Q. I don't want a link and I looked at pet smart for care sheets on them bu there were none so i need you to type out what they need and how much everything will cost
A. Housing & lighting/heating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For housing an Ackie monitor I would recommend a 3x2x2 (LWH) enclosure for a single adult. A 4x2x2 (LWH) enclosure can hold a trio for each additional animal I recommend adding an extra 1 �- 2 square feet of floor space. For baby ackies a 20 gallon long enclosure with a good top-soil substrate that is at least 4 inches deep (for babies). Make sure to cover at least � of the screen top of the 20 gal. When the monitors read at least 12 inches you can move them into their permanent enclosures. I highly recommend building a custom enclosure, with LITTLE ventilation. No open screen doors, tops, sides, etc. screen releases heat and humidity very, very fast. My enclosure is a modified 40 gal. breeder aquarium I have a solid � ply wood top with 1/8 inch holes drilled in it for ventilation and the basking light mounted inside.
I use exclusively 45 watt out door flood lights, and 50 watt floods. No need for the so-called �special� UVB bulbs, they are just rip-offs
I have my basking temperature at 130-140 degrees F (keep in mind those are surface temperatures NOT air temperatures. I have seen basking spots that had hot spots of up to 200 degrees F (again these are SURFACE temperatures). The ambient temp of my enclosure is about 75-85 F degrees. It is very important to offer a hot basking spot a warm side of the enclosure that is about 90 degrees F and a cool side of about 75 degrees F. I recommend leaving the lights on 24/7, but having photoperiods really won�t hurt from my experience. Humidity- about 55% humidity.
DO NOT use those stupid hot rocks they are dangerous for your reptile. Also I would advise NOT using heatpads because these lizards do dig to the bottom of their enclosures and will burn themselves.
Substrate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the most overlooked aspects of monitor keeping (along with quarantining, and proper nutrition, and of course proper husbandry), at least by beginners to the hobby of monitors. DO NOT use bark, newspaper, or sand (at least 100% sand). Use good old dirt. If you collect pesticide free soil from outside then that is great. Dirt from creek beds is especially good for monitors. Make sure you sift the dirt in order to remove any rocks, bugs, twigs, etc. Now of you can�t collect dirt from outdoors than my number 1 choice would be gardenplus top-soil from Lowes. Holds moisture and burrows wonderfully. And is about $1.19 a 40 lb. bag.
Cage furniture
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some people have these elaborate beautiful set-ups for their monitors, but guess what, 9 times out of 10 these enclosure do no good what so ever for the monitor. I have 8 inches of dirt. And a terra cota flower pot base to serve as a hide spot and basking platform. You don�t need any of those fancy hide spots that cost 20 bucks they don�t make the animal feel safe. Remember keep it simple.
Feeding and nutrition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feed crickets, (I am currently thinking about switching to lobster roaches), and F/T hoppers. There is no such thing as a feeding schedule for reptiles, I offer food every day (1-2 hoppers 1 time a week), sometimes my monitor will eat sometimes he won�t he does what he wants.
Some words on Varanus Acnthuras as a captive
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ackies are by far the best monitors for novice to advanced keepers. They are plain fun to keep. I can say forget pretty much everything you have read about any monitor, because it is probably a bunch of bull anyway. Also remember that size does�t matter when keeping monitors, think to your self before you buy that Black throat monitor, can I really house a 6 foot lizard? Can I provide the proper food? Or should I look at a monitor that is more realistic and economical to me?
Here are some great monitor sites-
proexotics.com
kingsnake.com
varanus.net
treemonitors.com
mampam.com
themonitorspot.com
varanuscreations.com
some books to read-
The truth about varanus exanthematicus by D. Bennet and R. Thakoordyal
The natural history and captive husbandry of monitors by D. Bennet
The biology of varanids by King & Green
Nile Monitors by Robert Foast
and anything by Walter Auffenburg
some books NOT to read-
Savanna & Grassland monitors
Monitors and Tegus
Popular monitor and tegu species
TRY TO USE CRAIGS LIST TO FIND TANKS AND STUFF ITS CHEAPER
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For housing an Ackie monitor I would recommend a 3x2x2 (LWH) enclosure for a single adult. A 4x2x2 (LWH) enclosure can hold a trio for each additional animal I recommend adding an extra 1 �- 2 square feet of floor space. For baby ackies a 20 gallon long enclosure with a good top-soil substrate that is at least 4 inches deep (for babies). Make sure to cover at least � of the screen top of the 20 gal. When the monitors read at least 12 inches you can move them into their permanent enclosures. I highly recommend building a custom enclosure, with LITTLE ventilation. No open screen doors, tops, sides, etc. screen releases heat and humidity very, very fast. My enclosure is a modified 40 gal. breeder aquarium I have a solid � ply wood top with 1/8 inch holes drilled in it for ventilation and the basking light mounted inside.
