Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine during pregnancy Alcohol, Smoking, and Caffeine During Pregnancy Pregnant women are strongly urged not to drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy. These substances have been shown to have damaging effects on developing fetuses and may contribute to other medical problems as the child grows. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the liquid travels through her bloodstream and into the placenta.
Amniocentesis Amniocentesis - series Amniocentesis Amniocentesis is a procedure used to draw a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds and cushions the baby in the womb. This fluid contains cells that have been sloughed off of the developing fetus . Amniocentesis is most often used to detect genetic abnormalities, though the results can also reveal the baby's sex, gauge lung maturity (if done close to term), detect amniotic fluid infections, or spot other pregnancy complications.
Amniocentesis Procedure - Amniocentesis When you are about 15 weeks pregnant, your doctor may offer amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is a test that detects or rules out certain inherited disorders in a fetus. It also assesses lung maturity to see if the fetus can endure an early delivery. You can also find out the baby's gender. Doctors generally offer amniocentesis to women with an increased risk of having a baby with particular disorders, including those who: Will be 35 or older when they deliver.
Amniocentesis Procedure - Amniocentesis Amniocentesis is done in an examination room, either with or without local anesthesia. It typically takes just a few minutes, during which you must lie very still. A technician locates your fetus with an ultrasound. Using the ultrasound for guidance, your doctor carefully inserts a long, but thin, hollow needle through your abdomen and into the amniotic sac.
Amniocentesis Procedure - Amniocentesis The doctor then extracts about four teaspoons of amniotic fluid. This fluid contains fetal cells that a technician grows in a lab and analyzes. Test results are generally available in two to three weeks. Doctors recommend you rest and avoid physical strain (such as lifting) after amniocentesis. If you experience any complications after the procedure, including abdominal cramping, leakage of fluid, vaginal bleeding, or signs of infection, call your doctor immediately.
Amniocentesis Procedure - Amniocentesis Amniocentesis detects or rules out Down's syndrome, which causes mental retardation, congenital heart defects, and physical characteristics such as skin folds near the eyes. Amniocentesis also detects neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Babies born with spina bifida have a backbone that did not close properly. Serious complications of spina bifida can include leg paralysis, bladder and kidney defects, brain swelling (hydrocephalus), and mental retardation.
Apgar score Apgar Score figure 1 The Apgar score is a test used to measure the vital signs of a baby at birth (fig. 1) . Virginia Apgar, M.D. (1909-1974) introduced the Apgar score in 1952. This test is a screening tool for health-care providers to determine what assistance is immediately necessary to help a newborn stabilize. The Apgar score is now used worldwide to quickly assess the health of an infant one minute and five minutes after birth.
