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Herbal Tip To Regulate Ovulation
2008-05-06 23:47:00 One of the more common reasons that women have trouble getting pregnant is ovulation problems. You may ovulate inconsistently or irregularly from month to month. You may discover through temperature charting that you have frequent an ovulatory cycles. Much of the time simple problems can be easily treated, resulting in successful conception. Some women prefer to try natural approaches to correcting ovulation and hormonal problems before trying medical intervention. There are a number of natural products and herbs that can help boost fertility and help regulate your cycles. Many women prefer this route because they consider it less invasive. You should also know that many herbs may take several months before they start working. Some women may find they need to take herbs for three months or more prior to realizing results. Here is a list of some of the more common herbs used to help promote normal ovulation and fertility: Vitex Agnus Castus - This herb, otherwise known as "cha... More About: Herbal
Early Signs Of Labor Signal The Baby's Arrival
2008-05-06 23:44:00 Your body starts giving the early signs of labor when the delivery date approaches closer. For first-time mothers, these signs may occur a few weeks before the actual time. In subsequent deliveries though, the labor signs are usually late. You must watch each and every change that your body shows and the pregnancy symptoms that you experience. Your body starts preparing itself for childbirth; you must also be mentally prepared for the labor. Recognizing the early signs of labor helps a lot in getting ready for the delivery. Some Important Early Labor Signs Here are some labor signs that you must never ignore- Engagement stage: As the delivery due date comes closer, your baby's head will start dropping in the pelvic area. This is due to the softening of the uterus. This stage is called the engagement or dropping stage. You start breathing easily and the heartburn lessens. This may happen two to four weeks before your baby is born. Pelvic pressure: This is an obvious early sign... More About: Signal
Prolactin Increase - A Key to Infertility
2008-05-06 23:41:00 There are many reasons for infertility. Some reasons involve complications from disease, dietary issues, and even ovulation irregularities. Perhaps one of the more common causes of infertility is excessively high levels of the hormone known as Prolactin. Known as Hyperprolactinemia, high Prolactin levels are found in 1/3 of infertility cases. Why is Prolactin Important? Prolactin is most integral in regulating lactation. When the baby suckles the mother's nipple, Prolactin is released and the breast fills with milk. Prolactin also affects a variety of other activities in both the woman's and infants body. Prolactin affects sexual satisfaction and arousal, surfacant synthesis of fetal lungs, and the infant immune system. Of course in relationship to infertility, higher Prolactin levels can trick the body into thinking that there is no need to ovulate, because the mother has already gone into the breast feeding phase. Causes of Hyperprolactinemia Hyperprolactinemia or high Prola...
Get Pregnant Naturally - 10 Fertility Tips
2008-05-05 09:30:00 For woman: Pre-conception check-up/pap smear-Know before you get started what hurdles you may be facing. Sometimes a simple change makes a big difference in fertility. Stop taking birth control-This one seems obvious, but you never know how long it will take for your body to resume normal menstrual and ovulation cycles. Start taking Folic Acid-Women of child-bearing age should consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid a day. Folic acid has been proven to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. It is a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you begin trying to conceive. Lay down for 5-30 minutes after sex to ensure sperm has time to get to egg-Gravity can play a small part in conception. Jumping up and down won't prevent conception, but allowing the sperm to travel without the effects of gravity pushing against them can have a positive outcome for conception. Ditch the caffeine-You don't have to stop drinking caffeinated beverages altogether, but try... More About: Pregnant , Tips , Naturally
Changes In The Body During Pregnancy
2008-05-05 09:24:00 One of the most striking changes during pregnancy is a gain in weight. Twenty-four pounds is the average additional weight that the mother-to-be puts on. Of this amount, only a small fraction, about two pounds, should be gained in the first three months; about eleven pounds are gained in each of the other three-month periods. This gain in weight is accounted for not only by the child you are carrying but by other factors as well. The average weight of the infant at birth is 7 1/2 pounds; the placenta (the organ which provides oxygen and food essential for the life of the fetus and for the elimination of its waste products) weighs 1 pound; and the fluid in the sac in which the baby lives is 1 1/2 pounds. At the end of pregnancy the uterus weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and the breasts 3 pounds. Most expectant mothers are afraid that childbearing will leave them with an ungainly figure and that they will develop a stomach that will stick out even after the birth of the baby, but there is... More About: Body , Pregnancy , The Body
Headaches and Migraines in Pregnancy
2008-05-05 09:23:00 Most women would agree that pregnancy is a very special time in their lives and an amazing experience but they would also be quick to note it is also can be a time of great adjustment and potential discomfort also . The rose coloured glasses soon slip as the reality of morning sickness, extreme tiredness, heart burn, back/hip pain - to name but a few general pregnancy related ailments - kick in. As the new mother-to-be embarks on this wonderful rollercoaster ride of emotional and physical challenges and begins to dream of the little babe she will soon hold in her arms there is one more frustrating challenge she is likely to experience. An increase in migraines and severe headaches in pregnancy is unfortunately all too common, especially in the difficult first trimester. On top of dreadful all day nausea (described somewhat ironically as Morning sickness) and energy sapping tiredness a newly pregnant woman can also experience frequent and harrowing headaches. It is not known exact... More About: Pregnancy
Pregnancy - The Ins And Outs Of Maternity Leave And Care!