I use exclusively 45 watt out door flood lights, and 50 watt floods. No need for the so-called �special� UVB bulbs, they are just rip-offs
I have my basking temperature at 130-140 degrees F (keep in mind those are surface temperatures NOT air temperatures. I have seen basking spots that had hot spots of up to 200 degrees F (again these are SURFACE temperatures). The ambient temp of my enclosure is about 75-85 F degrees. It is very important to offer a hot basking spot a warm side of the enclosure that is about 90 degrees F and a cool side of about 75 degrees F. I recommend leaving the lights on 24/7, but having photoperiods really won�t hurt from my experience. Humidity- about 55% humidity.
DO NOT use those stupid hot rocks they are dangerous for your reptile. Also I would advise NOT using heatpads because these lizards do dig to the bottom of their enclosures and will burn themselves.
Substrate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the most overlooked aspects of monitor keeping (along with quarantining, and proper nutrition, and of course proper husbandry), at least by beginners to the hobby of monitors. DO NOT use bark, newspaper, or sand (at least 100% sand). Use good old dirt. If you collect pesticide free soil from outside then that is great. Dirt from creek beds is especially good for monitors. Make sure you sift the dirt in order to remove any rocks, bugs, twigs, etc. Now of you can�t collect dirt from outdoors than my number 1 choice would be gardenplus top-soil from Lowes. Holds moisture and burrows wonderfully. And is about $1.19 a 40 lb. bag.
Cage furniture
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some people have these elaborate beautiful set-ups for their monitors, but guess what, 9 times out of 10 these enclosure do no good what so ever for the monitor. I have 8 inches of dirt. And a terra cota flower pot base to serve as a hide spot and basking platform. You don�t need any of those fancy hide spots that cost 20 bucks they don�t make the animal feel safe. Remember keep it simple.
Feeding and nutrition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feed crickets, (I am currently thinking about switching to lobster roaches), and F/T hoppers. There is no such thing as a feeding schedule for reptiles, I offer food every day (1-2 hoppers 1 time a week), sometimes my monitor will eat sometimes he won�t he does what he wants.
Some words on Varanus Acnthuras as a captive
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ackies are by far the best monitors for novice to advanced keepers. They are plain fun to keep. I can say forget pretty much everything you have read about any monitor, because it is probably a bunch of bull anyway. Also remember that size does�t matter when keeping monitors, think to your self before you buy that Black throat monitor, can I really house a 6 foot lizard? Can I provide the proper food? Or should I look at a monitor that is more realistic and economical to me?
Here are some great monitor sites-
proexotics.com
kingsnake.com
varanus.net
treemonitors.com
mampam.com
themonitorspot.com
varanuscreations.com
some books to read-
The truth about varanus exanthematicus by D. Bennet and R. Thakoordyal
The natural history and captive husbandry of monitors by D. Bennet
The biology of varanids by King & Green
Nile Monitors by Robert Foast
and anything by Walter Auffenburg
some books NOT to read-
Savanna & Grassland monitors
Monitors and Tegus
Popular monitor and tegu species
TRY TO USE CRAIGS LIST TO FIND TANKS AND STUFF ITS CHEAPER
I recieved a message asking me to download a program b/c of the adult sites I vistied.?
Q. I was browsing thru a baby website when I got a pop up from windows internet explorer talking about the adult websites I have visted although I have never vistied any. The message said about it could destroy my career & marraige. It said these sites could have placed themselves onto my pc w/o me knowing and could compromise my security and my credit card numbers & it asked me if I wanted to install some program for free to see if it could disable this info, but I denied it and then I got another pop up with info about my cookies, windows passwords, etc and they had numbers behind them. I wish I had saved the message so I could give better details, but I guess my question is if this was a virus or something legit? I didn;t download anything so I don't know what it is about.
I forgot to add that I have Norton on my pc, b/c it was a free trial, but it expired so I now have avast, but nothing has popped up saying I am at risk for something
I forgot to add that I have Norton on my pc, b/c it was a free trial, but it expired so I now have avast, but nothing has popped up saying I am at risk for something
A. I agree with spywaredr. Go through those steps. If the alerter and messenger are enabled, disable them. Also go to windows update and make sure you are up to date on security patches for Internet Explorer. Upgrade to IE 7 if you haven't done so already.
