Prenatal Checkups

  • All Pregnancies Should be Screened for Down Syndrome

    Nuchal translucency (NT), a non-invasive screening for Down Syndrome, measures thickness at the neck of the fetus.

  • 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?

  • 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?

  • Larger Uterus Than Expected

    QUESTION

    Hello!
    I am 11 weeks pregnant and had my first doctor appointment this morning. Upon feeling the size of my uterus, my doctor asked me if I was sure about the date of my last menstrual period because my uterus is roughly 2 weeks bigger than it should be.

  • Low Potassium and Magneisum

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,

  • Choosing a Hospital and Doctor

    There are major differences in the way doctors and hospitals approach pregnancy and delivery. I'd like to spend the next few minutes making you a savvy consumer. The hospital is the most important choice you will make with regards your pregnancy. Is it baby friendly? Can it care for preterm babies? Take these and more into consideration when making your decision.

  • Quad Screen Test Results Reliable?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,

  • 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.

  • Non-stress Test: Monitoring Your Baby's Well-Being

    Due to special situations like high blood pressure, premature rupture of membranes, twins or triplets, your provider may decide to order a non-stress test (NST). An NST monitors a baby's health by showing his/her baseline heart rate and also any increases in the heart rate due to movement. It's an easy, painless, non-invasive test that allows your providers to monitor baby's well being in the womb.