Prenatal Checkups

  • The 3D/4D Ultrasound Experience

    "Incredible," "awesome," "truly indescribable," are just some of the descriptions parents have used after seeing their babies for the first time in an ultrasound.

  • Prenatal Vitamins

    Prenatal supplements consist of a variety of vitamins and minerals. During pregnancy, a woman's daily intake requirements for certain nutrients, such as folic acid (folate), calcium, and iron will increase. Vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and folic acid are vital for proper fetal growth, development, and healthy adult living.

  • Why Natural Yeast Infection Remedies Could Be the Solution to Your Yeast Infection

    Natural yeast infection remedies are on the increase as women, especially, turn away from their mainstream treatments, and turn instead to natural treatments for their yeast infections. Here, you'll learn why this is happening, and, why this could be the natural solution you've been searching for.

  • H1N1 Virus and Vaccine: Four Perspectives

    While we don't have a recommendation for whether you should vaccinate or not, but we do believe you should have easy access to expert insights that can help you make an informed decision. Here are four perspectives you should take into consideration.

  • Fetal Blood Sampling

    Cordocentesis is a diagnostic test that examines blood from the fetus to detect fetal abnormalities. Read "Cordocentesis: Fetal Blood Sampling" to learn more.

  • Down Syndrome Testing

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I'm a bit concerned because my physician forgot to make me my appointment. to come in and do the testing for Down Syndrome (via a blood test, if I recall correctly) and now he says its past the time frame I can do so.

    I am 26 weeks and did have my normal 20 week / second ultrasound done and they said everything looked good, no abnormalities, etc. However, I can't stop thinking that I should have had the blood test as well just to clear the air.

  • First Prenatal Visit

    Prenatal care requires regular visits to our doctors and nurses. Your checkups are very important. Doctors and nurses may be able to find problems that you could not even feel. Read "Your First Prenatal Visit" to learn more.

  • Midwife Right for Me?

    If you're looking for more personal, less rushed care during your pregnancy, you may want to consider a midwife. The midwives' model of care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. She usually offers a variety of options and seeks to eliminate or minimize unnecessary interventions. Read "Is a Midwife Right for Me?" to learn more.

  • Is a Midwife Right for Me?

    The term midwife reflects a philosophy of care; one that is more specifically directed at the woman and her individual reproductive needs. A midwife usually offers a variety of options and seeks to eliminate or minimize unnecessary interventions. Read "Is a Midwife Right for Me?" to learn more.

  • Possible Genital Warts during Pregnancy

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I had a prenatal exam today where my doctor did a Group B Strep culture and told me that I had what looked like genital warts to her but that there was only one there.

    As far as I know, it hasn't there when I've gone for PAP smears and this is the first time it was noticed. The last time she had me in for a PAP smear was way back in like February or March.

    She asked me if I've noticed it or if my boyfriend has noticed it and neither one of us have. If either of us had noticed it, one of us would have said something.

  • The 3D/4D Ultrasound Experience

    "Incredible," "awesome," "truly indescribable," are just some of the descriptions parents have used after seeing their babies for the first time in an ultrasound.

  • Why Would I Be Measuring Big?

    Dear Midwife,
    I am at eight weeks according to my u/s. Dating by my LMP put me at seven weeks. I had my first ultrasound six weeks past LMP and measured 6w6d.

  • Low Potassium and Magneisum

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    My daughter is almost 6 months pregnant and her blood tests show she is low 3.2 versus 3.5 in her potassium levels. They tried to get her count to the normal rate using an IV and nothing changed after 6 bags. They have her taking several potassium pills a day and it only went from 3.1 to 3.2 after 2 weeks. They are now sending her to a renal doctor (kidneys) but they say the baby is fine.

  • Tummy measuring bigger than normal

    I went in for my 24 week check up last week and when my ob/gyn measured my tummy it measured in at 29 weeks. This is my second pregancy and my first pregnancy was naturally conceived faternal twins. I have had five ultrasounds and they all show one baby at normal size, but it has been feeling like twins since my fourth month. However, I've never been pregnant with just one so I don't know if what I am feeling is normal for one.

  • All Pregnancies Should be Screened for Down Syndrome

    by Karen Barrow

    All pregnant women should be screened for Down syndrome, regardless of age, according to new guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

    Previously, only women over the age of 35 and those at particularly high risk were advised to undergo testing for the chromosomal abnormalities that cause birth defects such as Down syndrome in a fetus. But these new guidelines cite improved, less invasive screening methods as a rationale behind testing all pregnant women for these potential problems.

  • Is Debris in the Amniotic Fluid Dangerous?

    QUESTION

    Dear Ms Ultrasound,
    I'm 36-weeks pregnant and had an ultrasound done yesterday. The report said there was a small amount of debris in the fluid. Can this debris harm the baby?

    My mom said the baby could swallow it and choke? Is she over reacting, or do I need to be concerned?

  • Excluded by the O.B.

    I'm really excited about my wife's pregnancy and started to go to the doctor's appointments with her. But the doctor basically ignores me or gives me a silly looking smile. I want to stay involved but I'm getting really angry. Is there anything else I can do?

  • Why Should I Have a Level II Ultrasound?

    QUESTION

    Dear Ms Ultrasound,
    I am 37 years old and 17-weeks pregnant. My doctor has asked me if I want to schedule a level II ultrasound instead of a regular ultrasound at 20 weeks. He says it is usually recommended for expectant mothers my age.

    I have indicated to him that aborting the pregnancy if something is abnormal is not an option for me. I also indicated that I do not wish to have any tests for which there is no other action/advantage that can result from the information. Based on my information can you outline any advantages for me taking the Level II Ultrasound?

  • Calcification in a Fetal Heart?

    QUESTION

    Dear Ms Ultrasound,
    In your twenty years experience have you ever seen a calcium deposit in the baby's heart? I am so worried and have no answers from my doctor yet. I had an amnio and the baby looked fine the doctor said but he did tell me about the calcium deposit like it was no big deal. Now I have to wait two weeks for the test results from the amnio to come back from the lab. Please let me know if you have ever seen one of these before?

    Thank you.
    Renee

  • Too Heavy For an Ultrasound?

    QUESTION

    Dear Ms Ultrasound,
    I was scheduled for a first trimester screening in my 11th week due to my advanced age; unfortunately, the perinatologist was of very little help because he basically lectured me on how difficult it is to do ultrasound in obese patients!

    I learned very little about the status of my baby. He was unable to do the screening because the baby was measuring slightly too small. He then went on to discuss amniocentesis, but why would I allow him to put a needle in my uterus guided by an ultrasound that he already told me would not be accurate?

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