ALSO,
DONT CLICK on the pop up windows!! Even if it says "Click here to Close this window" it could be leading you to open another pop up. Instead use the task bar at the bottom of your screen and right click your mouse to close it. Or use ALT + F4.
If you ever want to copy a pop up or anything on your monitor hit the PRT SCR key above the Insert key on your keyboard. This will copy your screen and you can then paste it in MS PAINT as an image.
Finally, I highly recommend regularly backing up data, and getting a REAL Subscription to a top of the line Internet Security program like Kaspersky Internet Security. You really need to reformat and reinstall your pc first though, because simply uninstalling your previous anti virus programs wont get rid of them completely.
Best of luck to you.
ALSO,
DONT CLICK on the pop up windows!! Even if it says "Click here to Close this window" it could be leading you to open another pop up. Instead use the task bar at the bottom of your screen and right click your mouse to close it. Or use ALT + F4.
If you ever want to copy a pop up or anything on your monitor hit the PRT SCR key above the Insert key on your keyboard. This will copy your screen and you can then paste it in MS PAINT as an image.
Finally, I highly recommend regularly backing up data, and getting a REAL Subscription to a top of the line Internet Security program like Kaspersky Internet Security. You really need to reformat and reinstall your pc first though, because simply uninstalling your previous anti virus programs wont get rid of them completely.
Best of luck to you.
What are the responsibilities of being a midwife?
Q. Hiyaa please help me iff you know anything about the job of being a midwife
i am doing this project in school about midwifes but i am unable to find the responsibilities of being one, this basicaly means they thing they are relied upon and have to do.
if you could just give me some suggestions please or a website that may be helpful i would be very thankfull
thankyou if you help and i will give ten points deffinate x
i am doing this project in school about midwifes but i am unable to find the responsibilities of being one, this basicaly means they thing they are relied upon and have to do.
if you could just give me some suggestions please or a website that may be helpful i would be very thankfull
thankyou if you help and i will give ten points deffinate x
A. MIdwives provide prenatal and postnatal care for Mom and baby. They:
-provide regular checkups during pregnancy, including blood tests, glucose tests, checking baby's heartrate, checking baby's size and growth, checking mom's blood pressure, checking urine, monitoring mom's weight gain and overall health
-discuss labour and delivery options, pain meds, other pain management
-provide information for parents on various pregnancy and baby-related topics such as circumcision, prenatal screening, glucose testing, etc.
-support mom during labour
-deliver baby if everything is normal
-provide support for 6 weeks post-pardum
-do home visits for the first week, mine called every day and visited every second day
-do all checks on baby (APGAR, weight, cut the cord, etc.)
-care for mom post-pardum (stitches if necessary, monitor bleeding, stay with mom and baby for 3 hours after delivery)
Midwives are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I was assigned 3 midwives, a primary, secondary and third. I saw all 3 over the course of my pregnancy in case my primary was not able to attend my delivery. I was able to call her anytime with questions or concerns. They can order ultrasounds, prescribe some medications, do internal exams, etc. You can have a hospital birth with a midwive, I had hospital births with both, and you can choose pain meds if you want them.
If there are problems during delivery or pregnancy, a midwife will refer you to an obstetrician for further evaluation. If you choose to have an epidural, you are referred to an obstetrician for delivery, but the midwife still stays in a supportive role, and still provides all post-natal care.
-provide regular checkups during pregnancy, including blood tests, glucose tests, checking baby's heartrate, checking baby's size and growth, checking mom's blood pressure, checking urine, monitoring mom's weight gain and overall health
-discuss labour and delivery options, pain meds, other pain management
-provide information for parents on various pregnancy and baby-related topics such as circumcision, prenatal screening, glucose testing, etc.
-support mom during labour
-deliver baby if everything is normal
-provide support for 6 weeks post-pardum
-do home visits for the first week, mine called every day and visited every second day
-do all checks on baby (APGAR, weight, cut the cord, etc.)
-care for mom post-pardum (stitches if necessary, monitor bleeding, stay with mom and baby for 3 hours after delivery)
Midwives are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I was assigned 3 midwives, a primary, secondary and third. I saw all 3 over the course of my pregnancy in case my primary was not able to attend my delivery. I was able to call her anytime with questions or concerns. They can order ultrasounds, prescribe some medications, do internal exams, etc. You can have a hospital birth with a midwive, I had hospital births with both, and you can choose pain meds if you want them.