2008-05-05 09:22:00 There was a time no so long ago when it was acceptable for women to be discriminated against in the workplace if they were pregnant. Employers would even ask if a woman was planning to have children in the near future as it could be a basis for whether or not they got hired, but these times are, for the most part, a thing of the past. This is now considered a form of discrimination and is illegal. It is important to know your rights in the workplace though, in case anyone does try to take them from you. Pregnancy is protected by rights of gender, which means a woman is protected from being asked if she is currently, or plans to soon be pregnant. Women are also protected from being fired, demoted, or laid off because they are pregnant. A woman cannot be denied renting an apartment or house because she is pregnant except in the case of communities designated as adult or senior only residences. A pregnant woman cannot be denied at a public place, such as a restaurant, school, or ho... More About: Leave , Care , Maternity , Maternity Leave
Pregnant - Detecting Pregnancy Signals!
2008-05-05 09:20:00 There are a number of pregnancy signs, which enable single mothers-to-be as well as couples to ready themselves to welcome the new arrival. It is imperative to recognize these signs in order that a person adopts suitable safety measures and initiates an early nutritional regime such as cutting back on unhealthy foods, consuming essential vitamin supplements, making routine visits to the physician to monitor the advancement of the pregnancy; these factors help facilitate the successful delivery of a healthy baby. A few of the pregnancy signs commonly affect most women, whereas other pregnancy signs take place very rarely. There are a number of pregnancy signs, which women undergo, that resemble the symptoms of pre-menstrual as well as menstrual cycles. Fatigue, bloating, headaches, backaches, cramping, raw or sensitive breasts, and also shifts in mood are the common pregnancy signs as also normal indicators of menstrual symptoms. Many of these symptoms, in all likelihood, result fro... More About: Pregnancy , Pregnant
Postpartum Exercises After A Cesarean Birth
2008-05-05 09:19:00 Cesarean births are considerably easier on a woman's body today than they were thirty of forty years ago. They are less invasive, the incisions are smaller and most women recover from them quicker than their mothers and grandmothers did in years past. But postpartum exercises should still be done slowly and gently. They will help heal the abdominal muscles heal yet new mothers need to make sure that they do not strain them or move too fast in their exercising. Check With Your Dr. Prior To Any Postpartum Exercise: Before starting any postpartum exercise routine, all new mothers should make sure their doctor clears them for the physical activity. Activity can be increased as the incision heals. Always follow the doctor's advice and any suggestions they make for exercising after giving birth in order to prevent any injuries from occurring during the healing process. New mothers should always progress at a rate that is comfortable for them, and they should stop immediately if they f... More About: Exercises , Birth
Postpartum Meditation For The New Mother
2008-05-05 09:17:00 When a new baby comes into your life you are lucky you know which end is up. Your body is changing yet again and your hormones are adjusting to their proper levels. You may even experience a bout of postpartum depression. Most of the young women who do experience depression have never dealt with it before. This is where postpartum meditation exercises come in handy. Regardless of whether you are experiencing depression or not, you will find meditating very relaxing and refreshing. Postpartum Meditation Is A Great Addition To Your Postpartum Exercise Routine: Meditation has been known to bring back your energy and help you sleep. You only need twenty minutes a day, twice a day, to relax and clear you mind completely. Your baby can pick up on your tension so it is advisable for you to be able to clear the tension and stress from you body and mind. As you relax and let the negative energy that has built up in your body disperse, you will begin to feel refreshed. Meditation doesn't ... More About: Mother
Should I Have A Natural Child Birth or Use Medication
