done between weeks 11 to 13, after the ultrasound. The second blood test is done between weeks 15 to 20, the earlier the better. About four of 100 women have a “positive” result on the integrated prenatal screening. This means that the chance of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect is higher than normal. However, most women with a positive result do not have a baby with any of these conditions. If you do have a positive result, you may choose to do a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis to determine if the baby really has one of these conditions. You may also be referred to a genetic counsellor.
Diagnostic tests
A number of tests are offered to pregnant women when there is a risk or suspicion that the baby may not be developing properly. Diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of a particular abnormality. The following is a list of diagnostic tests that may be offered in pregnancy.
Chorionic villus sampling (weeks 10 to 12)
Women who are at risk of having a baby with Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities can have a diagnostic test called chorionic villus sampling to confirm the condition. The test is done within the first three months of pregnancy, ideally at 10 to 12 weeks gestation. Chorionic villus sampling involves the insertion of a fine tube through the cervix or abdomen into the uterus. Cells from the tissues surrounding the unborn baby can be removed and tested. Chorionic villus sampling can be done earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis, and therefore a therapeutic abortion can be done earlier and more safely if necessary. However, there is a slightly higher risk of miscarriage with chorionic villus sampling compared with amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis (after week 16)
If a woman has an abnormal result on a screening test, she may be offered an amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is also offered to women over 35 because of their increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. An amniocentesis tests for abnormal chromosomes. In this procedure, a hollow needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus. Some amniotic fluid is drawn out and sent for testing. Women who choose to undergo amniocentesis should note that there is an increased risk of miscarriage with this test.
Fetoscopy (after week 16)
In this test, small incisions are made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus, through which a tiny, telescope-like instrument is inserted into the amniotic sac. Fetoscopy is used to view, photograph, and take blood and tissue samples from the unborn baby. Fetoscopy is capable of detecting certain blood and skin diseases that amniocentesis cannot. However, fetoscopy poses a higher risk to the unborn baby than other techniques, and therefore it is not used very often.
Cordocentesis (after week 18)
Women at high risk may be offered this test to confirm a chromosomal abnormality. In cordocentesis, a hollow needle is inserted through the mother’s abdomen into the blood vessels of the umbilical cord, close to the placenta. A sample of the baby’s blood is withdrawn. Because the baby’s blood vessels need to be large enough for the needle to be properly inserted, this procedure is only done after week 18 of pregnancy.
Fetal echocardiography (18 weeks)
Some women are at higher risk of having a baby with a heart defect. Fetal echocardiography is a procedure that uses ultrasound waves to study the heart of the unborn baby in great detail and to diagnose heart defects. When heart defects are diagnosed before birth, faster medical intervention can be put in place when the baby is born, which improves the baby’s chances of survival after birth.
Tests in late pregnancy
Non-stress test
These tests are commonly used in late pregnancy to monitor how the baby is doing. A non-stress test might be used if the pregnancy is overdue, or if there are other potential complications in late pregnancy. In this test, the mother is hooked up to a fetal monitor, and the variation of the unborn baby’s heart to certain movements is observed. If there are abnormalities in the heart’s response to movement, it may indicate that the baby is in distress.
Biophysical profile
If your pregnancy is overdue or there are other potential complications, your doctor may want you to have a biophysical profile done. This involves both a nonstress test with electronic fetal heart monitoring and an ultrasound to measure the following five factors: your baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid. The results are scores from 0 to 2 points on each of these five measurements in a 30-minute observation period. A total score of 8 to 10 points indicates a healthy baby. A score of 6 to 8 points means you will need to be retested. A score of 4 or less may mean the baby is having problems.
Routine testing
A number of tests are done routinely during pregnancy. These include urine tests, blood tests, a Pap smear, an ultrasound, and tests for gestational diabetes and Streptococcus B.
Blood tests (first medical visit)
Blood tests are done to confirm the pregnancy and to check for a number of things, including iron, infectious diseases, immunities to other infectious diseases, and rhesus (Rh) factor. Low levels of iron in the blood could mean that you have anemia, which can complicate pregnancy. Low iron levels can be treated with dietary changes and sometimes supplements. Certain infections such as HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B are very serious and can affect the well-being of both mother and baby. Early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases can greatly improve the outcome of the pregnancy. The presence of a type of protein called Rh factor is also tested, because of the possibility of an incompatibility between the mother and baby’s Rh blood groups. If there is Rh incompatibility, it can be treated with an injection of Rh immunoglobulin during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth. Women and their partners who are high-risk for certain genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or cystic fibrosis can have a blood test done to see if they carry the traits for those conditions. If they do test positive for any of these traits, they can be referred to a genetic counsellor.