If there are problems during delivery or pregnancy, a midwife will refer you to an obstetrician for further evaluation. If you choose to have an epidural, you are referred to an obstetrician for delivery, but the midwife still stays in a supportive role, and still provides all post-natal care.
Is it normal to not have any blood work until you are 12 weeks pregnant?
Q. I am 6 weeks pregnant, I want to my regular doctor at 4 weeks and he gave me a urine pregnancy test and confirmed I was pregnant. We did not have any blood work done, beta count or anything like that. Then he had me set up an appointment with a OB/GYN, but they won't see me until I am 12 weeks.
This is my first pregnancy! I am just amazed that no one will do any blood work or anything for another 7 weeks or so.
Is this normal?
This is my first pregnancy! I am just amazed that no one will do any blood work or anything for another 7 weeks or so.
Is this normal?
A. Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, the prenatal period officially begins. Prenatal care involves a series of regular examinations and tests by a physician or midwife. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, most women will see their practitioner once a month until the 32nd week of pregnancy. At this point, you will be seen every two weeks in the final month of pregnancy (37 weeks until delivery) your visits will be seen every week.
The prenatal period not only gives the expectant mom time to get ready for the baby's arrival, but it is also an opportunity for the expectant parents to get to know the people who will be directly involved in care during labor and delivery. The initial prenatal visit is often the longest. During this first visit, a complete physical examination along with a detailed family history and blood and lab work will be performed. The physician or midwife will calculate your baby's due date and that date will serve as a reference point in future visits when the baby's growth is assessed.
During the first prenatal visit, the physical examination involves an overall assessment of the mother. This includes an assessment of heart, lungs and thyroid function along with an examination to rule out any other infection. Next, the practitioner will perform an obstetrical exam that includes a look at the mother's abdomen and measurement of the height of the uterus, along with an internal or pelvic exam.
All prenatal visits include a measurement of the mother's weight, recording of the mother's blood pressure and urine testing. A series of blood tests are also performed during the initial prenatal visit. The blood and laboratory tests that are most often recommended during the first visit include:
Hemoglobin: This test checks the mother's blood to determine if she is anemic. Women usually become slightly anemic as the pregnancy progresses, but very low levels of iron will need to be treated.
Blood type and RH with antibody screening: This test determines the mother's blood RH type and antibody factor. If the mother's blood type is RH negative and her partner's is RH positive, special monitoring of the fetus is necessary to check for RH incompatibility.
Rubella titer: This test checks the level of antibodies to the German measles virus that are present in your blood. If a woman becomes infected with German measles (rubella) during her pregnancy, her developing fetus could be at risk.
Syphilis screen: This test checks for the presence of syphilis infection. If present, treatment can be initiated so that the fetus is not harmed.
Hepatitis B screen: This test checks for infection with the Hepatitis B virus, which can be passed to an unborn child.
HIV screen: This test checks for the AIDS virus. If a woman is found to have HIV infection, she can be treated during pregnancy, which will reduce the chances of her passing the virus to her unborn child.
Pap smear: This test checks for abnormal cervical cells, which could indicate cervical cancer.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia cultures: Both of these infections, if present in the mother, must be treated to prevent infection of the baby at birth.
Urinalysis: This test examines the urine for the presence of bacteria, sugar or protein. It is usually performed at each prenatal visit.
Subsequent prenatal visits
Subsequent prenatal visits are usually shorter than the initial visit. During each visit the mother's weight will be recorded. The mother will gain about 10 to 12 pounds in the first half of pregnancy and another 15 to 17 pounds during the second half. Experts believe that a sensible and safe weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds.
A blood pressure measurement also is recorded at each visit. Sudden rises in blood pressure can indicate complications during pregnancy.
Urine testing is performed at all prenatal visits. Specifically, the urine is checked for the presence of sugar and protein. Sugar in the urine could indicate gestational diabetes and the presence of protein could indicate toxemia, a pregnancy complication.
Your physician or midwife will measure the height of the uterus during each visit. As the baby grows, the fundus or top of the uterus begins to rise in the abdomen. By comparing the monthly or weekly measurements, your practitioner can evaluate the overall growth of the baby. Toward the later part of your pregnancy, your practitioner will check the baby's positioning by feeling around your abdomen and identifying different parts of the baby's body. As your baby's due date approaches, your practitioner may perform an internal examination to look for signs that labor is getting closer.
Each prenatal visit also should include a discussion about how the mother feels overall and whether or not she has any concerns. Your practitioner will probably ask you specific questions about symptoms such as headaches, visual problems, dizziness or swelling of the ankles, face and hands. Any of these symptoms could indicate a pregnancy complication. Also, your practitioner will check to be sure that you do not have any vaginal bleeding or abdominal cramping.
Somewhere between nine to 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device called a doppler. The fetal heart tones, once identified, are recorded at each visit.
As your pregnancy advances, the following blood and laboratory tests most likely will be recommended:
Maternal Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) or expanded Alpha-fetoprotein testing which also includes measurements of estriol and HCG: This series of blood tests is usually performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. AFP is often elevated in the blood of mother carrying a baby with a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord does not close normally. Currently, AFP is also being combined with measurements of estriol and HCG levels to screen for Down's syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities like trisomy 13 and trisomy 18. If the AFP is low and if the other tests are low and high, respectively, an increased risk of Down's syndrome is present. Remember, this blood test only tells you if you are at risk for having a baby with any of these disorders. Follow-up testing is needed to confirm neural tube defects or chromosome disorders. Much controversy surrounds AFP testing because the test can produce many false-positive results. At times, woman carrying normal fetuses might get false results. Your health care provider will urge you to get more testing to see if the initial AFP screening is correct. It is best to talk to your practitioner about your individual risks and concerns regarding AFP testing, before consenting to this blood test.
Diabetes screening: During the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, a glucose tolerance test is usually performed. Following ingestion of a sugary drink, a woman's blood sugar level is measured to check for a condition of pregnancy called gestational diabetes. If gestational diabetes is present, special efforts will be necessary to maintain the mother's blood sugar at a normal level. This can often be accomplished with dietary restrictions but may, at times, require the mother to take insulin. In the vast majority of cases, gestational diabetes resolves following delivery, although women who develop diabetes during pregnancy should be monitored later in life for the development of diabetes.
Hemoglobin: Most practitioners will recommend a repeat screening to check a woman again for evidence of anemia somewhere around the 26th to 28th week of pregnancy.
Group B streptococcus swab: This test involves a culture of the lower vagina to check for the presence of strep B infection. It is usually performed toward the end of pregnancy between the 32nd and 36th week. If the infection is present, the mother can be treated during labor to prevent infection of the baby during the birthing process.
Other diagnostic tests sometimes used during pregnancy
Medical technology has made significant advances during the last 30 years. It is now possible to detect potentially serious problems in a developing fetus prior to birth. Your practitioner will take many factors into consideration before advising you to undergo additional testing in pregnancy. Some of these considerations include maternal age, pre-existing maternal health problems, experiences and outcomes of previous pregnancies, history of genetic or congenital disorders, presence of multiple fetuses or other high-risk conditions during pregnancy.
All decisions to undergo diagnostic testing during pregnancy should be made jointly by both the parents and the practitioner. Before consenting to any procedure, you should feel comfortable that all of your questions have been satisfactorily answered and the risk and benefit of each test has been thoroughly explained.
The most common diagnostic tests used in pregnancy include:
Ultrasound: An ultrasound or sonogram test is often recommended at various stages throughout pregnancy. It allows the practitioner to evaluate the fetus at different stages of development. An ultrasound exam uses high-frequency sound waves to create a visual image of the fetus. Ultrasound exams are considered noninvasive, and they do not involve any exposure to radiation. During the test, a special gel is applied to the woman's abdomen and a transducer is then placed on the belly so that sound waves can be conducted directly into the uterus. Often, pictures of the developing fetus are printed and given to the parents. Sometimes the sex of the fetus can be determined during an ultrasound procedure. Many practitioners are now routinely recommending ultrasound to monitor otherwise normal pregnancies.
Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a procedure in which amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus using a long needle that is inserted through the abdominal wall. It is usually performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. It is currently the most popular technique used to screen for genetic and chromosomal disorders. Amniocentesis is preceded by an ultrasound exam to determine the baby's position and the location of pockets of amniotic fluid. Once the amniotic fluid is obtained, the cells are cultured and stimulated to grow for one to two weeks. After that, the cell chromosomes can be examined and test results determined. Amniocentesis does carry a slight risk of miscarriage (about one in 200) so the risk/benefit ratio of the test must be considered before consenting to this procedure. Most practitioners routinely offer amniocentesis to pregnant women age 35 and older because they have an increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Nuchal translucency scan. This test measures the amount of fluid in the back of the baby's neck. This is done in the first trimester at 11 to 14 weeks. A calculation is done using the fluid measurement, the mother's age and the presence or absence of the baby's nasal bone to determine if there are any chromosomal abnormalities. The test also confirms the pregnancy, how far along you are and how many babies you are expecting.
