Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound (also called a sonogram) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create a visual image of your baby, placenta, and uterus, as well as other pelvic organs.

It allows your healthcare practitioner to gather valuable information about the progress of your pregnancy and your baby's health.During the test, an ultrasound technician (sonographer) transmits high-frequency sound waves through your uterus that bounce off your baby. A computer then translates the echoing sounds into video images that reveal your baby's shape, position, and movements. The series of television-monitor images is called a sonogram.

The words ultrasound and sonogram are often used interchangeably. (Ultrasound waves are also used in the handheld instrument called a Doppler that your practitioner uses during your prenatal visits to listen to your baby's heartbeat.)

Most moms-to-be have a standard ultrasound when they're between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant. But you may have one as early as 4 or 5 weeks or any time after that if there are signs of a problem. Most people look forward to the midpregnancy ultrasound because it gives them a first glimpse of their baby. The technician will probably present you with a grainy printout of the sonogram as a keepsake. And you may be able to find out your child's sex, if you want to. But the main purpose of the ultrasound is to provide you and your practitioner with important information about your baby's health and development.

If you're having a low-risk pregnancy, however, you might not be offered an ultrasound at all. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ultrasounds only when there's a specific medical reason.

When will I have my first ultrasound scan?

All women are offered ultrasound scans in pregnancy, but the number and the timing seems to vary considerably between different areas. As a general guide they include:
• an early scan at 6-10 weeks, sometimes using vaginal scanning techniques
• dating scans at about 10-14 weeks
• nuchal translucency scans at around 11-14 weeks
• mid-trimester scans at 18-21 weeks

Some hospitals will also offer private scans for a fee to women who live both locally or outside their area.

Early scan - if you have previously miscarried or you have had bleeding in the first few weeks of this pregnancy, you may be offered an early scan between 6-10 weeks. This is to reassure you and end the uncertainty of not knowing if your pregnancy is OK. This scan may be done using a probe placed inside the vagina, instead of the usual abdominal scanning equipment. This is called "transvaginal ultrasonography". Many hospitals now have early pregnancy clinics which run daily so your midwife can refer you straight away. It's natural to feel a little anxious about having a vaginal scan. If you do feel anxious, you should discuss it with the nurse or sonographer beforehand. It's also a good idea to take someone else along with you. If it helps, you could also ask for a woman to carry out the scan. The vaginal scan will give a clearer picture of your baby earlier in pregnancy than an abdominal scan.

Dating scan - it is now recommended that all pregnant women have a dating scan, ideally at about 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is needed if you are planning to have blood screening tests for Down's syndrome and/or spina bifida. (It is important to know the exact number of weeks and days of pregnancy at the time the blood test is taken so that the results of the test can be accurately interpreted.) This scan is also a more accurate way of establishing your due date than counting from your last monthly period (LMP). It can also find out if you are having more than one baby.

Nuchal translucency (marker) scans - all women should now be offered a nuchal translucency scan between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy which can estimate the likelihood that your baby has Down's syndrome. It's usually offered as part of the "combined test", which includes the nuchal translucency scan and a blood test to detect the levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A. For a definite diagnosis a diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis, is needed. Not all hospitals have staff trained for this particular skill at present, but it is fast becoming more available in NHS hospitals as an alternative to blood screening tests.

Mid-trimester scan - this scan is offered to all pregnant mums between 18 and 21 weeks. The main purpose of this scan is to examine your baby closely and check for abnormalities. The scan can show your baby in fine detail. You will be able to see movements and some hospitals will tell you the sex of your baby if you wish to know. So when is the best time to have a scan? This is going to depend on your own individual situation and on what's available in your local area.

If you have reason to be worried about your pregnancy in the early weeks, then an early scan may be a good idea. If you are not sure of your due date, or you are planning to have blood screening tests, you may need to have a dating scan. If nuchal scans are available near you (either on the NHS or privately), you may choose to have one of these at around 12 weeks. It may be that the only scan you need or want during your pregnancy is the mid-trimester scan at around 20 weeks.