2008-05-05 09:15:00 Many women have asked the question should I have a natural birth or use medication . The question is which one will be more beneficial to you health wise. Having a baby is a natural procedure. Sometimes a medication is necessary because it can save a mother's life. Most women have a epidural because it is more convenient to the mother and has nothing to do with the health of the women. This debate has been around since we knew how a baby arrives in the world. In ancient times, mothers did not have a choice. It was only natural. By not using medication during childbirth to some mothers lets them feel closer to their unborn child. Some studies have shown by using medicines can interfere with your body movements and could be more uncomfortable. Natural childbirth lets a mother be in control of her body. The mother can feel discomfort in certain positions. If this happens changing positions could help with the delivery. I have spoken to some mothers who have had natural and used an ... More About: Birth , Child , Medication
All About Pregnancy and Tanning
2008-05-02 16:59:00 All About Pregnancy and Tanning Most ladies love to tan. When the temperatures starts going up and the sun starts making frequent appearances in the summer-time, the ladies put on their shorts, sleeveless tops and sun-dresses. But most of all, they tan. But what about when you're pregnant? Is tanning safe for you then? Truthfully, too much sun exposure increases your chances of skin cancer / malignant melanoma or premature aging. That's true whether you're pregnant or not. Here is some information that might help keep you safe in the sun when you're "expecting." 1) If you're going to tan in a bed, remember to ignore the myths. There is no conclusive proof that a tanning bed will directly harm your body. Having said that, there are certain aspects of it that might be unhealthy-and thus, something to watch when you're pregnant. For instance, the tanning bed obviously raises your temperature. And yet most doctors will advise that, if you're pregnant, you avoid acti...
Secrets To Reduce Early Pregnancy Loss
2008-05-02 15:15:00 Even if you have experienced pregnancy loss in the past, don't worry, you will have a good chance for a successful pregnancy. Make sure that you feel comfortable with your physician during your upcoming pregnancy. When you've experienced pregnancy loss, it's even more important that you are under the care of a competent and compassionate physician. You may be able to improve your chances of having a successful pregnancy by taking certain positive actions, such as these: ? Undergo a complete medical workup before you try to get pregnant again. Work with your doctor to evaluate risk factors and causes of your past pregnancy loss. ? Take the prenatal vitamins and any other medication that have been prescribed by your doctor. ? Keep up a healthy lifestyle by eating sensible foods, exercising, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. ? Plan your pregnancy, follow your menstrual cycle, and know when you are ovulating. ? If you think that you might be pregnant, see your d... More About: Pregnancy , Secrets , Reduce , Loss , Early
All About Pregnancy Massage
2008-05-02 15:14:00 Hey Congratulations you've found out your having a baby - What Now? You've heard all the things your friends and family have told about what to expect, Morning sickness, weight gain, pain, swelling Back aches, tiredness need I continue? But hey there is a plus side to this- the miraculous body transformations altering every system in your body- and with that does come different aches /pains, SO if you haven't had a massage before now is a PERFECT time to start! Not only will you benefit from a massage but your little growing life inside you will also. Bodywork (massage) will ease your pregnant body as it transides through each changing trimester, Improving maternal and infant health in a myriad of ways. --Eases muscular aches/discomforts --reduces stress --Aids in digestion --enhances blood and lymph circulation --promotes body and mind awareness Pregnancy massage will also prepare mother for labor/birth. Support lactation and can assist in any postpartum depression. FIRST ... More About: Massage
Pregnancy week by week calender week 39
2008-05-02 15:09:00 Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 39 With Only One Week to Go, Getting Ready for Birth Brenda Lane At 39 weeks of pregnancy, your cervix may begin to change and ripen for labor. Your baby may weigh around 7 pounds this week. You are having weekly visits with your provider now and perhaps you have had a pelvic exam this week. Don't forget that whatever the results of your exam in terms of dilation or effacement, it does not have any bearing on whether you will go into labor this week or in two weeks. The good news is that some early dilation and effacement is less overall work that your body will need to do once labor starts. What is happening with Your Baby? Your baby can weigh between 7 and 8 pounds now at Week 39 of pregnancy. The baby's development is close to completion and he or she will be ready to arrive at any time! If your baby is born this week, she may even be able to lift her head off your shoulder if you are holding her. She will also be able to alert you that she i... More About: Pregnancy , Calender
How Does Home Pregnancy Testing Work?