Pap smear (first medical visit)
The Pap smear is done to check for cervical cellular abnormalities. This is a quick and usually painless, but sometimes uncomfortable, test where an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a swab is used to take a few cells from inside and around the cervix. The swab is sent away for investigation to make sure the cells are healthy. Sometimes women spot after the Pap smear when the site where the cells have been scraped off bleeds a bit. The Pap smear cannot harm the baby or cause a miscarriage.
Urine test (every medical visit)
A urine test can be used at the very first medical visit to confirm the pregnancy. At every medical visit, a urine test is done to measure the presence of white blood cells, sugar, and protein. White blood cells may indicate an infection; sugar could be a sign of diabetes; protein is a sign of high blood pressure called pre-eclampsia or a sign of kidney problems. Diagnosis and treatment of these conditions can help to improve the health of both mother and baby.
Ultrasound (weeks 16 to 20)
Ultrasound uses sound waves to scan the unborn baby in the uterus, and shows a video of the baby onscreen. For most couples, having an ultrasound done is very exciting because they are able to see their baby’s image, albeit a bit fuzzy, for the first time. Ultrasound is used to determine the age of the unborn baby, monitor the beating heart, and check for abnormalities of the head and spine. This technique can also confirm the presence of twins and pinpoint the exact position of the placenta.
Ultrasound is usually done just once during pregnancy, between weeks 16 and 20, but sometimes it is also done late in pregnancy to make sure that the baby is growing properly. Ultrasound can be done regularly throughout the pregnancy if needed.
Gestational diabetes test (weeks 24 to 28)
It is recommended that all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. If your health care provider determines that you are high-risk for gestational diabetes, he may request the test as early as 13 weeks. In the screening test, you will be asked to drink a special high-sugar drink, and one hour later, some blood will be drawn and tested. If the screen is borderline positive for gestational diabetes, you will be asked to do an oral glucose tolerance test to confirm the condition. The oral glucose tolerance test involves fasting for four to eight hours, after which time your blood sugar will be measured. You will then be given a sugar drink and your blood sugar will be checked again two hours later. If you test positive for gestational diabetes, you will need to see an endocrinologist to help manage the disease during your pregnancy.
Streptococcus B test (weeks 35 to 37)
Group B streptococcus infections are the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies. Some doctors choose to test all pregnant mothers in their care between their 35th and 37th week of pregnancy. Any pregnant mothers who test postive for group B streptococcus are then given antibiotics when labour starts. Other doctors do not routinely test all pregnant mothers, but instead treat only those mothers who are at high risk for group B streptococcus.
The group B streptococcus test is simple and painless. The doctor will do a swab of the vagina and rectum to check for the presence of the bacteria. If the test result is positive, the woman will need to receive preventive treatment, called prophylaxis during labour. Prophylaxis treatment involves giving the woman an antibiotic during childbirth. If a mother is high risk for group B streptococcus and either was not tested or the test results have not come back, she should be treated with antibiotics.
After birth, the baby will be monitored for signs of infection and treated with antibiotics if needed.
Screening tests
A number of tests are offered to pregnant women when there is a risk or suspicion that the baby may not be developing properly. Some of these tests are screening tests, meaning that they estimate the risk of a certain abnormality developing. The following is a list of screening tests that may be offered in pregnancy.
Nuchal translucency measurement test (10 to 14 weeks)
Some mothers, for example, those over 35 years of age, are at risk of having a baby with a chromosomal disorder such as Down syndrome. In these cases, a nuchal translucency measurement test can be given in weeks 10 to 14 of pregnancy to help estimate the risk that the baby has Down syndrome. This test uses ultrasound to measure the amount of fluid that has accumulated at the back of the fetus’ neck, between the skin and the underlying structures. When a fetus has a chromosomal disorder, the amount of fluid at the back of the fetus’ neck tends to be increased. If this screening test shows a high risk of Down syndrome, it can be followed by a diagnostic test such as chorionic villus sampling within the first three months of pregnancy, ideally at 10 to 12 weeks gestation, or amniocentesis after week 16.
First trimester combined screening (weeks 11 to 13) followed by alpha-fetoprotein assay (week 16)
First trimester combined screening (FTS) is done in weeks 11 to 13 and consists of a combination of the nuchal translucency ultrasound and a blood test, usually done on the same day. FTS is done to estimate the chances of having a chromosomal abnormality such as Down syndrome. FTS is followed by a blood test called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay in week 16. This test checks the level of AFP in the blood. AFPis a substance produced by the unborn baby’s nervous system tissue. High levels of this protein could mean that the baby may have spina bifida. However, it could also mean that the pregnancy is farther along than originally thought or that the mother is carrying twins. A low level of AFP could mean that the baby has Down syndrome or simply that the pregnancy is not as far along as originally thought. Because this is a screening test, any abnormal results will be followed by a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis.