Early Pregnancy Symptom Discharge

While in her early stages of pregnancy itself, a woman may notice a vaginal secretion and wonder what it is. This is early pregnancy symptom discharge.

Known as leucorrhea, the vaginal discharge is an odorless or mild-smelling milky discharge that you can see appear in your underwear because of increased estrogen production and greater blood flow to the vaginal area. Made up of secretions from the cervix and vagina, old cells from the walls of the vagina, and normal bacterial flow from the vagina, the discharge is a valuable aid to detecting early pregnancy symptoms.

While the vaginal discharge may be common even before pregnancy, it is during pregnancy that the secretion increases in flow. The process by which the flow increases occurs in the following manner.

In very early pregnancy, cervical secretions fill your cervical canal and create a protective barrier -a device known as mucus plug. As your cervix begins to thin out and dilate, it may expel this mucus, and you'll notice discharge that looks like egg white or mucus resembling discharge from a runny nose. You may even expel the plug in one gelatinous glob. This discharge might have some amount of blood in it.

Is Vaginal Discharge Clean? If the early pregnancy symptom discharge is thin and clear and then there is a lot of it, you may actually be leaking out amniotic fluid, a suspicion you can dispel by consulting your doctor. While cervical mucus could be early pregnancy discharge, it could also be normal vaginal discharge, yeast infection discharge, or ovulation discharge. The ovulation discharge usually looks like egg whites, and can resemble a slight creamy textured discharge that you may not even notice.

Vaginal discharge can look alarming if even when you are at your 37th week and you notice an increase in discharge or a change in the type of discharge, and it begins to look like a watery, mucus-like, or bloody secretion. This could be a sign of preterm labor.

Another time to get alarmed is when you suspect that you have an infection, when the discharge causes you discomfort such as itching or burning-or your vulva looks inflamed. The discharge you are emitting could also be foul-smelling, or frothy or yellow, and it may be time to get a thorough check-up of yours done.

Also, there's nothing when the discharge is being emitted, for you to do but consult a physician if it is seriousl. Otherwise, you can do nothing to stop the flow. You can take some care-giving tips for yourself or precautions, such as keeping your genital area clean, wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding fancy deodorants, scented pads or toilet paper in the area. Early pregnancy symptom discharge should not be allowed to become a cause for panic or misery.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Learn what foods to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy to ensure a happy, healthy environment for your unborn baby!

~ Pregnancy is a time of joy and exhilaration.~

As a concerned parent, you want to do everything possible to ensure the well being and safety of your baby. Thus, it is vital that you eat a well balanced diet in order to ensure that your child is given every opportunity to grow and develop normally, right from the start!

Keep in mind that while your caloric needs increase slightly during pregnancy (to the tune of about 300 calories, or the amount of calories in a cup of yogurt and 1/2 a bagel), pregnancy is not a license to eat everything in sight! Moderation is critical to the health and well being of your baby. Remember during your pregnancy that everything that goes into your mouth will also reach your baby at some point. Because of this, it is vital that you eat foods that are nutrient dense and safe.

There are several foods that may pose a potential risk to your unborn fetus. It is important that you recognize the potential dangers of certain food products and avoid them during your pregnancy.

Foods to AvoidThere are several foods that may pose a risk to your baby. These include:

1. Raw Meat: You may have been a fan of a good 'beef carpaccio' or round of sushi before pregnancy, but be sure to avoid raw or undercooked meat at all costs during your pregnancy. 'Rare' is simply not an option while pregnant. Why? Rare meats may contain bacteria, toxoplasmosis and Salmonella, all of which are harmful to your unborn baby. You are twice as likely to experience food poisoning while pregnant, so be sure to ask for your meat prepared well.

2. Deli Meats: A sandwich is harmless right? Wrong! Prepared meats, such as those available at a deli counter, including hot dogs or turkey, beef and chicken preparations, should not be consumed unless you re-heat them until steaming. Why? These preparations may be contaminated with a substance called Listeria. These bacteria can harm your baby severely, and may even cause miscarriage or result in a stillborn delivery. Listeria is nothing to joke about, thus it is vital that you avoid the deli counter while pregnant.