2008-05-01 18:29:00 When a woman gets pregnant, her body produces a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. This hormone can be detected in the urine and blood of a pregnant woman. hCG is produced by the embryo when it get implanted on the uterus wall. Implantation usually occurs 6 to 10 days after conception. As the embryo grows, the amount of hCG increases and it doubles every 2 to 3 days. This hormone keeps the estrogen and progesterone in proper balance until the placenta develops adequately. The level of hCG peaks at 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy and then it starts to decrease. A home pregnancy test detects the level of hCG in the urine. However, not all home pregnancy tests are equal. The more sensitive the test, the earlier your pregnancy will be detected. A sensitive test will be able to give you accurate results as early as 6 to 8 days after conception, and this is long before you miss your first period. If you are using a home pregnancy test to check whether you are pregnan... More About: Pregnancy , Home , Work , Testing
Common disorders in pregnancy
2008-04-30 10:10:00 The nine months of your life are crucial; it launches a new episode of your life. Therefore you must act seriously enough to cut down on unhealthy food habits. Most importantly you must make yourself aware of the different disorders that might occur. If precautions are not taken at the proper time, these can lead to complications and even unfortunate miscarriages. Say No to Alcohol and Drugs Consumption of alcohol during this period of nine months is risky. Alcohol is said to cause several birth defects. You must be aware of the different medicines you take; for certain antibiotics can have adverse effects on your body and especially on the developing fetus. You must stop smoking cigarettes and relying on drugs for temporary satisfaction. These can terminate pregnancy and also lead to birth defects. Common Disorders Disorders that are likely to occur during your pregnancy are anemia, thomboembolic disease and several urinary tract infections. The common symptom of these disorder... More About: Pregnancy
Amniotic fluid embolism
2008-04-29 19:28:00 Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare obstetric emergency in which it is postulated that amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the maternal circulation, causing cardiorespiratory collapse. In 1941, Steiner and Luschbaugh described AFE for the first time after they found fetal debris in the pulmonary circulation of women who died during labor. Current data from the National Amniotic Fluid Embolus Registry suggest that the process is more similar to anaphylaxis than to embolism, and the term anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy has been suggested because fetal tissue or amniotic fluid components are not universally found in women who present with signs and symptoms attributable to AFE.1 The diagnosis of AFE has traditionally been made at autopsy when fetal squamous cells are found in the maternal pulmonary circulation; however, fetal squamous cells are commonly found in the circulation of laboring patients who do not develop the syndrome. In a patient who is cr...
links
2008-04-29 10:27:00 Trendy Bumps Maternity ClothesTrendy Bumps Maternity wear is an affordable, fashionable maternity clothes shop & online store which sells everything you need for your pregnancy wardrobe including swimwear, underwear and dresses to hire. We also sell a great range of unique gifts for all the family. Link Directory Add URL - Webmasters helping webmasters develop high value relevant links. Promoting ethical web-marketing using the time trusted pillars of relevance and popularity. Link Exchange - We HIGHLY recommend this easy to use link exchange tool. The Beauty BookDiscounts, offers, voucher codes and free samples on designer beauty and fashion products, plus health products, gyms, spas, hair and tanning salons. Tiny Little MonstersTiny little monsters is a baby and toddler site, real parents sharing their parenting tips on everything mums & dads really want to know, from fertility problems to pre-pregnancy to birth and beyond. Everything you could ever need to know and much much... More About: Links
How To Get Pregnant By Eliminating Foods You Think Are Helping You
2008-04-28 23:38:00 When you've been struggling for some time to get pregnant, and you believe you've tried everything, then you must begin to eliminate every potential mistake you might be making - no matter how small or trivial it may seem. Some of these small changes can produce incredible results, especially when enough of these small changes are made together. And there's no better place to start making these small changes than with your diet. You are what you eat, after all! One of the foods you can eliminate from your diet right now to immediately give a boost to your fertility levels are peas. Many women and men eat peas regularly, and since they're generally a very healthy vegetable that's not surprising. But the truth is that peas are incredibly damaging to fertility levels. This isn't something that's always been known, and it's not something that's common knowledge - that's why so many of us make the mistake of eating them while we try to conceive. It was actually an accident... More About: Pregnant , Foods
Assisted births (forceps and ventouse)
2008-04-27 23:46:00 Why is an assisted vaginal birth used? An assisted vaginal birth is to help deliver the baby during the last part of labour when the cervix is fully dilated. There are many reasons for needing an assisted birth. The main ones are because: the baby is not moving out of the birth canal the baby is in distress during the birth you are unable to, or have been advised not to, push during birth. The purpose of an assisted birth is to mimic a normal (spontaneous) birth with minimum risk to you and the baby. To do this, an obstetrician or midwife uses special instruments (vacuum extractor or forceps) to help the baby to be born. How common is an assisted birth? About one in eight (12%) of pregnant women in the UK will need an assisted birth. What happens? Before an assisted birth, your obstetrician will check to make sure that the baby can be safely delivered vaginally. This involves feeling your abdomen and performing an internal examination. You should be given pain relief duri...
