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Snuff and Pregnancy
Two totally incompatible situations
Smoking during pregnancy is a serious issue with important implications for maternal and fetal health
Tobacco use is associated with several severe diseases, especially heart disease, various cancers and stroke. He is also well correlated with mortality from all causes.
While in industrialized countries, smoking prevalence is stable or tends to decline in developing nations this addiction is increasing, especially in women.
Situation in the Río de la Plata
According to data obtained from surveys conducted between 2001 and 2004, two of the countries with the highest percentage of women smokers in Latin America are Argentina and Uruguay. It should also be noted that Argentina is among the world producers of snuff and, paradoxically, many provinces receive government subsidies to facilitate the industry.
It is important to know this information linked to the growth rates of smoking among women to promote cessation of snuff, especially in patients of reproductive age. The smoking habits during pregnancy endanger the mother’s health and particularly that of the fetus. Read the rest of this entry »
What is an epidural?
Each woman experiences childbirth differently. In this influence the degree of pain tolerance, the size and position of the child, the strength of uterine contractions or the experience of previous deliveries. Therefore, there should be a personalized evaluation when using different methods to relieve pain.
What is it?
It basically involves inserting a needle into the epidural space between two vertebrae in the lumbar region in the lower back. Prior to the introduction of the needle will have disinfected the area of skin and filters for a small amount of local anesthetic for the puncture is not painful.
Once located the tip of the needle in the right place in the epidural space, is inserted through it into a very thin tube called a catheter. Remove needle and through the catheter through which local anesthetic is injected to block the conduction of pain impulses traveling through nerve roots.
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Different types of classes in preparation for childbirth
Expecting their first child brings a wealth of overwhelming questions and fears about an event that is totally unknown.
In this situation, many parents consider a good way to dispel doubts and fears is to attend classes in preparation for childbirth.
Such classes cover a myriad of topics all related to childbirth, such as various breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean delivery, management of labor pain.
There are some kinds of childbirth that have a particular view on the subject, there are two commonly used methods of breathing and relaxation exercises are the Lamaze and Bradley.
The Lamaze technique remains the basic principle that childbirth is a totally natural and healthy process and that to approach it with confidence, women should be trained and educated.
This method searches and examine all the ways that mothers can find both the strength and enough support during labor and delivery.
Classes are focused on relaxation and breathing exercises that seek to condition the woman so I can have a successful response to pain.
The conditioning for instructing women to respond to pain and stress that point with actions that benefit them and not get tense attitudes as misguided or hold your breath. They are also used concentration techniques, or massage to reduce pain. Read the rest of this entry »
Ultrasonography of the third quarter
Observe the growth of the fetus
Measurements. As always, the sonographer begins by walking the sensor on the entire surface of your abdomen. The fetus is already too big for him to see in its entirety, but stopping on the skull, femurs, the doctor is able to take action. These data are essential to ensure the baby continues to grow normally. At this stage of pregnancy, weighing between 1, 4 and 2 kg and measuring about 40 centimeters, all organs are working and will soon be ready to go.
Morphological examination. The sonographer continues his review focusing on organs have developed a disease from ultrasound in the second quarter, including the brain, heart and kidneys. It checks for example that communications are established between the heart and the atria are normal or that the kidneys are working properly.
The fetal well-being. Another important aspect of ultrasound in the third quarter: make sure the baby is moving well, he made hand movements that his animated face and swallows it normally, which means for the specialist as it breathes well. A Doppler examination to verify the quality of exchanges between mother and child and then feeding the fetus via the placenta.
The presentation of the baby. It has already upside down in the lower segment of the uterus? Perfect. Ready for the big trip, it is likely to remain in that position until delivery. A breech deliveries or it appears in transverse position? Do not worry, he can still turn around and another ultrasound at 37 weeks of pregnancy will make sure. If this is not the case, your gynecologist will prescribe a scanner to measure your pool. If it is large enough, you can give birth vaginally. Otherwise, a cesarean will be scheduled.
How to breastfeed twins
For breastfeeding binoculars most mothers choose to give them one you take two baby seals, and another taken at each separately. This has the advantage of having a more intimate contact with each baby. However, if your baby suck well you can give the breast to both simultaneously.
If babies are still very small, a comfortable position to nurse is to sit in bed, the couch or rocking chair cushions and place in the other two arms and two on your thighs. It supports the baby on pillows and holding her Cabecita with each hand. His feet are below your arms around your back.
If your baby is already bigger, you feel the same way as in the previous position but places two pillows in the lap. It supports the baby in the crook of your elbows, with hands on your buttocks and legs on your thighs. This posture is to hold them too.
Another position for breastfeeding is to combine the previous two. Put two pillows on your lap and place one of the babies in the posture of the previous point. Place another baby as in the first position. The head of the second baby to stay close to the belly of the first baby.
Advice for first pregnancy
If you suspect you are pregnant you should pay attention to early symptoms of pregnancy. And out of doubt, do yourself a home pregnancy test or a blood that is more precise.
Once they confirmed the new thee and thou hast taken, it is time to communicate with your pair, and immediately to the family who will support your group along the first pregnancy.
My first advice to you is a good gynecologist of choice. He asked for recommendations to parents or friends who have children or visit a few doctors until you find one that offers you the safest possible delivery to you and your baby.
Regarding care, there are three important things you have to do: Stop smoking, drinking and other harmful habit. The reason is that the first 14 weeks are vital for proper development of baby.
And finally, I advise you to reconsider your daily routine. You can work and make the most of your daily activities, but have not with the frequency and effort to get pregnant before.
An air pollution during pregnancy causes smaller babies
Here are the recent findings of a French team from INSERM led by Professor Rémy Slama, CHU de Grenoble. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of air pollutants during pregnancy on fetal growth.
For this, the research team was established in mid-pregnancy, a device for measuring benzene in 280 * Pregnant women. This device has an idea of exposure to air pollutants both outdoors and at home of patients or even know their workplace. The size of the fetus, and their head circumference was measured at the end of each trimester of pregnancy and birth.
Some factors known to decrease the size of babies at birth (passive smoking, duration of pregnancy, maternal body size) were adjusted for final analysis does not interfere with the effect of pollutants.
There is a strict correlation between the rate of exposure of pregnant women to pollutants, and the small size of babies at birth (length and head circumference).
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