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.

Chiropractors may vary with regards to their practice of chiropractic as well as how they manage their office. However, when it comes to new patient encounters or "first visits" many similarities do exist.

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.

If your pregnancy is progressing normally, you probably will be visiting our doctors and nurses every other week during this time period. At 36 weeks gestation, your provider may schedule weekly visits until your baby arrives. At each visit you can expect the routine:

• Your weight measured
• Your blood pressure taken
• Your urine analyzed
• Your abdomen measured to check you baby's growth (fundal height)
• Your baby's heartbeat listened to
• A vaginal exam may be done at each visit to:

In cases of Rh incompatibility, a baby's red blood cells have a substance called the Rh D factor, and the mother's blood cells do not. In medical terms, the baby is Rh positive and you are Rh negative. If some of the baby's red blood cells leak into your system, your body may produce antibodies to the Rh D factor. These antibodies can affect your unborn baby or the next Rh-positive baby you have.

In addition to providing pain relief, chiropractic care may also help control morning sickness, help reduce the time and difficulty of labor and delivery, and, prevent the mother from having to experience a caesarean birth or breech delivery.

Looking for our prenatal record keeper? We've created a printer friendly version for you to use! Please click here to be redirected!

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.