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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Pregnancy and Childbirth
Alcohol and Pregnancy
Alcohol and Pregnancy The risks involved with alcohol use during pregnancy Alcohol consumption by the mother is a leading cause of preventable birth defects in the fetus and is the only known cause of mental retardation that is completely preventable. Everything a mother drinks also goes to the fetus. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the immature body of the fetus than in an adult's body. This can cause the alcohol levels to remain high and stay in the baby's body longer. In addition, the risk of m...
Anatomy: Fetus in Utero
Anatomy: Fetus in Utero Click Image to Enlarge Amniotic sac - a thin-walled sac that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The sac is filled with amniotic fluid (liquid made by the fetus) and the amnion (the membrane that covers the fetal side of the placenta), which protects the fetus from injury and helps to regulate the temperature of the fetus. Anus - the opening at the end of the anal canal. Cervix - the lower part of the uterus that projects into the vagina. Made up of mostly fibrous tissue and mu...
Birth Statistics
Birth Statistics Consider the most recent statistics available from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC: In 2008, 4,247,694 babies were born in the U.S. This was a 2 percent drop from 2007. The mean age for women having their first baby in 2008 was 25.1 years, compared with 25.2 in 2003. Birth rates for women 35 to 39 (46.9 births per 1,000 women) and 40 to 44 (9.8 births per 1,000 women). The birth rate for women 40 to 44 is the highest in four decades. The birth rate for teenage...
Bottle-Feeding
Bottle-Feeding Health considerations when bottle-feeding If you decide not to breastfeed, or are unable to breastfeed, commercial iron-fortified formulas can provide adequate nutrition for your infant. Infant formulas contain adequate amounts of protein, calories, fat, vitamins, and minerals for growth. However, formula does not contain the immune factors that are in breast milk. The immune factors that are found in breast milk can help prevent infections. Infants who take enough iron-fortified infant f...
Breast Milk Is the Best Milk
Breast Milk Is the Best Milk Nature designed human milk especially for human babies, and it has several advantages over any substitute ever developed. Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, and it contains them in a form most easily used by the human baby's immature body systems. Because it was developed for your human baby, your milk also is gentlest on your baby's systems. Why breast milk is the best milk There are many reasons why breast milk is the best milk, including the following...
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Baby
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Baby As with some mothers, some babies may have difficulty with breastfeeding. Listed in the directory below is some information regarding breastfeeding difficulties for babies, for which we have provided a brief overview. Ineffective Latch-On or Sucking Slow or Poor Infant Weight Gain Mismanaged Breastfeeding Over-Active Let-Down
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Mother
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Mother Learning to breastfeed may be easy for some women, while more difficult for others. Listed in the directory below is some information regarding breastfeeding difficulties for mothers, for which we have provided a brief overview. Sore Nipples Insufficient or Delayed Milk Production Low Milk Production Flat or Inverted Nipples Plugged Milk Ducts Mastitis
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding Your Baby Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision that has lifelong effects for your baby and for you. What you have seen and learned about infant feeding from your family, friends, and teachers is likely to influence your attitude and perceptions. Whether you definitely plan to breastfeed or you are still uncertain, the research is pretty clear. Your milk is the best milk for your baby, and it is the ideal first food for your baby's first several months. Listed in the dire...
Calculating a Due Date
Calculating a Due Date How to calculate a due date: A typical pregnancy lasts, on average, 280 days, or 40 weeks--starting with the first day of the last normal menstrual period (LMP) as day 1. An estimated due date (EDD) can be calculated by following steps 1 through 3: First, determine the first day of your last menstrual period. Next, count back three calendar months from that date. Lastly, add one year and seven days to that date. Click Image to Enlarge For example: Your last menstrual period began ...
Care and Management of Multiple Pregnancy
Care and Management of Multiple Pregnancy Management of multiple pregnancy: Specific management for multiple pregnancy will be determined by your physician or midwife based on: Your pregnancy, overall health, and medical history The number of fetuses Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the pregnancy Your opinion or preference Management of multiple pregnancy may include the following: Increased nutrition Mothers carrying two or more fetuses ne...
Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room
Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room The birth of a baby is one of life's most wondrous moments. Few experiences can compare with this event. Newborn babies have amazing abilities, yet they are completely dependent on others for every aspect--feeding, warmth, and comfort. Amazing physical changes occur with birth. When the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is cut and clamped near the navel. This ends the baby's dependence on the placenta for oxygen and nutrition. As the baby takes the first breath,...
