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Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Ultrasounds have become a regular — and very welcome — part of prenatal care. Early in pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to confirm the fetal heartbeat and a uterine (as opposed to ectopic or tubular) pregnancy. Later, ultrasounds screen for fetal growth, placenta location and umbilical cord, as well as the baby's general health and anatomy. Ultrasounds can also be useful for checking the length of your cervix, if there is any suspicion that you may be in preterm labor. Who an ultrasound during pregnancy is for All pregnant women should receive more than one ultrasound during pregnancy. When an ultrasound during pregnancy is done Usually, a woman gets a minimum of two sonograms during her pregnancy, one in the first trimester and one in the second trimester. First-trimester ultrasound In the first trimester of pregnancy, an early ultrasound is a routine part of prenatal care at 6 to 9 weeks, allowing parents a welcome first glance of their tiny baby bean. The American C...

Taking Care of You and Your Baby While You’re Pregnant

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It’s important to take care of your baby, even before he or she is born. You can do this by living a healthy lifestyle and keeping doctor’s appointments while you’re pregnant. This is called prenatal care. You’re more likely to have a healthy birth if you maintain a healthy pregnancy. How much weight should I gain during pregnancy? Talk to your doctor about this. It’s different for everyone, but most women should gain about 25 to 30 pounds. If you’re underweight when you get pregnant, you may need to gain more. If you are overweight, you may need to gain less. What should I eat? Eating a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Be careful of the following foods and drinks during pregnancy. Raw meat, eggs, and fish. Food that isn’t fully cooked can put you at risk for food poisoning. Don’t eat more than 2 or 3 servings of fish per week (including canned fish). Don’t eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. These fis...

12 Ways to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy

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#1 - Eat right    Eating a healthy diet is especially important for pregnant women. Your baby needs healthy food, not sugar and fat. Eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, and foods low in saturated fat. #2 - Get your vitamins Make sure to get plenty of folic acid and calcium. You can get these and other necessary vitamins and minerals from food and a standard multivitamin. Spinach, oranges, broccoli, and kidney beans are rich in folic acid. Milk, yogurt, and spinach are packed with calcium. A daily prenatal multivitamin, however, can help ensure you get the right amount. Ask your doctor about taking a daily prenatal vitamin. #3 - Stay hydrated A pregnant woman’s body needs more water than normal. Aim for eight or more cups each day. #4 - Proper prenatal care Women should get regular prenatal care from a healthcare professional. Mothers who don’t get regular prenatal care are much more likely to have a...

Some Winter Care Tips To Keep In Mind During Pregnancy by Dr. Pooja Bansal

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Being pregnant is one of the most exciting and delightful events in a woman's life. I see this every day in my practice. I also see the anxiety and yearning to have a safe and healthy pregnancy and outcome. Midwestern winters can be very harsh and being pregnant during these cold dreary months can be hard, but it's easier than you think to stay comfortable and healthy. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a very exciting time in your life: 1. Remember to stay hydrated     Just because it's not hot outside, you may think dehydration is not going to be a problem, but winter air can be really dry, and when you are going into overheated stores and homes you probably will find yourself hot and sweaty. So remember to drink more water than you think you need to. 2. Get your flu shot     During the cold winter months, almost everywhere you go people are sick, sneezing and coughing. Make sure to keep your distance and wash your hands frequently. Also, make sure ...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment By Dr. Pooja Bansal

PCOS is a problem with hormones that affects women during their childbearing years (ages 15 to 44). Between 2.2 and 26.7 percent of women in this age group have PCOS. Many women have PCOS but don’t know it. In one study, up to 70 percent of women with PCOS hadn’t been diagnosed (2Trusted Source). PCOS affects a woman’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone — hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce a small number of male hormones called androgens. The ovaries release eggs to be fertilized by a man’s sperm. The release of an egg each month is called ovulation. PCOS is a “syndrome,” or group of symptoms that affects the ovaries and ovulation. Its three main features are: cysts in the ovaries high levels of male hormones irregular or skipped periods In PCOS, many small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries. The word “polycystic” means “many cysts.” What causes it? Doctors don’t know exactly what causes PCOS....

Signs and Symptoms of Gynecologic Problems by Dr. Pooja Bansal

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Gynecological signs and symptoms that may require medical attention: Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle prior to menopause. However, if you notice anything different or unusual, consult your physician before attempting to treat the problem yourself. Symptoms may result from mild infections that are easy to treat. But, if they are not treated properly, they can lead to more serious conditions, including infertility or kidney damage. Vaginal symptoms may also be a sign of more serious problems, from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to cancers of the reproductive tract. Gynecological symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or urological problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. Consult your physician if you have any of the following symptoms: bleeding between periods frequent and urgent need to urinate, or a burning sensation during urination abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly during or after intercourse p...