Integrated prenatal screening (weeks 11 to 13 and again at weeks 15 to 20)
This is similar to FTS followed by AFP. Integrated prenatal screening is a combination of ultrasound, nuchal translucency measurement, and two blood tests to determine your risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect. The ultrasound is usually done between weeks 11 to 13 of pregnancy. The first blood test is also done between weeks 11 to 13, after the ultrasound. The second blood test is done between weeks 15 to 20, the earlier the better. About four of 100 women have a “positive” result on the integrated prenatal screening. This means that the chance of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect is higher than normal. However, most women with a positive result do not have a baby with any of these conditions. If you do have a positive result, you may choose to do a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis to determine if the baby really has one of these conditions. You may also be referred to a genetic counsellor.
Diagnostic tests
A number of tests are offered to pregnant women when there is a risk or suspicion that the baby may not be developing properly. Diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of a particular abnormality. The following is a list of diagnostic tests that may be offered in pregnancy.
Chorionic villus sampling (weeks 10 to 12)
Women who are at risk of having a baby with Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities can have a diagnostic test called chorionic villus sampling to confirm the condition. The test is done within the first three months of pregnancy, ideally at 10 to 12 weeks gestation. Chorionic villus sampling involves the insertion of a fine tube through the cervix or abdomen into the uterus. Cells from the tissues surrounding the unborn baby can be removed and tested. Chorionic villus sampling can be done earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis, and therefore a therapeutic abortion can be done earlier and more safely if necessary. However, there is a slightly higher risk of miscarriage with chorionic villus sampling compared with amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis (after week 16)
If a woman has an abnormal result on a screening test, she may be offered an amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is also offered to women over 35 because of their increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. An amniocentesis tests for abnormal chromosomes. In this procedure, a hollow needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus. Some amniotic fluid is drawn out and sent for testing. Women who choose to undergo amniocentesis should note that there is an increased risk of miscarriage with this test.
Fetoscopy (after week 16)
In this test, small incisions are made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus, through which a tiny, telescope-like instrument is inserted into the amniotic sac. Fetoscopy is used to view, photograph, and take blood and tissue samples from the unborn baby. Fetoscopy is capable of detecting certain blood and skin diseases that amniocentesis cannot. However, fetoscopy poses a higher risk to the unborn baby than other techniques, and therefore it is not used very often.
Cordocentesis (after week 18)
Women at high risk may be offered this test to confirm a chromosomal abnormality. In cordocentesis, a hollow needle is inserted through the mother’s abdomen into the blood vessels of the umbilical cord, close to the placenta. A sample of the baby’s blood is withdrawn. Because the baby’s blood vessels need to be large enough for the needle to be properly inserted, this procedure is only done after week 18 of pregnancy.
Fetal echocardiography (18 weeks)
Some women are at higher risk of having a baby with a heart defect. Fetal echocardiography is a procedure that uses ultrasound waves to study the heart of the unborn baby in great detail and to diagnose heart defects. When heart defects are diagnosed before birth, faster medical intervention can be put in place when the baby is born, which improves the baby’s chances of survival after birth.
Tests in late pregnancy
Non-stress test
These tests are commonly used in late pregnancy to monitor how the baby is doing. A non-stress test might be used if the pregnancy is overdue, or if there are other potential complications in late pregnancy. In this test, the mother is hooked up to a fetal monitor, and the variation of the unborn baby’s heart to certain movements is observed. If there are abnormalities in the heart’s response to movement, it may indicate that the baby is in distress.
Biophysical profile
If your pregnancy is overdue or there are other potential complications, your doctor may want you to have a biophysical profile done. This involves both a nonstress test with electronic fetal heart monitoring and an ultrasound to measure the following five factors: your baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid. The results are scores from 0 to 2 points on each of these five measurements in a 30-minute observation period. A total score of 8 to 10 points indicates a healthy baby. A score of 6 to 8 points means you will need to be retested. A score of 4 or less may mean the baby is having problems.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy. It affects about 4% of all pregnant women, according to the American Diabetes Association. Gestational diabetes is often diagnosed on screening tests done between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.
While doctors aren't sure what causes gestational diabetes, it is believed that hormones from the placenta may block the action of insulin in the mother. This means that the mother needs more insulin and sometimes her pancreas cannot make enough to transport the sugar in the blood into the cells for energy. The mother's blood has high levels of glucose, which can cross the placenta, giving the growing baby a high blood sugar level.
In response, the baby's pancreas starts making extra insulin to transport the sugar into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas can't keep up, the extra blood sugar is stored as fat on the baby, and that can lead to health problems for the unborn baby. Infants of diabetic mothers are at risk for abnormal growth, premature delivery, and breathing problems, among other things.
If your doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes, it's likely that you'll be started on a treatment plan aimed at getting glucose levels under control. This includes a plan to manage your nutrition, physical activity, and weight gain.
While most diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy resolves after delivery, some women will have gestational diabetes during future pregnancies and some may be more likely to develop diabetes as they get older.