Caring for the Mother: Physically and Emotionally
Caring for the Mother: Physically and Emotionally Postpartum care for the mother After delivering her baby, a mother will continue to be monitored and receive pain relief, if needed. A mother and baby usually remain at the hospital for a couple of days to recover. What does recovering from childbirth involve? As the mother recovers, the following symptoms are not uncommon: Bloody vaginal discharge that changes to brown, then whitish over the next few weeks after delivery A tender vaginal area Painful co...
Common Discomforts During Pregnancy
Common Discomforts During Pregnancy Symptoms of discomfort due to pregnancy vary from woman-to-woman. The following are some common discomforts. However, each mother-to-be may experience symptoms differently or not at all: Nausea and vomiting About half of all pregnant women experience nausea and sometimes vomiting in the first trimester--also called morning sickness because symptoms are most severe in the morning. Some women may have nausea and vomiting throughout the pregnancy. Morning sickness may be...
Common Tests During Pregnancy
Common Tests During Pregnancy The following are some of the more common tests performed during pregnancy: First Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests First trimester screening is a combination of fetal ultrasound and maternal blood testing performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. This screening process can help to determine the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects. Screening tests may be used alone or in combination with other tests. There are three parts of first trimester screening: U...
Complications of Multiple Pregnancy
Complications of Multiple Pregnancy Why is multiple pregnancy a concern? Being pregnant with more than one baby is exciting and is often a happy event for many couples. However, multiple pregnancy has increased risks for complications. The most common complications include the following: Preterm labor and birth Over 60 percent of twins and nearly all higher-order multiples are premature (born before 37 weeks). The higher the number of fetuses in the pregnancy, the greater the risk for early birth. Prema...
Complications of Pregnancy
Complications of Pregnancy What are some of the more common complications of pregnancy? Although the majority of pregnancies are uneventful, sometimes complications do occur. The following are some of the more common pregnancy complications: Amniotic fluid complications Too much or too little amniotic fluid in the membranes surrounding the fetus may indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Too much fluid can put excessive pressure on the mother's uterus, leading to preterm labor, or can cause pressure on ...
Delivery
Delivery What are possible labor complications? Although serious complications are rare during labor, some problems can develop during this time. Some of the more common complications include: Fetal meconium When the amniotic sac ruptures, the normal color of the amniotic fluid is clear. However, if the amniotic fluid is greenish or brown in color, it may indicate fetal meconium, which is normally passed after birth as the baby's first bowel movement. Meconium in the amniotic fluid may be associated wit...
Effective Breastfeeding
Effective Breastfeeding What is effective breastfeeding? A baby who breastfeeds effectively cues (shows readiness) for feedings, is in a good feeding position, latches-on (attaches) deeply at the breast, and moves milk forward from the breast and into his or her mouth. Feeding cues To feed effectively, a baby has to wake up and let his/her mother know that he/she wants to eat often enough in 24 hours. Watch your baby and begin breastfeeding when you see him or her demonstrating any of these feeding cues...
Effective Sucking
Effective Sucking What is effective sucking? During effective, nutritive sucking, your baby uses the structures of his or her mouth to compress the milk sinuses beneath your breast and move milk into the back of his or her throat to swallow. Initially, your baby may seem to suck in rapid bursts to trigger milk let-down, also called the milk-ejection reflex (MER). Once let-down occurs, your baby should suck at the rate of about one suck a second, pausing only to take a breath with every few sucks. Click ...
Exercise During Pregnancy
Exercise During Pregnancy Exercise during pregnancy: Regular exercise, with the approval of your physician or midwife, can often help to minimize the physical discomforts of pregnancy and help with the recovery after the baby is born. There is evidence that physical activity may be especially beneficial for women with gestational diabetes. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who exercised and were physically fit before pregnancy can safely continue exercising thro...
Flat or Inverted Nipples
Flat or Inverted Nipples Techniques for flat or inverted nipples An effective breastfeeding baby usually has little trouble breastfeeding even if his/her mother's nipples appear to be flattened. A less effective breastfeeder may need some time to figure out how he/she can draw the nipple into the mouth with latch-on. Although the benefit of using hard plastic breast shells is not conclusive, some mothers find it helps to wear them in the bra between feedings. Breast shells exert a small amount of tracti...