Chickenpox in pregnancy
2008-04-27 23:44:00 Key points Once you have had chickenpox you cannot catch it a second time. This is known as being immune to it. Most UK adults are immune to chickenpox. Chickenpox is very rare in pregnant women in the UK. Although it affects very few babies in the womb, it can be very serious for them and/or their mother. If you are not immune to chickenpox, or you are not sure whether you are immune, while you are pregnant do all you can to avoid coming into contact with people who may have it. If you have chickenpox, avoid contact with other pregnant women and new babies until at least five days after the rash appears, or until all the blisters have crusted over. About this information This information is aimed at you if you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant. It tells you: what chickenpox is; why it is important for you to avoid contact with chickenpox while you are pregnant; about the most effective treatments available in the UK for you and your baby if you come into ... More About: Pregnancy
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
2008-04-27 23:42:00 Key Points Chorionic villus sampling is known as CVS. CVS is a procedure in which a tiny sample of tissue is removed from the placenta, or afterbirth, either by passing a fine needle through the mother's abdomen (transabdominal) or by passing a fine tube or forceps through the cervix (transcervical). CVS is usually offered to women who have an increased chance of having a baby with a disorder. It is not usually offered on a routine basis. CVS is also used to detect whether or not a baby has a chromosomal disorder, such as Down syndrome. The safest time to have CVS is after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Although CVS is usually done before 14 weeks of pregnancy, it can be done later than this. About 2 in every 100 women (or 2%) who have a CVS from 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy under ultrasound guidance miscarry as a result of the procedure. An alternative procedure, amniocentesis, has a lower risk of miscarriage and is usually offered later in pregnancy. RCOG information about amniocen...
Cord blood banking
2008-04-27 23:40:00 Key points Cord blood is the baby's blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after birth. Cord blood contains stem cells. Blood stem cells from cord blood can be used for transplants for children and young adults. This is known as a cord blood or stem cell transplant. A cord blood transplant can treat many blood diseases, immune diseases and metabolic diseases. It is not yet known if stem cells from cord blood can be used to treat other conditions. Stem cells from cord blood can be collected and stored for future use. Cord blood is not usually collected as a routine. Cord blood must be collected safely and in a way that minimises contamination and infection. It is best if a trained technician who is not involved in the care of a woman or her baby collects cord blood. There are two types of cord blood bank: private (commercial) banks public banks. Private banks are generally for-profit organisations which store cord blood for possible future use by an indiv... More About: Banking
Couples with recurrent miscarriage
2008-04-27 23:37:00 Key points A miscarriage is the early loss of a pregnancy. Recurrent miscarriage is when this happens three or more times. Around 1 woman in every 100 has recurrent miscarriages. Most couples who have had recurrent miscarriages still have a good chance of a successful birth in future. If you have had recurrent miscarriages, you may be offered blood tests and/or a pelvic ultrasound scan to try to identify the reason for them. In spite of careful investigations, it is often not possible to find the reason for recurrent miscarriages. Your doctors will not be able to tell you for sure what will happen if you become pregnant again. About this information This information is for women and couples who have had three or more miscarriages. It is based on the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guideline The Management of Recurrent Miscarriage (last revised in May 2003). It tells you: what we know about the reasons for recurrent miscarriages about recommendati... More About: Couples
HIV in Pregnancy
2008-04-27 23:34:00 Key points If you are HIV positive you should be offered specialist care and regular health checks during your pregnancy. If you are HIV positive you can pass the virus on to your baby: through the placenta while you are pregnant during the birth through your breast milk. You can greatly reduce the risk of passing on HIV to your baby if you avoid breastfeeding. Having anti-retroviral treatment during your pregnancy also reduces this risk. It may help your own health as well. You may also reduce this risk if you choose to have a planned caesarean section. You may also be offered medication at the time of your delivery to help to reduce this risk. To reduce the risk of your newborn baby developing HIV, he or she should usually be given medication for four to six weeks after birth. About this information This information is intended to help you if you have been diagnosed with HIV and you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is based on the Royal College of Obstetrici... More About: Pregnancy