3. Imported Soft Cheeses: Like deli meat, imported unpasteurized cheeses including blue cheese, feta, Brie or camembert should be avoided. These may also contain Listeria. However, soft cheeses that are made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat. It is important to check out the label. If you are not sure whether or not a product is pasteurized, you should in general avoid it.

4. Undercooked eggs: Raw eggs or undercooked eggs have the potential to contain Salmonella. Raw eggs are often included in many commercial products including Egg Nog and some forms of Caesar salad dressing. Be sure to check out the labels before you consume any of these products. Signs of salmonella food poisoning may include: fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. When indulging in eggs during your pregnancy, keep the following in mind:
>>Keep eggs always refrigerated until cooked.
>>Do not use cracked eggs.
>>Wash all utensils after contact with raw eggs.
>>Eat eggs immediately after cooking.
>>Foods containing eggs should be refrigerated.
>>Do not eat dishes that contain Hollandaise Sauce or Caesar Salads which uses raw eggs.

5. Fish: While eating fish can be beneficial during your pregnancy, there are certain types of fish that you should avoid. These include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, excess tuna and tile fish, as all of these contain high levels of mercury, which can affect your unborn child's nervous system. Generally it is safe to eat 12 ounces of other fish including :

- salmon and tilapia, which are full of nutritious benefits.

- Canned tuna should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury contamination.

6. Caffeine: While a small amount of caffeine (1 small cup a day) may provide a much needed lift for pregnant moms, in general caffeine should be avoided during pregnancy. High amounts of caffeine consumption have been linked with birth defects and increased risks of miscarriage. Remember that caffeine is present in many every day food items including chocolate, tea and soda. To play it safe you should avoid caffeine entirely during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the likelihood of miscarriage. Daily caffeine intake of more than four to seven cups of coffee a day appears to double the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.

7. Alcohol: Alcohol is harmful to your baby's development. Alcohol will cross the placenta and affect your baby, so every time you drink when you are pregnant your baby does to. If you are pregnant and have been drinking alcohol, stop now! There is no determined level of alcohol consumption that is considered safe during pregnancy. Daily consumption of alcohol in early pregnancy might lead to a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome.

It is important during pregnancy to learn which foods are safe to eat and which foods you should avoid. By doing so you will provide the best possible environment for your baby to grow and develop in. A healthy pregnancy depends on a healthy diet.

For the best possible health benefits, talk to your health care provider about a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals from fresh food sources. With a bit of planning and encouragement, you can learn to plan wonderful, tasty meals that will satisfy your cravings and benefit the health of your unborn child as well.

First Trimester

Congratulations, you're pregnant! Although it may seem early, there are plenty of things you'll need to do during your first trimester -- like eating well and getting lots of sleep. Schedule your first prenatal visit with your practitioner when you're about nine weeks along. Plan on seeing your practitioner every four weeks.

- Avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.
- If your immunizations are not up to date, let your practitioner know.
- Drink lots of fluids, especially water (8 to 10 glasses a day).
- Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
- Eat plenty of iron-rich foods (whole grains, beans, raisins and nuts).
- Keep your blood sugar level elevated by eating lots of high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods such as breads, brown rice, potatoes and cheese.
- As a general rule, avoid medication and consult with your doctor before taking any.
- Get plenty of sleep, and try to nap if you feel tired during the day.
- Exercise, but moderately. Don't start a new exercise regimen when you're pregnant, and be careful not to become overheated for prolonged periods.
- If you're a coffee drinker, cut back, switch to decaf or try herbal or decaffeinated tea.
- If your family has a history of genetic disorders, consider prenatal testing.
- Start budgeting for your new life with baby.
- Choose a place to give birth (hospital? birthing center? home?).
- Consider starting a pregnancy diary and having someone take a picture of you (and your expanding belly) each month.
- Refrain from getting perms, dyes and other hair treatments involving heavy chemicals.
- Get smart -- buy a few pregnancy books and dive in.

Sunday stealing

Today, let's do some mind exercise - The "Sometimes" Meme. All you have to do is finish the sentence...