Getting Started
Getting Started Breastfeeding your child Nature designed human milk especially for human babies, and it has several advantages over any substitute ever developed. Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, and it contains them in a form most easily used by the human baby's immature body systems. Because it was developed for your human baby, your milk also is gentlest on your baby's systems. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends breastfeeding for at least 6 months beca...
Glossary - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Glossary - Pregnancy and Childbirth | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Alpha-fetoprotein - a protein produced by the fetus that is excreted into the amniotic fluid. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein may indicate brain or spinal cord defects, multiple fetuses, a miscalculated due date, or chromosomal disorders. Amniocentesis - a test performed to determine chromoso...
Home Page - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Topic Index Birth Statistics Planning a Pregnancy Prenatal Medical Care Pregnancy Common Discomforts of Pregnancy Common Tests During Pregnancy Risks to Pregnancy Warning Signs During Pregnancy Labor and Delivery Breastfeeding Your Baby Bottle-Feeding Glossary More than 4 million babies will be born in the U.S. this year alone. Now more than ever, mothers-to-be have access to current information, advanced technologies, and skilled medical personnel to help them plan for a healthy pregnancy and childbirt...
Hormones During Pregnancy
Hormones During Pregnancy What is the role of hormones during pregnancy? Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles during pregnancy. These include: Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) This hormone is only produced during pregnancy--first by the ovaries and later by the placenta. HCG hormone levels found in maternal plasma and urine increase dramatically during the first trimester and may contribute to causing nausea and vomiting often...
How Milk Is Made
How Milk Is Made How is breast milk made? Many mothers find they can appreciate their babies' breastfeeding patterns or the need for frequent feedings when they understand how breast milk is produced. Initially, hormones play a greater role. After the first one or two weeks postpartum (after the baby is born), milk removal has a greater effect on the amount of milk produced. With the expulsion of the placenta after a baby's birth, a drop in the hormones that maintained the pregnancy soon occurs and allo...
Illegal Drug Use and Pregnancy
Illegal Drug Use and Pregnancy The risks involved with illegal drug use during pregnancy The effects of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, can be devastating on a fetus. Unfortunately, many women of childbearing age in the U.S. use some form of illegal drug. A mother taking illegal drugs during pregnancy increases her risk for anemia, blood and heart infections, skin infections, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. She also is at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Almost every drug passes...
Ineffective Latch-on or Sucking
Ineffective Latch-on or Sucking A baby must be able to effectively remove milk from the breast during breastfeeding if he or she is to obtain enough milk to gain weight and "tell" the breasts to increase or maintain milk production. Therefore, ineffective milk removal can result in poor weight gain due to inadequate intake of milk by the baby, which is then followed by a drop in the amount of milk being produced for the baby. A baby's ability to suck and remove milk may be affected in different ways. Pr...
Insufficient or Delayed Milk Production
Insufficient or Delayed Milk Production when Breastfeeding Most mothers worry at some point that they do not have enough milk. A delay in the time when milk "comes in" sometimes occurs in mothers dealing with certain health conditions. Do not wait to get help if milk production is ever a concern. The sooner you intervene, the better. Ask a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and your doctor to help you figure out what might be the problem affecting milk production, so that you and your baby can begin...
Labor
Labor What is labor? Labor is a series of continuous, progressive contractions of the uterus which help the cervix to open (dilate) and to thin (efface), allowing the fetus to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts two weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. However, no one knows exactly what triggers the onset of labor. What are the signs of labor? Signs of labor vary from woman to woman, as each woman experiences labor differently. Some common signs of labor may include: Bloo...
Labor and Delivery
Labor and Delivery After nine months of incredible growth and changes both in the mother and the fetus, labor (contractions of the uterus) may finally start, signaling the pending birth of the baby. Many women fear the prospect of delivering their child. Part of this fear may be attributed to the unknown, especially in first pregnancies. Instead, be proactive and consider discussing the following questions with your care provider before labor begins: When will labor begin? How long will labor last? How ...
Low Milk Production
Low Milk Production What causes low milk production? Occasionally, a delay in the time when milk "comes in" turns into an ongoing problem with low milk production. Sometimes, a mother has been producing sufficient amounts of milk, and then milk production slowly, or quite suddenly, decreases. Some of the conditions associated with a delay may also have an ongoing effect on milk production, including, but not limited to, the following: Severe postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) Retained placental ...