Genital herpes in pregnancy
2008-04-27 23:31:00 Key points Genital herpes is an infection of the area in or around the vagina, the vulva (the lips around the opening of the vagina) and anus. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. If you catch herpes, you may notice painful sores in the affected area but you may not notice any symptoms at all. The virus stays in your body and can become active repeatedly. There is a very small risk that you could pass on the infection to your baby during birth. This risk is very low if you first get genital herpes before you are pregnant but much higher if it first develops around the time of labour. If a mother passes on herpes to her baby at birth the infection is known as neonatal herpes. Although it can be very serious, neonatal herpes is rare in the UK and treatment for affected babies is available. If you get genital herpes for the first time while you are pregnant, you may be offered a drug called aciclovir to reduce your symptoms. You should be offered a caesarean section if you d... More About: Pregnancy , Herpes
Obstetric Cholestasis (itching liver disorder)
2008-04-27 23:29:00 Key points Obstetric cholestasis is a liver disorder which occurs during pregnancy. The main symptom is itching (pruritus) without a skin rash. In England about one in 160 women (or less than 1%) are affected with obstetric cholestasis. The causes of obstetric cholestasis are not yet fully understood. Treatment can relieve the itching. There is uncertainty about how this disorder may affect your baby. There may be an increased risk of stillbirth. If you have obstetric cholestasis, you are more likely to have a premature birth, either because you are induced, or because labour starts prematurely. Other liver problems need to be ruled out to make a diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis. Obstetric cholestasis gets better after your baby is born. Your healthcare professionals should help you in making decisions. return to top About this information This information is intended for you if you have been diagnosed with obstetric cholestasis. It is also intended for you if you are ... More About: Liver
Pregnancy and Fertility - High Risk Pregnancy? Let 'High Risk' Work To Your
2008-04-27 23:28:00 High Risk Pregnancy Maybe you have experienced miscarriages or perhaps it is your age, but for some reason you are in the high risk pregnancy category. And instead of realising that you are a completely unique individual, it might seem that books and your gynecologist/doctors keep referring to your pregnancy as high risk. Hearing this over and over can take away from the miracle and magic of your pregnancy and also introduces an element of concern that you really don't need. But instead of allowing high risk pregnancy to be a weight on your shoulders, you can choose to hear it in another way entirely. High Risk Can Work To Your Advantage For Pregnancy Success If you are more mature or have experienced challenges in your fertility you are high risk for sure... There is a high risk that you will really appreciate fully this pregnancy and prioritise it your life. There is a high risk that you are ready to receive this wonderful baby in your life. And, there is a high risk tha... More About: High
Turning a breech baby in the womb (external cephalic version)
More articles from this author:2008-04-27 23:27:00 What is breech? Breech means that your baby is lying bottom first or feet first in the womb (uterus) instead of in the usual head first position. In early pregnancy breech is very common. As pregnancy continues, a baby usually turns by itself into the head first position. Between 37 and 42 weeks (term), most babies are lying head first, ready to be born. What is external cephalic version (ECV)? Vaginal breech birth is more complicated than normal birth. Your obstetrician or midwife may advise trying to turn your baby to a head-first position. This technique is called external cephalic version (ECV). This is when gentle pressure is applied on your abdomen which helps the baby turn a somersault in the womb to lie head first. What is the main benefit of ECV? ECV increases the likelihood of having a vaginal birth. When can it be done? ECV is usually tried after 36 weeks. Depending on your situation, ECV can be done right up until you give birth. return to top Does ECV always... More About: Baby , External , Version 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |



