Rainy season is here and so as colds, cough and flu! It is important that we attend to any flu-like symptoms, get rest and take medicines needed to recover easily. This is easy for normal individuals to do however certain conditions like being pregnant can cause hesitations to expectant mothers in taking colds or cough medicine. How do we treat colds and cough during pregnancy?
Colds medicines have two kinds of preparations: the expectorant and the suppressant.
Cough suppressant are based on opioids, especially codeine and sedatives such as diphenhydramine. They help a person recover easily by inducing the individual to sleep better. This is not recommended for working moms as it may cause drowsiness while at work.
Cough expectorants meanwhile are advertise on the market to expel sputum and secretions produced at the respiratory tract.
To know how to treat colds and cough better during pregnancy, you should be able to consult your obstetrician so as he can prescribe the right medicine for you.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Why do I have to take a fetal anomaly scan?
Fetal anomaly scan is a pregnancy ultrasound being performed at 20 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage of pregnancy, the sonographer is able to distinguish malformations of the baby since the body parts are more vivid and clear.
The fetal anomaly scan usually lasts about 15 minutes in most hospitals. During the procedure, the sonographer should be able to recognize the number of babies inside the womb, point out the parts of the body and know your due date.
During the analysis, the baby’s internal organs are looked ino a cross-section. The head circumference (HC), head diameter (biparietal diameter or BPD), abdominal circumference (AC) and , emur or thigh bone (FL) are measured to make sure that the baby is growing.
Some of the anomalies that can be seen during the fetal anomaly scans are:
• Anencephaly (absence of the top of the head): 99 per cent
• Exomphalos/gastroscisis (defects of the abdominal wall): 90 per cent
• Major limb abnormalities (missing or very short limbs): 90 per cent
• Spina bifida (open spinal cord): 90 per cent
• Major kidney problems (missing or abnormal kidneys): 85 per cent
• Diaphragmatic hernia (hole in the muscle separating chest and abdomen): 60 per cent
• Hydrocephalus (excess fluid within the brain): 60 per cent
• Down's syndrome (babies with Down's may have visible heart or bowel problems): 40 per cent
• Major heart problems (defects of chambers, valves or vessels): 25 per cent
• Autism: never seen
• Cerebral palsy: never seen
With the intensive information that fetal anomaly scan can provide, it is worth-note taking that an expectant mother should undergo this type of ultrasound.
The fetal anomaly scan usually lasts about 15 minutes in most hospitals. During the procedure, the sonographer should be able to recognize the number of babies inside the womb, point out the parts of the body and know your due date.
During the analysis, the baby’s internal organs are looked ino a cross-section. The head circumference (HC), head diameter (biparietal diameter or BPD), abdominal circumference (AC) and , emur or thigh bone (FL) are measured to make sure that the baby is growing.
Some of the anomalies that can be seen during the fetal anomaly scans are:
• Anencephaly (absence of the top of the head): 99 per cent
• Exomphalos/gastroscisis (defects of the abdominal wall): 90 per cent
• Major limb abnormalities (missing or very short limbs): 90 per cent
• Spina bifida (open spinal cord): 90 per cent
• Major kidney problems (missing or abnormal kidneys): 85 per cent
• Diaphragmatic hernia (hole in the muscle separating chest and abdomen): 60 per cent
• Hydrocephalus (excess fluid within the brain): 60 per cent
• Down's syndrome (babies with Down's may have visible heart or bowel problems): 40 per cent
• Major heart problems (defects of chambers, valves or vessels): 25 per cent
• Autism: never seen
• Cerebral palsy: never seen
With the intensive information that fetal anomaly scan can provide, it is worth-note taking that an expectant mother should undergo this type of ultrasound.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
4d scans : When to know your baby's gender
Pregnant moms will usually resort to pregnancy ultrasound to know if their baby is a boy or a girl. This screening is called fetal gender ultrasound. The question however is when you can know if your baby is a boy or girl. All ultrasound scans from the 2d scans to 4d scans should be taken within the suggested period. In case of fetal gender scans, there is a risk of inaccuracy especially when the test is taken at 18 weeks or earlier. The best time to take this type of ultrasound is between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy.
There are factors that could help you with the accuracy of the gender scan. These are the proficiency of the technician, the technology and the period the ultrasound is made.
Time of ultrasound. As we have discussed earlier, fetal gender scan is best taken between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is for the reason that the anatomy of the baby during this period is much clearly defined. It is also helpful if you will take 4d scans for the gender scans.