Mastitis
Mastitis What is mastitis? Mastitis is often used interchangeably with the term breast infection, but mastitis may also be due to an inflammation. Often a reddened area is noted on the breast. Inflammatory or infectious mastitis may develop for reasons similar to those for plugged duct development, and the same interventions usually are helpful. It is especially important to keep the affected breast "empty" through frequent breastfeeding. If you develop flu-like symptoms or your temperature increases to...
Medical Conditions and Pregnancy
Medical Conditions and Pregnancy Medical conditions that may affect pregnancy Certain medical conditions may complicate a pregnancy. However, with proper medical care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy, despite their medical challenges. Diabetes before pregnancy Diabetes is a condition where sufficient amounts of insulin are either not produced or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. When...
Medications and Pregnancy
Medications and Pregnancy The risks involved with medication use during pregnancy: When pregnant, a woman should always check with her physician/midwife before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication. All medications affect the fetus differently, depending on the stage of development, the type and dosage of the medication being taken, and the drug tolerance of the mother-to-be. Women who take medications for preexisting medical conditions, such as epilepsy or high blood pressure, should a...
Mismanaged Breastfeeding
Mismanaged Breastfeeding Managing mismanaged breastfeeding Perhaps the most common cause of slow weight gain is related to mismanaged breastfeeding. The following are some ways to help your baby gain weight if breastfeeding management is the reason for the slow weight-gain pattern. Watch for signs from your baby that he or she wants to feed. Your baby should wake and "cue" to breastfeed about eight to 12 times in 24 hours by rooting, making licking or sucking motions, bobbing his or her head against the...
Multiple Pregnancy
Multiple Pregnancy Multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy involving more than one fetus. Twins, triplets, quadruplets, and so on, are multiple pregnancies. The rate of multiple births is on the increase for several reasons, including older age of the mother and the use of reproductive technology. Listed in the directory below are some topics related to multiple pregnancy, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Multiple Pregnancy Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy Complications of ...
Newborn Multiples
Newborn Multiples Care of multiple birth babies Because many multiples are small and born early, they may be initially cared for in a special care nursery called the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In the NICU The NICU combines advanced technology and trained health care professionals to provide specialized care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have intermediate or continuing care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care. Some hospitals do not have the perso...
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Nutrition During Pregnancy The importance of good nutrition during pregnancy According to the FDA, about 300 extra calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with sweets and fats kept to a minimum. A healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy can also help to minimize some pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and constipation. The American Dietetic Association recommends the following key com...
Online Resources - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Online Resources - Pregnancy and Childbirth This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This p...
Over-Active Let-Down
Over-Active Let-Down Although most babies with breastfeeding difficulties have problems related to getting enough milk, a few have the opposite problem - handling too much milk. Some mothers have such a strong let-down that the baby cannot handle the volume of milk. If your baby chokes, gags, pushes off of the breast a minute or two after beginning to feed, an over-active let-down may be the cause. Most babies do learn to handle let-down as they mature, but until then you might take the baby off the bre...
Overview of Multiple Pregnancy
Overview of Multiple Pregnancy What is multiple pregnancy? Multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy with two or more fetuses. Names for these include the following: Twins--two fetuses Triplets--three fetuses Quadruplets--four fetuses Quintuplets--five fetuses Sextuplets--six fetuses Septuplets--seven fetuses While multiples account for only a small percentage of all births (about 3 percent), the multiple birth rate is rising. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the twin birth rate has risen...
Planning a Pregnancy
Planning a Pregnancy If you're planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks for both you and your baby. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these two recommendations to reduce the risk for SIDS: Get prenatal care. Routine prenatal care is critical for reducing the risk for SIDS. Avoid using illicit drugs and alcohol , and don't smoke during pregnancy or...
Plugged Milk Ducts
Plugged Milk Ducts What are plugged milk ducts? A plugged duct feels like a tender lump in the breast. Some mothers seem to be more prone to developing them, but usually they occur when a mother goes too long without emptying her breasts, or if insufficient milk is removed during feedings. Review your baby's feeding routine and see if the time between one or more feedings has recently changed for any reason. Sometimes, a mother gets busy again with a task and does not realize feedings are being delayed....