Quad screen. This measures the levels of AFP, HCG, estriol, and inhibin A in your blood - proteins and hormones that only babies make. They pass through the placenta into the mother's blood stream. These levels are tested to see if they are normal, high or low. Many factors, including your weight, race, age and these labs help calculate whether or not the baby can have a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect. However, the results are not 100 percent accurate.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): CVS was developed in the 1970s as an alternative to amniocentesis to detect genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. It can be performed earlier in the pregnancy (usually between the 9th and 13th week) than amniocentesis, thus providing earlier results. CVS involves the sampling of chorionic cells (obtained either by placing a catheter through the cervix or through the abdominal wall) that can provide a complete picture of the genetic make-up of the developing fetus. CVS does slightly increase the risk of both miscarriage and infection, so it is important to weigh the risk/benefit ratio before consenting to this procedure. Your practitioner can help you in evaluating your individual risk for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
Non-stress test (NST): During a NST, the fetal heart rate is observed by hooking the mother up to a fetal monitor, Evidence of accelerations in the heart rate that correlate with fetal movement are looked for. A reactive tracing in which the heart rate of the fetus varies is considered a good finding. A NST may be recommended when a woman notices a decrease in fetal movement or when the due date has passed.
Stress test (OCT): The oxytocin challenge test is usually performed when results of the stress test are questionable. This test is very similar to the non stress test, except that the woman is given a small amount of medication to induce uterine contractions. The purpose of the OCT is to see how the fetus will respond to the normal stresses of labor.
Bio-physiological profile: This test is also used to determine fetal well-being. It involves an ultrasound examination of the fetus to determine the type of fetal movement and muscle tone that is present, along with the amount of amniotic fluid
Fetoscopy: This invasive test involves the insertion of a lighted instrument through the abdomen and uterus into the amniotic sac, where the fetus can be seen and photographed. The risk of fetal loss is estimated to be three percent to five percent. Therefore, the test is indicated only for those women who will benefit from having a fetal disorder identified and possibly treated during pregnancy.
Percutaneous umbilical cord sampling (PUBS): This test involves the removal of blood from the umbilical cord for further study. It is performed under ultrasound guidance and makes it possible to detect several blood diseases not detectable by amniocentesis.
Although the vast majority of pregnancies do not have complications, a small percentage of women do experience problems. Special testing during pregnancy often can identify problems early on, when effective treatment could resolve the problem. If your practitioner recommends any special testing in pregnancy, don't be afraid to ask questions about the test and the risk involved to both the mother and baby. The more information that you have, the better you will feel about making a decision to undergo testing during your pregnancy.
The prenatal period not only gives the expectant mom time to get ready for the baby's arrival, but it is also an opportunity for the expectant parents to get to know the people who will be directly involved in care during labor and delivery. The initial prenatal visit is often the longest. During this first visit, a complete physical examination along with a detailed family history and blood and lab work will be performed. The physician or midwife will calculate your baby's due date and that date will serve as a reference point in future visits when the baby's growth is assessed.
During the first prenatal visit, the physical examination involves an overall assessment of the mother. This includes an assessment of heart, lungs and thyroid function along with an examination to rule out any other infection. Next, the practitioner will perform an obstetrical exam that includes a look at the mother's abdomen and measurement of the height of the uterus, along with an internal or pelvic exam.
All prenatal visits include a measurement of the mother's weight, recording of the mother's blood pressure and urine testing. A series of blood tests are also performed during the initial prenatal visit. The blood and laboratory tests that are most often recommended during the first visit include:
Hemoglobin: This test checks the mother's blood to determine if she is anemic. Women usually become slightly anemic as the pregnancy progresses, but very low levels of iron will need to be treated.
Blood type and RH with antibody screening: This test determines the mother's blood RH type and antibody factor. If the mother's blood type is RH negative and her partner's is RH positive, special monitoring of the fetus is necessary to check for RH incompatibility.
Rubella titer: This test checks the level of antibodies to the German measles virus that are present in your blood. If a woman becomes infected with German measles (rubella) during her pregnancy, her developing fetus could be at risk.
Syphilis screen: This test checks for the presence of syphilis infection. If present, treatment can be initiated so that the fetus is not harmed.
Hepatitis B screen: This test checks for infection with the Hepatitis B virus, which can be passed to an unborn child.