And some women who are diagnosed while pregnant may actually have been diabetic before the pregnancy. In these cases, the diabetes does not disappear after delivery.
While doctors aren't sure what causes gestational diabetes, it is believed that hormones from the placenta may block the action of insulin in the mother. This means that the mother needs more insulin and sometimes her pancreas cannot make enough to transport the sugar in the blood into the cells for energy. The mother's blood has high levels of glucose, which can cross the placenta, giving the growing baby a high blood sugar level.
In response, the baby's pancreas starts making extra insulin to transport the sugar into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas can't keep up, the extra blood sugar is stored as fat on the baby, and that can lead to health problems for the unborn baby. Infants of diabetic mothers are at risk for abnormal growth, premature delivery, and breathing problems, among other things.
If your doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes, it's likely that you'll be started on a treatment plan aimed at getting glucose levels under control. This includes a plan to manage your nutrition, physical activity, and weight gain.
While most diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy resolves after delivery, some women will have gestational diabetes during future pregnancies and some may be more likely to develop diabetes as they get older.
And some women who are diagnosed while pregnant may actually have been diabetic before the pregnancy. In these cases, the diabetes does not disappear after delivery.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Birthing Classes
If you are having a child for the first time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by questions, fears, and just not knowing what to expect. Many new parents find that birthing classes can really help calm their worries and answer many questions.
These classes cover all kinds of issues surrounding childbirth including breathing techniques, pain management, vaginal birth, and cesarean birth. They can help prepare you for many aspects of childbirth: for the changes that pregnancy brings, for labor and delivery, and for parenting once your baby is born.
Typically, new parents take birthing classes during the third trimester of the pregnancy, when the mother is about 7 months pregnant. But there are a variety of different classes which begin both sooner and later than that. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor about the different kinds of classes that are offered in your community.
Benefits of Taking a Childbirth Class
A childbirth class can provide you with a great forum to ask lots of questions and can help you make informed decisions about key issues surrounding your baby's birth. Some of the information you can find out from a birthing class includes:
* how your baby is developing
* healthy developments in your pregnancy
* warning signs that something is wrong
* how to make your pregnancy, labor, and delivery more comfortable
* breathing and relaxation techniques
* how to write a birth plan
* how to tell when you are in labor
* pain relief options during labor
* what to expect during labor and delivery
* the role of the coach or labor partner
Many classes also address what to expect after the baby is born, including breastfeeding, baby care, and dealing with the emotional changes of new parenthood.
You might also find support from other expectant couples at a childbirth class. Who would better understand the ups and downs of pregnancy than couples who are going through them, too? Many people find friends in their childbirth class who last long past the birth of their child.
If your birth coach is also the baby's father, taking a class together can mean his increased involvement in the pregnancy, and can act as a good bonding experience. Like the mother, the father can also benefit from knowing what to expect when the mother goes into labor - and how to assist in that process. Some classes have one session just for fathers, where men can discuss their own concerns about pregnancy and birth. There are also classes geared just for new fathers. Some classes even offer a special session for new grandparents, which is a great way to get them involved in the process and to make sure they're up on the latest in baby care techniques and safety.
Of course, some people get more out of childbirth classes than others do. But even if you find the techniques you're taught don't work for you when you finally go into labor, you may get other benefits from the class. The common goal of all birthing classes is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to give birth and make informed decisions. This includes reducing your anxiety about the birth experience, as well as providing you with a variety of coping techniques to aid in pain management. Remember that the ultimate goal is to have a healthy mom and healthy baby.
What Types of Classes Are Available?
Many childbirth classes embrace a particular philosophy about pregnancy and birth. The two most common methods of childbirth breathing, relaxation, and exercise in the United States are the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method.
The Lamaze technique is the most widely used method in the United States. The Lamaze philosophy holds that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process and that women should be empowered through education and support to approach it with confidence. The goal of Lamaze is to explore all the ways women can find strength and comfort during labor and birth. Classes focus on relaxation techniques, but they also encourage the mother to condition her response to pain through training and preparation (this is called psychoprophylaxis). This conditioning is meant to teach expectant mothers constructive responses to the pain and stress of labor (for example, controlled breathing patterns) as opposed to counterproductive responses (such as holding the breath or tensing up). Other techniques, such as distraction (a woman might be encouraged to focus on a special object from home or a photo, for example) or massage by a supportive coach, are also used to decrease a woman's perception of pain.
Lamaze courses don't advocate for or against the use of drugs and routine medical interventions during labor and delivery, but instead educate mothers about their options so they can make informed decisions when the time comes.
The Bradley method (also called "Husband-Coached Birth") places an emphasis on a natural approach to birth and on the active participation of the baby's father as the birth coach. A major goal of this method is the avoidance of medications unless absolutely necessary.