The technician. The proficiency of the technician will save you from wrong analysis on the gender of your baby. There is a theory that the absence of penis meant that the baby is a girl. On the contrary, what the technician actually look at is the presence of the clitoris and the labia. This is usually indicated as the hamburger sign seen during the ultrasound. If this sign is observed, it means that the baby is a girl. If a turtle sign, penis peeking out from the testicles is rather seen, it means that the baby is a boy.
The technology of ultrasound. The most common type of pregnancy ultrasound is the 2d scans. As technology continues to develop, 3d scans and 4d ultrasound scans are introduced. The use of 3d scans or 4d ultrasound scans will clearly define the gender of the baby because the technician can actually see the parts of the baby rather than guessing through the shadows.
Pregnancy is one of the blissful experiences in a woman's life. To maximize the happiness of knowing the gender of the baby, it is best to take between 18- 20 weeks of pregnancy and use an advance technology like the 4d scans.
There are factors that could help you with the accuracy of the gender scan. These are the proficiency of the technician, the technology and the period the ultrasound is made.
Time of ultrasound. As we have discussed earlier, fetal gender scan is best taken between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is for the reason that the anatomy of the baby during this period is much clearly defined. It is also helpful if you will take 4d scans for the gender scans.
The technician. The proficiency of the technician will save you from wrong analysis on the gender of your baby. There is a theory that the absence of penis meant that the baby is a girl. On the contrary, what the technician actually look at is the presence of the clitoris and the labia. This is usually indicated as the hamburger sign seen during the ultrasound. If this sign is observed, it means that the baby is a girl. If a turtle sign, penis peeking out from the testicles is rather seen, it means that the baby is a boy.
The technology of ultrasound. The most common type of pregnancy ultrasound is the 2d scans. As technology continues to develop, 3d scans and 4d ultrasound scans are introduced. The use of 3d scans or 4d ultrasound scans will clearly define the gender of the baby because the technician can actually see the parts of the baby rather than guessing through the shadows.
Pregnancy is one of the blissful experiences in a woman's life. To maximize the happiness of knowing the gender of the baby, it is best to take between 18- 20 weeks of pregnancy and use an advance technology like the 4d scans.
Monday, June 15, 2009
How safe is 4D Scans?
4D Scans has been recognized as one of the most fantastic technologies that we have right now. Amazingly, there are several mums who testifies that 4D ultrasound scans indeed help strengthen the bond between her and the baby. While there are women who claim the benefits of this technology, there are also those who hesitates on the safeness of 4D Scanning technology. In this blog post, we will clarify how safe is 4D Scans.
4D Scans is as safe as the standard ultrasound that we usually have or the 2d scans. The ultrasound technology is deemed safe as ultrasound does not emit radiation like CT scans or Xrays.
There is an issue however on the heat that ultrasound produces during the procedure. It is studied that sound waves do cause a rise of temperature in the tissues where they pass through. During an ultrasound, there is an increase of temperature by 1.5°C above normal (37°C). However, it is considered safe and normal as the temperature elevation does not last long.
To know more about 4D Scans, you can visit and learn more at http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/ .
4D Scans is as safe as the standard ultrasound that we usually have or the 2d scans. The ultrasound technology is deemed safe as ultrasound does not emit radiation like CT scans or Xrays.
There is an issue however on the heat that ultrasound produces during the procedure. It is studied that sound waves do cause a rise of temperature in the tissues where they pass through. During an ultrasound, there is an increase of temperature by 1.5°C above normal (37°C). However, it is considered safe and normal as the temperature elevation does not last long.
To know more about 4D Scans, you can visit and learn more at http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/ .
Thursday, June 11, 2009
4D Scans Experience the bliss of Pregnancy
While browsing Youtube and looking for amazing pregnancy videos, I came upon this video and it is very overwhelming. I never imagine that a baby could smile while it is still at the womb.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Terms used in Pregnancy
As we discuss pregnancy in this blog, I have listed some common pregnancy terms that may be useful for better understanding of pregnancy. Here are some terms used in Pregnancy.
Pregnancy
- is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the uterus of a female. (wikipedia)
Childbirth
- the period where labor is expected or the baby is about to be delivered out from the mother's womb.
Fetus
- the unborn child at the womb also known as the embryo.
Miscarriage
- spontaneous abortion is the spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or fetus is incapable of surviving, generally defined in humans at prior to 20 weeks of gestation.
Pregnancy
- is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the uterus of a female. (wikipedia)
Childbirth
- the period where labor is expected or the baby is about to be delivered out from the mother's womb.
Fetus
- the unborn child at the womb also known as the embryo.
