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Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, also called trisomy 21. It affects physical development, cognitive abilities, and overall health, occurring in about 1 in 700 births. Key Features: Physical Traits: Flattened face, upward-slanting eyes, small ears, short nec...
The Rhesus (Rh) factor is a protein on red blood cells. If you have it, you’re Rh-positive; if not, you’re Rh-negative. This becomes important during pregnancy when the mother is Rh-negative, and the baby is Rh-positive, inherited from the father. When the baby’s Rh-positive blood cells mix with the mother...
The Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) test is a screening method used during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in a developing baby. It analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother's blood. Here are the key points: Purpose: NIPT screens for conditions like Down syndrome ...
Morning sickness can be treated with a combination of dietary changes, medications, and rest. Dietary changes Eat small, frequent meals of bland foods that are high in carbohydrates and low in fat Eat foods that contain ginger, such as ginger tea, ginger ale, or crystallized ginge...
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you may have blood tests to check your blood type, hemoglobin levels, and immunity to certain infections. You may also have tests to screen for diseases and infections. Blood type and Rh factor Check your blood type and Rh factor, wh...
6 weeks pregnant. Your baby is about the size of a pea, with a tail and a curved body that resembles a tadpole. The neural tube is closing, and the brain and spinal cord are developing. The heart is starting to beat, and you might be able to see it on an ultrasound. Buds that will become arms and legs are appearing, and the ears and eyes are starting to form...
When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins Before Conception (Preconception Care): Start taking prenatal vitamins at least 1 month before trying to conceive. This ensures your body has enough nutrients to support early fetal development. Neural tube defects, for example, can occur in the first month of pregnancy, often before you know you're pregnant....
Accuracy of Urine Pregnancy Tests Typical Accuracy: Most home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate when used on or after the first day of a missed period. Sensitivity to hCG: These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Early-detection tests can detect lower levels of hCG and may work several days before a missed period. ...
Blood tests can provide a helpful estimate of how far along you are in your pregnancy, but their accuracy depends on the type of test and the context: How Blood Tests Estimate Pregnancy Age hCG Levels: Blood tests measure the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is pr...