Other topics stressed include the importance of good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing and concentration on body signals) as a method of coping with labor, and the empowerment of parents to trust their instincts and become active, informed participants in the birth process. The course is traditionally offered in 12 sessions.
Although Bradley emphasizes a birth experience without pain medication, the classes do prepare parents for unexpected complications or situations, like emergency cesarean sections. After the birth, immediate breast-feeding and constant contact between parents and baby is stressed. Bradley is the method of choice for many women who give birth at home or in other nonhospital settings.
There are several other types of birthing classes available. Some include information from the two previously mentioned techniques, and some are offshoots that explore one particular area. Two options that might be available in your area are active birth classes that teach yoga techniques to prepare for labor and "hypnobirthing" courses, which use deep relaxation and self-hypnosis as relaxation techniques.
When Should I Start Taking a Class?
In addition to offering many techniques and curricula, birthing classes also vary greatly in terms of duration. You'll find classes that begin during the first trimester and focus on all the changes that pregnancy brings; 5- to 8-week courses offered late in pregnancy aimed at educating parents mostly about labor, delivery, and postpartum issues; and one-time-only refresher courses for repeat parents. Most parents opt for a course that meets about six or seven times in the last trimester for 1 1/2 to 2 hours per session, or for full-day versions that take place over one or two weekends. What's important to remember is that a variety of options are often offered, so be sure and find one that fits your needs.
Choosing a Class
The type of class that's right for you depends on your personality and beliefs, as well as those of your labor partner. There is no one correct method. If you're the kind of person who likes to share and is eager to meet people, you might like a smaller, more intimate class designed for couples to swap stories and support each other. If you don't like the idea of sharing in a small group, you might want a larger class, where the teacher does most of the talking.
Of course, the community you live in may limit your choices - expectant parents in rural areas often have fewer choices than those in large cities. You may find childbirth classes offered by:
* hospitals
* private teachers
* health care providers (through their practices)
* community health organizations
* midwives
* national childbirth education organizations
* videos and DVDs
Before you sign up for a class, it's a good idea to ask what the curriculum includes and what philosophy it is based upon. You can also request to see the course outline. A good class will cover a range of topics and prepare you for the many possible scenarios of labor and delivery. Classes should include information about vaginal births and cesarean sections; natural childbirth techniques as well as the use of pain medication during labor; tips on pre- and postnatal care; and postpartum adjustment.
If something you wanted or expected to see isn't included in the outline, ask about it - if your teacher doesn't seem flexible or his or her philosophy doesn't match yours, you may want to look elsewhere.
You should also feel free to contact the teacher or childbirth class coordinator with questions, such as:
* What's your background and how were you trained?
* Do you have certification from a nationally recognized organization?
* What is your philosophy? Do you teach a particular method?
* How does the class time break down between lecture, discussion, and practicing techniques?
* How many people are in the class?
Whatever course or method you choose, you'll want to begin exploring your options early - some classes fill up well in advance of the start date.
These classes cover all kinds of issues surrounding childbirth including breathing techniques, pain management, vaginal birth, and cesarean birth. They can help prepare you for many aspects of childbirth: for the changes that pregnancy brings, for labor and delivery, and for parenting once your baby is born.
Typically, new parents take birthing classes during the third trimester of the pregnancy, when the mother is about 7 months pregnant. But there are a variety of different classes which begin both sooner and later than that. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor about the different kinds of classes that are offered in your community.
Benefits of Taking a Childbirth Class
A childbirth class can provide you with a great forum to ask lots of questions and can help you make informed decisions about key issues surrounding your baby's birth. Some of the information you can find out from a birthing class includes:
* how your baby is developing
* healthy developments in your pregnancy
* warning signs that something is wrong
* how to make your pregnancy, labor, and delivery more comfortable
* breathing and relaxation techniques
* how to write a birth plan
* how to tell when you are in labor
* pain relief options during labor
* what to expect during labor and delivery
* the role of the coach or labor partner
Many classes also address what to expect after the baby is born, including breastfeeding, baby care, and dealing with the emotional changes of new parenthood.
You might also find support from other expectant couples at a childbirth class. Who would better understand the ups and downs of pregnancy than couples who are going through them, too? Many people find friends in their childbirth class who last long past the birth of their child.
If your birth coach is also the baby's father, taking a class together can mean his increased involvement in the pregnancy, and can act as a good bonding experience. Like the mother, the father can also benefit from knowing what to expect when the mother goes into labor - and how to assist in that process. Some classes have one session just for fathers, where men can discuss their own concerns about pregnancy and birth. There are also classes geared just for new fathers. Some classes even offer a special session for new grandparents, which is a great way to get them involved in the process and to make sure they're up on the latest in baby care techniques and safety.