Postpartum Care
Postpartum Care The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the baby and ends when the mother's body has returned as closely as possible to its pre-pregnant state. This period usually lasts six to eight weeks. The postpartum period involves the mother progressing through many changes, both emotionally and physically, while learning how to deal with all the changes and adjustments required in becoming a new mother. The postpartum period also involves the parents learning how to care for their newb...
Pregnancy
Pregnancy A pregnancy is divided into three phases, called trimesters. Each trimester has its own significant milestones. Listed in the directory below, you will find additional information regarding the three phases of pregnancy, for which we have provided a brief overview. Pregnancy Overview Anatomy: Fetus in Utero The First Trimester (0 - 12 Weeks) The Second Trimester (12 - 24 Weeks) The Third Trimester (24 - 40 Weeks) The Pregnant Mother Hormones During Pregnancy Weight Gain During Pregnancy Nutrit...
Pregnancy Overview
Pregnancy Overview A pregnancy is divided into three phases, called trimesters. Each trimester has its own significant milestones. The first trimester is the most fragile period, during which all major organs and systems are formed. Most birth defects and miscarriages occur during the first trimester. During the second and third trimester, the fetus is fully formed and grows and matures rapidly. The trimesters are divided as follows: First trimester: 0-12 weeks Second trimester: 12-24 weeks Third trimes...
Prenatal Medical Care
Prenatal Medical Care The importance of early prenatal medical care As soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant, she should establish a schedule of prenatal care with her health care provider for the entire duration of the pregnancy. For normal pregnancies without significant complications, prenatal exams are usually scheduled as follows: Every month from the 1st week through the 28th week Every two weeks from the 29th week through the 36th week Weekly from the 37th week until delivery This schedule ma...
Risks to Pregnancy
Risks to Pregnancy Many external factors, including alcohol, drugs, smoke, high temperatures, radiation exposure, and high altitudes, can pose a serious threat to a developing fetus. Listed in the directory below, you will find information that covers some potential hazards, for which we have provided a brief overview. Alcohol and Pregnancy Smoking and Pregnancy Illegal Drug Use and Pregnancy Medications and Pregnancy Medical Conditions and Pregnancy
Sex During Pregnancy
Sex During Pregnancy Considerations regarding sex during pregnancy: In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your health care provider's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery. However, fluctuating hormone levels and certain pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and tiredness can temporarily reduce a pregnant woman's libido (sex drive). In addition, visible changes in the woman's body may affect sexual desire. Always consult your health care provider concerning any question...
Signs of Pregnancy / The Pregnancy Test
Signs of Pregnancy / The Pregnancy Test What are the signs of pregnancy? The signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. Usually the most obvious sign is the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea). However, some women continue to have bleeding even while pregnant. The following are the most common initial signs of pregnancy. However, each woman may experience the signs of pregnancy differently. These may include: Fatigue Sore and swollen breasts Nausea or vomiting (also called morning sickness) Frequent ...
Sleeping During Pregnancy
Sleeping During Pregnancy Sleeping positions during pregnancy: As the fetus grows within the uterus, lying on your back is not recommended due to pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. In addition, the increased pressure on the back and intestines can cause discomfort. Sleeping on the stomach during pregnancy also should be avoided, because of pressure on the fetus. The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her side, especially t...
Slow or Poor Infant Weight Gain
Slow or Poor Infant Weight Gain Determining slow or poor infant weight gain Weight gain is one of many signs of good health in the breastfeeding baby. Sometimes, a perfectly healthy baby simply gains weight slowly because it's just his or her own unique growth pattern. In other situations, there's a problem that can be pinpointed. If a baby isn't gaining weight according to certain patterns, the baby and the mother should be checked by the physician and a certified lactation consultant. To determine whe...
Smoking and Pregnancy
Smoking and Pregnancy The risks involved with smoking during pregnancy Although fewer women are smoking during their pregnancy now than ever before, the habit still persists among many women. In addition, even if a pregnant woman does not smoke, she may be exposed to secondhand smoke in the household, workplace, or in social settings. There is also new research about the dangers from third-hand smoke, the chemicals, particles, and gases of tobacco that are left on hair, clothing, and furnishings. Smoke ...
Sore Nipples
Sore Nipples Sore nipples are probably the most common difficulty mothers have when breastfeeding. Sore nipples may be caused by different factors. Determining the cause of sore nipples dictates the appropriate treatment. A certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) will be able to help and suggest intervention. Breastfeeding should not hurt, and the skin on your nipple should not break down any more than the skin anywhere on your body should break down. However, mild tenderness, similar to the kind of tend...