Miscarriage
- spontaneous abortion is the spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or fetus is incapable of surviving, generally defined in humans at prior to 20 weeks of gestation.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Which is normal and which is not during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Being pregnant gives us the joy and as pregnancy progresses our excitement also increases. However, this may also bring us worries on which pregnancy experiences is normal and which is not. Here are a few examples on pregnancy experiences and we will identify which is normal and which are not.
Bleeding. Bleeding may alarm you on what is happening to your body. However, this may become false alarms. To determine the difference, any bleeding heavier than a heavy period will require you to go to the nearest hospital.
Cramps. You often experience cramps when your bladder is full or after a sexual activity. You should take notice if cramp is accompanied with bleeding especially when its heavier than a heavy period.
Abdominal pain. There are several reasons for abdominal pain. Most often it is a result of diet change during pregnancy. However, if you feel that it is more than that of a diet change, you should have yourself checked by a doctor. It could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy or a serious medical condition.
Armed with these information, you should be able to be more effective in taking care of your body during pregnancy. Have a blissful pregnancy!
Bleeding. Bleeding may alarm you on what is happening to your body. However, this may become false alarms. To determine the difference, any bleeding heavier than a heavy period will require you to go to the nearest hospital.
Cramps. You often experience cramps when your bladder is full or after a sexual activity. You should take notice if cramp is accompanied with bleeding especially when its heavier than a heavy period.
Abdominal pain. There are several reasons for abdominal pain. Most often it is a result of diet change during pregnancy. However, if you feel that it is more than that of a diet change, you should have yourself checked by a doctor. It could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy or a serious medical condition.
Armed with these information, you should be able to be more effective in taking care of your body during pregnancy. Have a blissful pregnancy!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Calculating Pregnancy Due Date
Couples, both the man and the woman most often knew what pregnancy due date is. However, most often, both are hesitant on its exact meaning or on how it is accurately determined. Pregnancy due date is the date the baby is expected to be delivered. It is also known as the "estimated date of confinement" (or EDC). In this post, we will learn how pregnancy due date can be accurately determined.
Calculating Pregnancy due date
Pregnancy due date can be determined by calculating with the first day of your menstrual last period, minus three months and adding up seven days into it. This procedure is almost accurate if you are sure with the date of your first day of last menstrual period and have a regular 28-day cycle.
For example, you have the first day of your last menstrual period on June 3, minus three months, that is March 3, plus 7 days. So estimatedly, your pregnancy due date is on March 10.
Calculating weeks you are pregnant
Most medical references will count 40 weeks to complete a pregnancy period. To compute more correctly, you can use your pregnancy due date as the reference and count backwards. The concept of the duration of pregnancy period should be clarified however with the issue of 38 weeks or 40 weeks. To clarify this, we say an average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, it means that it lasts 38 weeks from the date of conception, and 40 weeks from the last menstrual period.
Converting pregnancy period from weeks to months
Medical specialist and doctors often use weeks as reference when counting pregnancy period. This is because counting by months can be quite confusing as there are different number of days for each month. If you prefer to count by month backwards for 9 months, based on the due date. For example, if your due date is March 10, then count, February 10, January 10 and so forth until you reach the 9th month.
Knowing your pregnancy due date can help you prepare a lot for the coming of the baby. However if you are caught up with the due date and still pregnant, there is no need to panic especially when your 4d scans ultrasound indicates you have a healthy pregnancy. Most women will have pregnancy delivery on the week within the pregnancy due date. It is advised then to keep patience when pregnancy passes the awaited date. Most babies even arrived two weeks after the pregnancy due date. Have a blissful pregnancy!
Calculating Pregnancy due date
Pregnancy due date can be determined by calculating with the first day of your menstrual last period, minus three months and adding up seven days into it. This procedure is almost accurate if you are sure with the date of your first day of last menstrual period and have a regular 28-day cycle.
For example, you have the first day of your last menstrual period on June 3, minus three months, that is March 3, plus 7 days. So estimatedly, your pregnancy due date is on March 10.
Calculating weeks you are pregnant
Most medical references will count 40 weeks to complete a pregnancy period. To compute more correctly, you can use your pregnancy due date as the reference and count backwards. The concept of the duration of pregnancy period should be clarified however with the issue of 38 weeks or 40 weeks. To clarify this, we say an average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, it means that it lasts 38 weeks from the date of conception, and 40 weeks from the last menstrual period.
Converting pregnancy period from weeks to months
Medical specialist and doctors often use weeks as reference when counting pregnancy period. This is because counting by months can be quite confusing as there are different number of days for each month. If you prefer to count by month backwards for 9 months, based on the due date. For example, if your due date is March 10, then count, February 10, January 10 and so forth until you reach the 9th month.
