Gestational diabetes facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Learn about tests and treatments for, and signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include obesity, a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and...
Birthing classes are generally recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy. Birthing classes are generally recommended in the last three months (last trimester) of pregnancy. You may, however, enroll in a birthing class anytime during pregnancy. Some women feel that joining a birthing class early in the pregnancy gives them enough time to learn, adapt,...
How soon can I take a pregnancy test? Pregnancy tests may be taken after you've missed a period, but they vary in accuracy. You may take a pregnancy test as soon as you miss a period or if your period is late. You would know the date of your missed period if your periods are...
Increase Pregnancy Chance You and your partner in a good state of health, both mentally and physically, is the first requisite You and your partner in a good state of health, both mentally and physically, is the first requisite for increasing your chances of getting pregnant. Making healthy choices, such as regular physical activity, healthy...
What do you mean by neonatal resuscitation? Neonatal resuscitation (CPR) provides oxygen, stimulates breathing and gets the heart to start pumping normally. Most premature babies and babies with certain congenital conditions require extensive resuscitation. Neonatal resuscitation is a procedure performed if a newborn infant does not start breathing spontaneously immediately after birth. Neonatal resuscitation provides...
What is meconium ileus? Meconium ileus, a serious condition in newborn babies in which the intestines are blocked by the infant’s first stool, often needs surgical intervention and usually indicates the child will struggle with the congenital disease cystic fibrosis throughout their lives. Meconium ileus is intestinal obstruction caused by thick, congealed meconium (baby’s first...
Placenta previa facts Placenta previa occurs in about 4 out of every 1,000 pregnancies beyond the 20th week of gestation. Placenta previa is the attachment of the placenta to the wall of the uterus in a location that completely or partially covers the uterine outlet (opening of the cervix). Bleeding after the 20th week of...
Is it painful to have an IUD inserted? Some women experience mild pain and discomfort when having an IUD placed. Gynecologists insert a T-shaped device into the woman’s uterus (womb). This process is quick and not very painful. However, some pain is inevitable, and pain experience is different for every woman. It is normal to feel some...
What is an obstetric ultrasound? Limited obstetrical ultrasound is an important tool in the care of pregnant women and their babies. An obstetric ultrasound or sonography is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of a baby inside the mother’s womb. It also shows pictures of the mother's uterus and ovaries. It...
What is a breech baby? The safety of breech extraction depends in large part on the experience of the obstetrician. A breech baby means that the baby is in a bottom-down position inside the uterus. The baby generally has enough room inside the uterus to change position. By 36, most babies are in the head-down...