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Blood Types and Rh Factor in Pregnancy
Your blood type is a very important piece of information during pregnancy. If you aren’t sure of your blood type, don’t worry. Your provider will determine your blood type with a blood test at the beginning of your prenatal course. It’s not a bad idea to know your blood type, so don’t hesitate to ask…
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Routine Tests Done in Third Trimester
Below are some of the tests you can expect to have during the third trimester. Blood tests: Guess what- there are no routine blood tests in the 3rd trimester! There are some people who will require blood tests based on medical conditions or pregnancy complications. Depending on your medical and obstetric history you may or…
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An Overview of The Anatomy Ultrasound
An anatomy ultrasound (sometimes called anatomy scan or anatomic survey) is performed between 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, and it looks at all parts of a baby’s body in detail. It is usually done transabdominally*, but some people may also need a transvaginal ultrasound to assess the placenta and cervix more closely. The ultrasound usually takes…
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Understanding Amniocentesis: Procedure, Risks, and Benefits
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test, where a thin needle is used to remove amniotic fluid from the space around a fetus. Why is it performed? A diagnostic genetic test is often performed after an abnormal screening test. A screening test tells us whether or not there is higher risk of a genetic disorder, while a…
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Routine Tests Done in Second Trimester
Though the specific testing you will be offered during your second trimester depends on your unique situation, below is a list of the most common tests performed during the 2nd trimester. It’s always ok to ask your provider what each proposed test is for, and to make sure you understand all the results. Blood tests…
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Managing Swelling During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, and Relief Strategies
It’s common to have some swelling in pregnancy, especially in your feet, ankles and legs (the clinical term for swelling is edema). Some people will also have swelling in the hands and face. It’s most common to have these symptoms in later pregnancy, in the second and third trimester. What causes swelling in pregnancy? A…
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Bleeding Gums in Pregnancy: Normal or Cause for Concern?
Common yes, but not necessarily “normal.” Pregnancy gingivitis affects around 50% of pregnant people. This mild form of gum disease is caused in part by hormonal changes, making gums more susceptible to bacteria. Characterized by inflammation, it is common with gingivitis to experience bleeding when you brush or floss. Since severe gum disease may pose…
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Clumsiness in Pregnancy: What’s Considered Normal?
With a new center of gravity, changing hormones and a lack of sleep, some people describe feeling more clumsy than usual during pregnancy. If you were not one to regularly drop your keys or miss a step, this might be a new and confusing symptom. “Clumsiness” that leads to falls during pregnancy should be avoided…
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Spider Veins in Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention & Treatment
As you move into the second trimester of pregnancy, you might notice tiny red veins, known as spider veins, appear on your skin. Due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume, the blood flow to your skin increases greatly. This can lead to blood pooling near the surface of the skin, making vessels more visible.…
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Fevers in Pregnancy: Risks & Management
A fever is defined as a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Research has shown that fevers in the first trimester, and especially during the first 8 weeks, can lead to birth defects in the fetus. We suspect that the severity of the fever, how high your temperature gets and how long the…