HIV screen: This test checks for the AIDS virus. If a woman is found to have HIV infection, she can be treated during pregnancy, which will reduce the chances of her passing the virus to her unborn child.
Pap smear: This test checks for abnormal cervical cells, which could indicate cervical cancer.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia cultures: Both of these infections, if present in the mother, must be treated to prevent infection of the baby at birth.
Urinalysis: This test examines the urine for the presence of bacteria, sugar or protein. It is usually performed at each prenatal visit.
Subsequent prenatal visits
Subsequent prenatal visits are usually shorter than the initial visit. During each visit the mother's weight will be recorded. The mother will gain about 10 to 12 pounds in the first half of pregnancy and another 15 to 17 pounds during the second half. Experts believe that a sensible and safe weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds.
A blood pressure measurement also is recorded at each visit. Sudden rises in blood pressure can indicate complications during pregnancy.
Urine testing is performed at all prenatal visits. Specifically, the urine is checked for the presence of sugar and protein. Sugar in the urine could indicate gestational diabetes and the presence of protein could indicate toxemia, a pregnancy complication.
Your physician or midwife will measure the height of the uterus during each visit. As the baby grows, the fundus or top of the uterus begins to rise in the abdomen. By comparing the monthly or weekly measurements, your practitioner can evaluate the overall growth of the baby. Toward the later part of your pregnancy, your practitioner will check the baby's positioning by feeling around your abdomen and identifying different parts of the baby's body. As your baby's due date approaches, your practitioner may perform an internal examination to look for signs that labor is getting closer.
Each prenatal visit also should include a discussion about how the mother feels overall and whether or not she has any concerns. Your practitioner will probably ask you specific questions about symptoms such as headaches, visual problems, dizziness or swelling of the ankles, face and hands. Any of these symptoms could indicate a pregnancy complication. Also, your practitioner will check to be sure that you do not have any vaginal bleeding or abdominal cramping.
Somewhere between nine to 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device called a doppler. The fetal heart tones, once identified, are recorded at each visit.
As your pregnancy advances, the following blood and laboratory tests most likely will be recommended:
Maternal Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) or expanded Alpha-fetoprotein testing which also includes measurements of estriol and HCG: This series of blood tests is usually performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. AFP is often elevated in the blood of mother carrying a baby with a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord does not close normally. Currently, AFP is also being combined with measurements of estriol and HCG levels to screen for Down's syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities like trisomy 13 and trisomy 18. If the AFP is low and if the other tests are low and high, respectively, an increased risk of Down's syndrome is present. Remember, this blood test only tells you if you are at risk for having a baby with any of these disorders. Follow-up testing is needed to confirm neural tube defects or chromosome disorders. Much controversy surrounds AFP testing because the test can produce many false-positive results. At times, woman carrying normal fetuses might get false results. Your health care provider will urge you to get more testing to see if the initial AFP screening is correct. It is best to talk to your practitioner about your individual risks and concerns regarding AFP testing, before consenting to this blood test.
Diabetes screening: During the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, a glucose tolerance test is usually performed. Following ingestion of a sugary drink, a woman's blood sugar level is measured to check for a condition of pregnancy called gestational diabetes. If gestational diabetes is present, special efforts will be necessary to maintain the mother's blood sugar at a normal level. This can often be accomplished with dietary restrictions but may, at times, require the mother to take insulin. In the vast majority of cases, gestational diabetes resolves following delivery, although women who develop diabetes during pregnancy should be monitored later in life for the development of diabetes.
Hemoglobin: Most practitioners will recommend a repeat screening to check a woman again for evidence of anemia somewhere around the 26th to 28th week of pregnancy.
Group B streptococcus swab: This test involves a culture of the lower vagina to check for the presence of strep B infection. It is usually performed toward the end of pregnancy between the 32nd and 36th week. If the infection is present, the mother can be treated during labor to prevent infection of the baby during the birthing process.
Other diagnostic tests sometimes used during pregnancy
Medical technology has made significant advances during the last 30 years. It is now possible to detect potentially serious problems in a developing fetus prior to birth. Your practitioner will take many factors into consideration before advising you to undergo additional testing in pregnancy. Some of these considerations include maternal age, pre-existing maternal health problems, experiences and outcomes of previous pregnancies, history of genetic or congenital disorders, presence of multiple fetuses or other high-risk conditions during pregnancy.
All decisions to undergo diagnostic testing during pregnancy should be made jointly by both the parents and the practitioner. Before consenting to any procedure, you should feel comfortable that all of your questions have been satisfactorily answered and the risk and benefit of each test has been thoroughly explained.