Knowing your pregnancy due date can help you prepare a lot for the coming of the baby. However if you are caught up with the due date and still pregnant, there is no need to panic especially when your 4d scans ultrasound indicates you have a healthy pregnancy. Most women will have pregnancy delivery on the week within the pregnancy due date. It is advised then to keep patience when pregnancy passes the awaited date. Most babies even arrived two weeks after the pregnancy due date. Have a blissful pregnancy!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
How to get Pregnant? What is true and what is not
Before you experience the excitement of bearing a child in you and deciding to have 4d scans to see your baby, you might, in one moment of your married life thought of how to get pregnant easily. Part of having a partner to spend your life with is the desire to have kids to complete the family. Most women, in the desire to get pregnant easily would sometimes believe to pregnancy myths while taking for granted the actual facts on getting pregnant. Here, we aim to distinguish which are myths and which are the facts on getting pregnant.
Sex position. In trying to conceive there are thoughts on the more effective sex position. This however is not true. There is no actual evidence that a certain position while having sex is proven to make a woman conceive better.
Best time to conceive. Ovulation starts on the 14th day before menstruation comes. This means that when a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, or a 28-day cycle, ovulation happens on day 14. If you want to be a little accurate on determining ovulation, you can use ovulation detection kit.
Frequency of intercourse. A couple with normal fertility level need not to worry on the frequency of intercourse. In fact there is no need to take note of this in order to conceive. However, emphasis should be taken when to do the intercourse as it should be done near the ovulation period.
There are still other conceiving myths that you might encounter in the desire to get pregnant. Learn how to determine which is true and which is purely myth so as not to add to your worries. Have a blissful pregnancy!
Sex position. In trying to conceive there are thoughts on the more effective sex position. This however is not true. There is no actual evidence that a certain position while having sex is proven to make a woman conceive better.
Best time to conceive. Ovulation starts on the 14th day before menstruation comes. This means that when a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, or a 28-day cycle, ovulation happens on day 14. If you want to be a little accurate on determining ovulation, you can use ovulation detection kit.
Frequency of intercourse. A couple with normal fertility level need not to worry on the frequency of intercourse. In fact there is no need to take note of this in order to conceive. However, emphasis should be taken when to do the intercourse as it should be done near the ovulation period.
There are still other conceiving myths that you might encounter in the desire to get pregnant. Learn how to determine which is true and which is purely myth so as not to add to your worries. Have a blissful pregnancy!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Third trimester pregnancy experiences
Now, you are used to the feeling of tightness as your skin stretch in preparation to the development of the baby inside you. You then reached the 27th week of gestation or the third trimester of pregnancy. During this time, it is normal to have mixed emotions as you prepare for the new part of your life. Here are some of the third trimester pregnancy experiences that you may encounter and should be prepared for.
The third trimester of pregnancy will make you feel being a mother a reality. At the onset of this stage, you may already feel fetal movements in your womb as pregnancy progresses.
Also, on the third trimester of pregnancy, you might notice that your breasts starts to leak colostrum. Colustrum is yellowish in color and is the first milk that you will produce.
In this stage, you may continue to feel constipated, have experiences of insomnia, may have the feeling to urinate often, heartburn experiences, backache and cramps. These experiences vary from one woman to another at a certain degree since pregnancy conditions are definitely different from one another.
At the end of the third trimester or at the end of pregnancy, you might have the burst of energy to prepare for the child. This is called nesting. Moreover, you will have more vaginal pressure as the cervix begins to thin out.
By learning these third trimester pregnancy experiences, you can prepare for yourself easier for the coming of your child. Have a blissful pregnancy!
The third trimester of pregnancy will make you feel being a mother a reality. At the onset of this stage, you may already feel fetal movements in your womb as pregnancy progresses.
Also, on the third trimester of pregnancy, you might notice that your breasts starts to leak colostrum. Colustrum is yellowish in color and is the first milk that you will produce.
In this stage, you may continue to feel constipated, have experiences of insomnia, may have the feeling to urinate often, heartburn experiences, backache and cramps. These experiences vary from one woman to another at a certain degree since pregnancy conditions are definitely different from one another.
At the end of the third trimester or at the end of pregnancy, you might have the burst of energy to prepare for the child. This is called nesting. Moreover, you will have more vaginal pressure as the cervix begins to thin out.
By learning these third trimester pregnancy experiences, you can prepare for yourself easier for the coming of your child. Have a blissful pregnancy!
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