It’s common for pregnant mothers to experience intense cravings for certain foods. Pregnancy causes a variety of hormone changes that can then trigger these cravings. While the prevailing notion is that of a pregnant woman wanting pickles and ice cream, the reality is usually a little less extreme. One of the most common cravings is the desire for something sweet. This begs the question: is eating sugar safe during pregnancy? Continue reading →

What Is A Fetal Echocardiogram?

A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound that takes detailed images of the fetal heart. Using sound waves, the ultrasound maps out the shape and development of the interior and exterior of the heart. It can also show the cardiac blood flow and heartbeat rhythm. Using the results of these scans, doctors can detect cardiac dysfunction and abnormalities during fetal development.

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Almost every pregnant mother undergoes at least a few ultrasound scans during the course of her pregnancy. Ultrasound scanning has been used for decades and is one of the easiest and most effective ways of getting a clear image of the fetus inside the womb. Expecting mothers may express concerns regarding the potential effects ultrasound exposure may have on their baby. Here are basic facts to know regarding ultrasound exposure during your pregnancy. 

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An Overview of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that is classified as a neural tube defect. It occurs when the bones of the spine and the nerve membranes surrounding the spine do not form properly.  Spina bifida can range from mild to severe. The location, size and nerve involvement of the spinal defect has a direct correlation to the severity of spina bifida. Most cases of spina bifida are generally mild and do not require intervention.  More severe cases may require surgical intervention after the baby is born.

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One of the keys to a successful and healthy pregnancy is eating a well-balanced diet. Mothers who eat a well-balanced diet provide not only themselves with important nutrients but also their baby. It is reassuring to know the vast majority of foods are safe for mothers to consume during their pregnancy. There is a list of foods to avoid while pregnant which are provided below.

Foods Not to Eat

Raw Meat

Avoid consuming raw meat such as poultry, beef, ham, and pork during pregnancy because of the risk of salmonella and toxoplasmosis. This also includes avoiding consumption of raw seafood. It is important that all meat is prepared well-done.

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Your body begins to change very early during pregnancy. In fact, 60 percent of women begin to experience pregnancy symptoms by the time that they are six weeks pregnant. There are a number of symptoms that you may experience while you are pregnant. Please keep in mind, that not every woman experiences the same symptoms. Every pregnancy is different and some women don’t experience any of these symptoms at all! Here are a few of the more common symptoms:

Food Aversions

Foods that you once enjoyed may make you sick to your stomach while you are pregnant. You do not even have to eat the food in order to be averse to it. Many women feel sick when they smell certain foods. No one knows exactly why certain foods make pregnant women feel sick to their stomach. However, they do believe that the increase in estrogen plays a role.

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You’re on the most exciting journey of a lifetime and you don’t even have to go anywhere. It’s happening inside of you. You’ve discovered that you are pregnant. For the next nine months, you may feel like your body is not your own as you help a little person to grow. It will be your job to take care of yourself and your baby to ensure that your little one has a healthy delivery and start to this world. You’ll need to get exercise, rest, the proper nutrition, and keep yourself hydrated. You’ll also need to see your OBGYN at least once a month in the beginning. Toward the end of your pregnancy, your appointments will become weekly as your baby’s progress is closely monitored. You may have visits more often earlier on depending on your pregnancy, especially if you are high risk or you have a special situation, such as having twins. If you’ve been given the news that twins are on the way, it means double the excitement. Now you need to find out if you are having identical or fraternal twins. The roller coaster ride of pregnancy just became even more intense. Hold on tight!

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The anatomy scan is an ultrasound that is done approximately 20 weeks into your pregnancy. This scan is designed to tell doctors many different things about the developing baby. It is a level two ultrasound that many mommies-to-be get excited about because it will reveal the gender of the baby. However, this ultrasound provides other vital information about the development of the baby. The technician will be able to examine the heart, face, spine, brain, and other organs to help evaluate for any birth defects.

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Because your immune system becomes suppressed when you are pregnant, there is a good chance that you will feel a bit under the weather at some point during those nine months. But how can you be sure if it is safe to take medication? While some over-the-counter medications are safe for pregnant women to take, others are either unsafe, or their effects on a developing fetus are unknown.

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