The most common diagnostic tests used in pregnancy include:
Ultrasound: An ultrasound or sonogram test is often recommended at various stages throughout pregnancy. It allows the practitioner to evaluate the fetus at different stages of development. An ultrasound exam uses high-frequency sound waves to create a visual image of the fetus. Ultrasound exams are considered noninvasive, and they do not involve any exposure to radiation. During the test, a special gel is applied to the woman's abdomen and a transducer is then placed on the belly so that sound waves can be conducted directly into the uterus. Often, pictures of the developing fetus are printed and given to the parents. Sometimes the sex of the fetus can be determined during an ultrasound procedure. Many practitioners are now routinely recommending ultrasound to monitor otherwise normal pregnancies.
Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a procedure in which amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus using a long needle that is inserted through the abdominal wall. It is usually performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. It is currently the most popular technique used to screen for genetic and chromosomal disorders. Amniocentesis is preceded by an ultrasound exam to determine the baby's position and the location of pockets of amniotic fluid. Once the amniotic fluid is obtained, the cells are cultured and stimulated to grow for one to two weeks. After that, the cell chromosomes can be examined and test results determined. Amniocentesis does carry a slight risk of miscarriage (about one in 200) so the risk/benefit ratio of the test must be considered before consenting to this procedure. Most practitioners routinely offer amniocentesis to pregnant women age 35 and older because they have an increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Nuchal translucency scan. This test measures the amount of fluid in the back of the baby's neck. This is done in the first trimester at 11 to 14 weeks. A calculation is done using the fluid measurement, the mother's age and the presence or absence of the baby's nasal bone to determine if there are any chromosomal abnormalities. The test also confirms the pregnancy, how far along you are and how many babies you are expecting.
Quad screen. This measures the levels of AFP, HCG, estriol, and inhibin A in your blood - proteins and hormones that only babies make. They pass through the placenta into the mother's blood stream. These levels are tested to see if they are normal, high or low. Many factors, including your weight, race, age and these labs help calculate whether or not the baby can have a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect. However, the results are not 100 percent accurate.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): CVS was developed in the 1970s as an alternative to amniocentesis to detect genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. It can be performed earlier in the pregnancy (usually between the 9th and 13th week) than amniocentesis, thus providing earlier results. CVS involves the sampling of chorionic cells (obtained either by placing a catheter through the cervix or through the abdominal wall) that can provide a complete picture of the genetic make-up of the developing fetus. CVS does slightly increase the risk of both miscarriage and infection, so it is important to weigh the risk/benefit ratio before consenting to this procedure. Your practitioner can help you in evaluating your individual risk for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
Non-stress test (NST): During a NST, the fetal heart rate is observed by hooking the mother up to a fetal monitor, Evidence of accelerations in the heart rate that correlate with fetal movement are looked for. A reactive tracing in which the heart rate of the fetus varies is considered a good finding. A NST may be recommended when a woman notices a decrease in fetal movement or when the due date has passed.
Stress test (OCT): The oxytocin challenge test is usually performed when results of the stress test are questionable. This test is very similar to the non stress test, except that the woman is given a small amount of medication to induce uterine contractions. The purpose of the OCT is to see how the fetus will respond to the normal stresses of labor.
Bio-physiological profile: This test is also used to determine fetal well-being. It involves an ultrasound examination of the fetus to determine the type of fetal movement and muscle tone that is present, along with the amount of amniotic fluid
Fetoscopy: This invasive test involves the insertion of a lighted instrument through the abdomen and uterus into the amniotic sac, where the fetus can be seen and photographed. The risk of fetal loss is estimated to be three percent to five percent. Therefore, the test is indicated only for those women who will benefit from having a fetal disorder identified and possibly treated during pregnancy.
Percutaneous umbilical cord sampling (PUBS): This test involves the removal of blood from the umbilical cord for further study. It is performed under ultrasound guidance and makes it possible to detect several blood diseases not detectable by amniocentesis.
Although the vast majority of pregnancies do not have complications, a small percentage of women do experience problems. Special testing during pregnancy often can identify problems early on, when effective treatment could resolve the problem. If your practitioner recommends any special testing in pregnancy, don't be afraid to ask questions about the test and the risk involved to both the mother and baby. The more information that you have, the better you will feel about making a decision to undergo testing during your pregnancy.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Title Post: can you give me a care sheet on ackie monitors?
Rating: 96% based on 987 ratings. 4,3 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
Rating: 96% based on 987 ratings. 4,3 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment