pregnancy

The karyotype in trisomy 18 is abnormal, with 3 copies of chromosome 18 instead of 2 The karyotype, or collection of chromosomes, in a baby with trisomy 18 (Edwards’ syndrome) is abnormal. An extra chromosome exists in some or all of the body's cells because instead of two copies, they have three copies of chromosome …

During your third trimester, you should be able to feel about 10 fetal movements within 2 hours Feeling your baby move for the first time can be thrilling. It’s a sign that there’s really life in there!  During your third trimester, you should be able to feel about 10 fetal movements within 2 hours. But keep in mind that each …

Facts you should know about pregnancy week to week* A typical pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. *Pregnancy facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and is grouped into three stages, or trimesters. Symptoms and early signs of pregnancy that begin in the first semester include: The absence of menstrual periods Breast changes including …

Facts you should know about hypothyroidism during pregnancy Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story Pregnant women who are on thyroid hormone should have frequent blood testing. Hypothyroidism, wherein the thyroid gland produces an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone, is a common disorder, particularly in women of childbearing age. Hypothyroidism of the mother during pregnancy may result in developmental delay in …

Like other ultrasound examinations, a prenatal ultrasound (or fetal ultrasound) uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the fetus, placenta and amniotic sac in a pregnant woman. The test does not involve radiation and is completely safe for both mother and baby. An ultrasound examination is also known as a sonogram. The entire procedure can be performed in 30 minutes …

What you should know about smoking during pregnancy There is no safe limit for tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy. Tobacco smoking during pregnancy is dangerous for both mother and baby. The harmful chemicals from tobacco smoking are passed directly to the baby through the mother's bloodstream. Effects of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy include increased risk of …

Facts you should know about pregnancy planning Share Your Story Picture of a fetus at 12 weeks Many women choose to start pregnancy planning prior to conception so that they may minimize possible toxic exposures to the fetus. Women or couples with an increased risk or family history of genetic (inherited) diseases may undergo genetic counseling as a step in …

How can I tell if it is PMS or if I am pregnant? Readers Comments 14 Share Your Story PMS symptoms and signs sometimes mimic those of pregnancy. Many women have difficulty figuring out if they are pregnant, have PMS, or are about to start their period. The most common signs and symptoms of early pregnancy, PMS, and the start …

What facts should you know about bleeding during pregnancy? Readers Comments 35 Share Your Story Bleeding during pregnancy is cause for concern and warrants a visit to the doctor. What should you know about vaginal bleeding during pregnancy? Vaginal bleeding or spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy is relatively common. Some amount of light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy …

7 Common Third trimester tests introduction Share Your Story 7 common third-trimester tests are all safe and have been developed to ensure the optimum well-being of both mother and baby. During the last trimester of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend that you have certain diagnostic tests. These tests are all safe and have been developed to ensure the optimum well-being …