Of course, some people get more out of childbirth classes than others do. But even if you find the techniques you're taught don't work for you when you finally go into labor, you may get other benefits from the class. The common goal of all birthing classes is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to give birth and make informed decisions. This includes reducing your anxiety about the birth experience, as well as providing you with a variety of coping techniques to aid in pain management. Remember that the ultimate goal is to have a healthy mom and healthy baby.
What Types of Classes Are Available?
Many childbirth classes embrace a particular philosophy about pregnancy and birth. The two most common methods of childbirth breathing, relaxation, and exercise in the United States are the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method.
The Lamaze technique is the most widely used method in the United States. The Lamaze philosophy holds that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process and that women should be empowered through education and support to approach it with confidence. The goal of Lamaze is to explore all the ways women can find strength and comfort during labor and birth. Classes focus on relaxation techniques, but they also encourage the mother to condition her response to pain through training and preparation (this is called psychoprophylaxis). This conditioning is meant to teach expectant mothers constructive responses to the pain and stress of labor (for example, controlled breathing patterns) as opposed to counterproductive responses (such as holding the breath or tensing up). Other techniques, such as distraction (a woman might be encouraged to focus on a special object from home or a photo, for example) or massage by a supportive coach, are also used to decrease a woman's perception of pain.
Lamaze courses don't advocate for or against the use of drugs and routine medical interventions during labor and delivery, but instead educate mothers about their options so they can make informed decisions when the time comes.
The Bradley method (also called "Husband-Coached Birth") places an emphasis on a natural approach to birth and on the active participation of the baby's father as the birth coach. A major goal of this method is the avoidance of medications unless absolutely necessary.
Other topics stressed include the importance of good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing and concentration on body signals) as a method of coping with labor, and the empowerment of parents to trust their instincts and become active, informed participants in the birth process. The course is traditionally offered in 12 sessions.
Although Bradley emphasizes a birth experience without pain medication, the classes do prepare parents for unexpected complications or situations, like emergency cesarean sections. After the birth, immediate breast-feeding and constant contact between parents and baby is stressed. Bradley is the method of choice for many women who give birth at home or in other nonhospital settings.
There are several other types of birthing classes available. Some include information from the two previously mentioned techniques, and some are offshoots that explore one particular area. Two options that might be available in your area are active birth classes that teach yoga techniques to prepare for labor and "hypnobirthing" courses, which use deep relaxation and self-hypnosis as relaxation techniques.
When Should I Start Taking a Class?
In addition to offering many techniques and curricula, birthing classes also vary greatly in terms of duration. You'll find classes that begin during the first trimester and focus on all the changes that pregnancy brings; 5- to 8-week courses offered late in pregnancy aimed at educating parents mostly about labor, delivery, and postpartum issues; and one-time-only refresher courses for repeat parents. Most parents opt for a course that meets about six or seven times in the last trimester for 1 1/2 to 2 hours per session, or for full-day versions that take place over one or two weekends. What's important to remember is that a variety of options are often offered, so be sure and find one that fits your needs.
Choosing a Class
The type of class that's right for you depends on your personality and beliefs, as well as those of your labor partner. There is no one correct method. If you're the kind of person who likes to share and is eager to meet people, you might like a smaller, more intimate class designed for couples to swap stories and support each other. If you don't like the idea of sharing in a small group, you might want a larger class, where the teacher does most of the talking.
Of course, the community you live in may limit your choices - expectant parents in rural areas often have fewer choices than those in large cities. You may find childbirth classes offered by:
* hospitals
* private teachers
* health care providers (through their practices)
* community health organizations
* midwives
* national childbirth education organizations
* videos and DVDs
Before you sign up for a class, it's a good idea to ask what the curriculum includes and what philosophy it is based upon. You can also request to see the course outline. A good class will cover a range of topics and prepare you for the many possible scenarios of labor and delivery. Classes should include information about vaginal births and cesarean sections; natural childbirth techniques as well as the use of pain medication during labor; tips on pre- and postnatal care; and postpartum adjustment.
If something you wanted or expected to see isn't included in the outline, ask about it - if your teacher doesn't seem flexible or his or her philosophy doesn't match yours, you may want to look elsewhere.
You should also feel free to contact the teacher or childbirth class coordinator with questions, such as:
* What's your background and how were you trained?
* Do you have certification from a nationally recognized organization?
* What is your philosophy? Do you teach a particular method?
* How does the class time break down between lecture, discussion, and practicing techniques?
* How many people are in the class?
Whatever course or method you choose, you'll want to begin exploring your options early - some classes fill up well in advance of the start date.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Week Twelve
Your Baby's Development
Your baby's brain continues to develop, and tiny fingernails and toenails start to form. Vocal cords are formed this week, which is the last of your first trimester.
Your baby's kidneys are functioning! After swallowing amniotic fluid, your baby will now be able to pass it out of the body as urine. And the intestines will make their way into the abdomen, since there is room for them now.
