Here’s a quick math lesson. 1 + 1 = ?
TWO. That’s the answer, and it’s also how many little ones you’ll be having if you’re expecting twins. Although you may have expected that answer, you may not know exactly what to prepare for during and after your pregnancy, so here are a few tips!
If you have been confused in the past by changes in breast cancer screening guidelines, buckle up! Recently, more changes have been passed down as guidelines, so it’s important to make sure you’re knowledgeable.
There are many unpleasant and painful symptoms of fibroids, and yet many women don’t even know they have them until their first ultrasound after becoming pregnant.
Pap smears, also known as Pap tests, help to identify suspicious cells in your cervix that could signal a precancerous condition.
No one enjoys discussing STDs, but if you are an adult having sex, or you are a parent, it would be wise to learn some essential facts about STDs that everyone should know.
Endometriosis is a very painful condition with no cure in sight, and often it can remain undiagnosed for years. It’s no wonder that women suffering from endometriosis need some coping skills.
Although pelvic organ prolapse is a common disorder among women caused mainly by childbirth and menopause, it is not widely discussed due to embarrassment.
Moms to-be have a lot in common. Besides that so-called “glow” everyone says you have, there are swollen ankles, constipation, aches and pains, bloating, and fatigue. Let’s not forget about the fact that you can’t get a good night’s sleep. Yeah, that too. Continue reading
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common cancers affecting women. In past years, medical researchers have reported a significant decrease in incidences of cervical cancer, which has been attributed to increase in regular Pap tests being performed. Pap tests are a crucial part of preventing cervical cancer since they can detect precancerous lesions and abnormal cell growth before cancer develops.
Most cervical cancer cases are related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This sexually transmitted infection can influence the development of cervical cancer as it aids in the abnormal growth of cervical cells.
These cells do not always develop in the same way, which is why there are 3 discernible types of cervical cancer.
Friends and relatives of a pregnant mom are treated to pictures and videos of the growing fetus these days through social media platforms like Facebook, so it’s no surprise that ultrasounds are done earlier and earlier. An ultrasound can tell you many secrets like the gender of the baby unlike decades ago when it would be a surprise.
In addition to the baby’s gender, an ultrasound can inform both the parents-to-be and the physician about the health of the fetus.
The main purpose of the ultrasound is to monitor normal fetal development and screen for any problems or abnormalities. Every mom-to-be wants to be assured that her baby is developing normally. After decades of ultrasound technology, it is now possible to see the living fetus and view the baby’s growth through each stage.
Also commonly known as a sonogram, the number of ultrasounds varies from woman to woman, but most have at least one. This painless diagnostic tool provides information through each stage of the pregnancy.
Expectant moms with Type 1 diabetes or who have high blood pressure may need more frequent ultrasounds, sometimes even weekly. If the mother has had a history of ovarian cysts or fibroids or a prenatal test showing any abnormality, more ultrasounds may be ordered.
Although it’s not possible to detect all birth defects, the ultrasound is a indispensable tool for helping diagnose issues early. There are various types of ultrasounds that accomplish different things as outlined below:
Transabdominal ultrasounds produce a 2D picture.
A transvaginal sonogram is used if problems are detected, and the physician desires a better view.
A 3D ultrasound allows the doctor to see the width, height and depth of the fetus, and it is helpful in diagnosing any problems.
A 4D ultrasound creates moving videos and provides a clearer image of the baby’s face using specialized equipment.
A fetal echocardiography checks for congenital heart defects and provides the size, shape, and structure of the heart.
During the earliest stages of pregnancy an ultrasound will tell you first and foremost IF you are pregnant, and provide an accurate gestational age and determine a due date. The fetal heart begins to beat at 6 weeks and doctors can observe if the pregnancy is progressing normally at this stage.
Should there be any bleeding, doctors can determine if it is a benign issue or a possible miscarriage.
In addition, during these first 12 weeks they can examine the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. During this time they can check for an ectopic pregnancy, or any other abnormal growth of the fetus.
At 12-24 weeks through to week 40 doctors can observe the following:
Having a child in the 21st century gives new parents and physicians a birds eye view of the growing baby. If you’re expecting, contact South Florida Women’s Care to learn about what ultrasound options may be right for you!