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy What are the symptoms of multiple pregnancy? The following are the most common symptoms of multiple pregnancy. However, each woman may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms of multiple pregnancy may include: Uterus is larger than expected for the dates in pregnancy Increased morning sickness Increased appetite Excessive weight gain, especially in early pregnancy Fetal movements felt in different parts of abdomen at same time How is multiple pregnancy diag...
The First Trimester
The First Trimester The first prenatal visit The first prenatal visit is the most thorough. A complete medical history is taken, a physical examination is conducted, as well as certain tests and procedures are performed to assess the initial health of the mother and her unborn baby. The first prenatal visit may include the following: Personal medical history--This may include taking record of any of the following: Previous and current medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertensi...
The Pregnant Mother
The Pregnant Mother Even with all the joy and anticipation pregnancy can bring, it is not uncommon for a mother-to-be to have some questions and concerns -- questions not only about changes to expect throughout her pregnancy, but also concerns regarding the care of her body to ensure the health of her unborn child. Listed in the directory below, you will find some additional information that covers not only how to care for your body while you are pregnant, but also some of the changes your body will go ...
The Second Trimester
The Second Trimester Prenatal visits during the second trimester During the second and third trimester prenatal visits, your health care provider may check the following, depending on your current medical condition and the health of the fetus: Any current symptoms or discomforts Mother's weight Mother's blood pressure Urine test - to detect albumin (a protein) which may indicate preeclampsia or toxemia, and sugar (which may indicate hyperglycemia) Growth, size, and development of the fetus Size of the u...
The Third Trimester
The Third Trimester Prenatal visits during the third trimester During the second and third trimester prenatal visits, your physician/midwife may check the following, depending on your current medical condition and the health of the fetus: Any current symptoms or discomforts Mother's weight Mother's blood pressure Urine test - to detect albumin (a protein) which may indicate preeclampsia or toxemia, and sugar (which may indicate hyperglycemia) Position, growth, and development of the fetus Height of the ...
Topic Index - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Topic Index - Pregnancy and Childbirth Pregnancy & Childbirth Home Birth Statistics Planning a Pregnancy Signs of Pregnancy / The Pregnancy Test Calculating a Due Date Prenatal Medical Care Pregnancy Pregnancy Overview Anatomy: Fetus in Utero The First Trimester (0 - 12 Weeks) The Second Trimester (12 - 24 Weeks) The Third Trimester (24 - 40 Weeks) The Pregnant Mother Hormones During Pregnancy Weight Gain During Pregnancy Nutrition During Pregnancy Exercise During Pregnancy Work and Pregnancy Sex Du...
Warning Signs During Pregnancy
Warning Signs During Pregnancy What are some warning signs of potential pregnancy complications? Certain symptoms should be reported to your physician immediately, during any stage of the pregnancy. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Bleeding or leaking fluid from the vagina Blurry or impaired vision Unusual or severe abdominal pain or backaches Frequent, severe, and/or continuous headaches Contractions before 37 weeks that occur 4 times every 20 minutes, or contractions 8 times an ho...
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Weight Gain During Pregnancy Weight gain during pregnancy varies from woman to woman and depends on body type. Each woman should talk with her care provider about the appropriate amount of weight gain, as well as diet and exercise. 2009 Recommendations for Pregnancy Weight Gain by BMI (Body Mass Index) from the Institute of Medicine Prepregnancy BMI BMI Total Gain Range Rate of Gain in 2nd and 3rd Trimester Underweight less than 18.5 28-40 lbs 1 (1-1.3) lbs/week Normal Weight 18.5-24.9 25-35 lbs 1 (0.8-...
Work and Pregnancy
Work and Pregnancy Guidelines for working during pregnancy Many women work during pregnancy without any complications. Being able to work safely, in some cases, until the day of delivery depends on the type of work performed and the mother-to-be's medical condition. However, the workplace can pose certain risks, depending upon the occupation. Knowing what these risks are and minimizing them will help increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Be sure the discuss the following job risks with your he...
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SEARCH HEALTH LIBRARY
FIND A PHYSICIAN
WELLNESS LECTURES & EVENTS
CONTACT US
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Visit Us
2170 South Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
96150
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