Your Body
Has anyone told you that you have that "pregnant glow"? It's not just the joy you may feel because you're having a baby — there's a physiological reason for smoother, more radiant skin during pregnancy. Increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones work together to give you that glow. The greater blood volume brings more blood to the blood vessels and hormones increase oil gland secretion, resulting in a flushed, plumper, smoother skin appearance. Sometimes, though, the increased oil gland secretion can cause temporary acne.
Your baby's brain continues to develop, and tiny fingernails and toenails start to form. Vocal cords are formed this week, which is the last of your first trimester.
Your baby's kidneys are functioning! After swallowing amniotic fluid, your baby will now be able to pass it out of the body as urine. And the intestines will make their way into the abdomen, since there is room for them now.
Your Body
Has anyone told you that you have that "pregnant glow"? It's not just the joy you may feel because you're having a baby — there's a physiological reason for smoother, more radiant skin during pregnancy. Increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones work together to give you that glow. The greater blood volume brings more blood to the blood vessels and hormones increase oil gland secretion, resulting in a flushed, plumper, smoother skin appearance. Sometimes, though, the increased oil gland secretion can cause temporary acne.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Week Eleven
Your Baby's Development
From this week until week 20, your baby will be growing rapidly — increasing in size from about 2 inches (5 cm) to about 8 inches (20 cm) from crown to rump. To accommodate all this growth, the blood vessels in the placenta are increasing in both size and number to provide the baby with more nutrients.
Facial development continues as the ears move toward their final position on the sides of the head. If you saw a picture of your baby now, you'd think you had a genius on your hands — the baby's head accounts for about half of the body length!
Although your baby's reproductive organs are developing rapidly, the external genitals of boys and girls appear somewhat similar until the end of week 11. They will be clearly differentiated by week 14.
Your Body
Nourishing your baby usually requires that you gain weight — and in most cases, the recommended weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds (11.33 to 15.87 kg) over the course of the pregnancy. If you were overweight or underweight before pregnancy, your health care provider may have different recommendations for weight gain.
From this week until week 20, your baby will be growing rapidly — increasing in size from about 2 inches (5 cm) to about 8 inches (20 cm) from crown to rump. To accommodate all this growth, the blood vessels in the placenta are increasing in both size and number to provide the baby with more nutrients.
Facial development continues as the ears move toward their final position on the sides of the head. If you saw a picture of your baby now, you'd think you had a genius on your hands — the baby's head accounts for about half of the body length!
Although your baby's reproductive organs are developing rapidly, the external genitals of boys and girls appear somewhat similar until the end of week 11. They will be clearly differentiated by week 14.
Your Body
Nourishing your baby usually requires that you gain weight — and in most cases, the recommended weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds (11.33 to 15.87 kg) over the course of the pregnancy. If you were overweight or underweight before pregnancy, your health care provider may have different recommendations for weight gain.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Pregnancy Weight Gain
Clearly, it is quite obvious that you will be experiencing a pregnancy weight gain. After all, there is a person growing inside you. However, what surprises some women is that the average baby weighs around three to four kilograms, yet our pregnancy weight gain is more often between nine and fourteen kilograms. Why is this?
The main reason is that there is more to pregnancy weight gain than simply the weight of the baby. You also need to consider the weight of the placenta, amniotic fluids and membranes. Consider also your water retention, the increase in size of your breasts and the additional blood movements of your body. As you can see, there are a lot of different things the affect pregnancy weight gain. The good news is, you will quickly return to normal after the birth.
It is impossible to say exactly how much of a pregnancy weight gain you should experience; it will be a different amount for different women. For example an underweight person will put on more weight in proportion to their original weight, than an over weight person. Generally, if you can enjoy a mind set of "I'm pregnant, therefore I do not care about my weight", you are more inclined to have a much more enjoyable pregnancy.
One thing is certain; it is dangerous to fight the weight gain. You should not try to remain slim during pregnancy. A pregnancy weight gain is paramount to the health of you and your baby, fighting the weight gain could prove very hazardous to your unborn baby.
If you are worried about the extra weight you are putting on and whether it will come off after the birth of your baby, you're generally worrying without reason. However, if this is the type of thing that keeps you awake at night, it's probably best to address you worries as soon as possible. One way of doing this is to measure the area around your upper thighs once a week; the upper thigh measurement should stay roughly the same throughout the pregnancy, although it can increase dramatically during the last few weeks.
If you do have any pregnancy weight gain concerns the best people to speak with are your midwife and doctor. If they think it is necessary, they will refer you to a nutritionist.
The table below is a guide to the pregnancy weight gain proportions you should expect.
Weight of baby - 39%
Weight of placenta - 10%
Amniotic fluid - 12%
Increase in weight of breast and uterus - 19%
Increase in the weight of blood - 022%
We've also included this table below which shows a pregnancy weight gain guide and which months to expect to put on weight.
Conception to 12 weeks - 0% weight increase
12 - 20 weeks - 25% weight increase
20 - 30 weeks - 50% weight increase
30 - 36 weeks - 25% weight increase
36 - 40 weeks - 0% weight increase
Obviously, it is important to mention that the table above is a guide. For some women it will be different, they will experience pregnancy weight gain right up to the day of birth.
The main reason is that there is more to pregnancy weight gain than simply the weight of the baby. You also need to consider the weight of the placenta, amniotic fluids and membranes. Consider also your water retention, the increase in size of your breasts and the additional blood movements of your body. As you can see, there are a lot of different things the affect pregnancy weight gain. The good news is, you will quickly return to normal after the birth.
It is impossible to say exactly how much of a pregnancy weight gain you should experience; it will be a different amount for different women. For example an underweight person will put on more weight in proportion to their original weight, than an over weight person. Generally, if you can enjoy a mind set of "I'm pregnant, therefore I do not care about my weight", you are more inclined to have a much more enjoyable pregnancy.
One thing is certain; it is dangerous to fight the weight gain. You should not try to remain slim during pregnancy. A pregnancy weight gain is paramount to the health of you and your baby, fighting the weight gain could prove very hazardous to your unborn baby.
If you are worried about the extra weight you are putting on and whether it will come off after the birth of your baby, you're generally worrying without reason. However, if this is the type of thing that keeps you awake at night, it's probably best to address you worries as soon as possible. One way of doing this is to measure the area around your upper thighs once a week; the upper thigh measurement should stay roughly the same throughout the pregnancy, although it can increase dramatically during the last few weeks.
If you do have any pregnancy weight gain concerns the best people to speak with are your midwife and doctor. If they think it is necessary, they will refer you to a nutritionist.
The table below is a guide to the pregnancy weight gain proportions you should expect.
Weight of baby - 39%
Weight of placenta - 10%
Amniotic fluid - 12%
Increase in weight of breast and uterus - 19%
Increase in the weight of blood - 022%
We've also included this table below which shows a pregnancy weight gain guide and which months to expect to put on weight.
Conception to 12 weeks - 0% weight increase
12 - 20 weeks - 25% weight increase
20 - 30 weeks - 50% weight increase
30 - 36 weeks - 25% weight increase
36 - 40 weeks - 0% weight increase
Obviously, it is important to mention that the table above is a guide. For some women it will be different, they will experience pregnancy weight gain right up to the day of birth.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Week Ten
Your Baby's Development
By week 10, all of your baby's vital organs have been formed and are starting to work together.
As external changes such as the separation of fingers and toes and the disappearance of the tail takes place, internal developments are taking place too. Tooth buds form inside the mouth, and if you're having a boy, his testes will begin producing the male hormone testosterone.
Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10. This also marks the end of the embryonic period — in general, the embryo now has a distinctly human appearance and starting next week your baby will officially be considered a fetus.
Your Body
Your first prenatal visit, which often takes place around this time, is a milestone. At the doctor's office, you'll go through a series of tests and checks, including having your weight and blood pressure checked. You might also have an external abdominal examination to check the size and position of your baby and have your urine tested. During this first prenatal visit, your health care provider will thoroughly examine you, including an internal examination and a breast exam. Your health care provider will also ask you many questions about your medical history and any family health problems, to determine if your baby is at risk for genetic diseases. Another thing your provider will check? Your baby's heartbeat! Using a Doppler stethoscope, you should get to hear it for the first time.
As you leave your first appointment, your health care provider will probably send you for a blood test to find out whether you are immunized against varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles), as well as to determine your blood type and Rh factor.
By week 10, all of your baby's vital organs have been formed and are starting to work together.
As external changes such as the separation of fingers and toes and the disappearance of the tail takes place, internal developments are taking place too. Tooth buds form inside the mouth, and if you're having a boy, his testes will begin producing the male hormone testosterone.
Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10. This also marks the end of the embryonic period — in general, the embryo now has a distinctly human appearance and starting next week your baby will officially be considered a fetus.
Your Body
Your first prenatal visit, which often takes place around this time, is a milestone. At the doctor's office, you'll go through a series of tests and checks, including having your weight and blood pressure checked. You might also have an external abdominal examination to check the size and position of your baby and have your urine tested. During this first prenatal visit, your health care provider will thoroughly examine you, including an internal examination and a breast exam. Your health care provider will also ask you many questions about your medical history and any family health problems, to determine if your baby is at risk for genetic diseases. Another thing your provider will check? Your baby's heartbeat! Using a Doppler stethoscope, you should get to hear it for the first time.
As you leave your first appointment, your health care provider will probably send you for a blood test to find out whether you are immunized against varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles), as well as to determine your blood type and Rh factor.
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