Sometimes I just need: to worry less

Sometimes I want: to change my citizenship

Sometimes I like to: drink hazelnut coffee

Sometimes all it takes: is just to think positively!

Sometimes I picture: the future with my kids & hubby

Sometimes I wish: my wishes will come true very soon

Sometimes I find: a nice piece of good trousers

Sometimes I take: too much fried eggs

Sometimes I look: up to the sky at night

Sometimes I hate: window-shopping alone

Sometimes it’s nice: to go to the beach

Sometimes it hurts: when my hubby scolds me

Sometimes it makes me happy: to see some inspirational movies

Sometimes it’s sad: to see that there's no humanity in this part of the world

Sometimes I listen: to classical/jazz music

Sometimes I sleep: like a baby

Sometimes I like to watch: Korean movie

Sometimes I feel: so energetic and happy

Sometimes I rant: at idiotic-people!

Sometimes I never: smiles

Sometimes I really: hope things could be better soon

10 things I wish he could change

Recently my keke asked me to write down 10 things I wish to change in him... I have to admit though I'm a bit suprise by his request. Nevertheless, I'm happy that he still wants to have "changes" in his life... cause to most people when they get used to doing something in their life, they will never want to change! Not to mentioned that it is not only for their well-being but also their own good image.... to give confidence to themself!

Most people I encountered will normally say "Why change??!" or "I get used to it already!"or "I'm happy with the way it is now...". Changes seemed unrealistic to certain people... but still they cannot denny it will only give them more good than harm.

Well, let's start jotting down 10 things I wish my keke to change (with immediate effect!):

1. I wish he could sleep at 10.30pm every nite.

2. I wish he could wake up 7.30am every morning & go for a 30mins jog.

3. I wish he could accompany me for a walk every evening/nite for at least an hour.

4. I wish he could cut down on meat (any kind) e.g. chicken, mutton, beef and eat only fish and vegetables.

5. I wish his body weight to be 65kg! Get rid of the tummy at least!! :P

6. I wish his scars are removed from his face.

7. I wish he will listen to me more than just pretending to listen.

8. I wish he could put more thoughts into celebrating our special days e.g. birthday, anniversaries & special occasions.

9. I wish he could stop browsing prono online!

10. I wish he could care more about me... :)

Well, I guess I've completed my task here! Hope to hear good news from me on my hubby's changes yarr.... ciao!!

Kwon Sang-woo & Son Tae-young Say "I Do"

He is married already on 28th Sept 2008 and going to be a father soon (it's a baby boy)! :)

All the best to both of you!

Some background info about the couple:

Kwon Sang Woo borned on 5th Aug 1976, aged 32.

Tae Young Say borned on 19th Aug 1980, aged 28.

- She was Miss Korea 2000, 3rd runner up.

- Miss International Pageant 2001, Miss Photogenic 2nd runner-up.

Mamma Mia!

Recently I've watched this movie and particularly love this song Dancing Queen & I hv a Dream. It was fun to watch and it reminds me of my childhood.... living a carefree life without problems. Now as a wife and mature adult, there's so much to think about and do. I wonder if anyone out there enjoying their adulthood??? But then again, if in life, we do not hv any problems then it wouldn't be a prefet one because according to God, we can only plan our journey but HE is the one who decide what kinda route our journey going to be". Only through these obstacles in life we learnt to grow and appreciate our life even more. In other words, we shd be glad nomatter what we encounter in life because "yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery and today is a present!". So we shd appreciate the gift that God has given us.

The "All About Me"

I found this interesting blog - http://sundaystealing.blogspot.com/


Complete each sentence:

I am: a wife with no kids (yet!)
I think: a lot about my future
I know: life is not easy
I have: no house under my name
I wish: to have one healthy baby boy and one healthy baby girl someday :)
I hate: hypocrite
I miss: life in the UK
I fear: God
I hear: the world ecomony is going down hill
I smell: freshness in the air each time after the rain
I crave: for a holiday with my hubby (either in the USA/Hokkaido/Europe)
I search: on Yahoo daily
I wonder: what will happened if I'm still living in the UK now
I regret: asking the "frenemies" to become my bridesmaids !! havock!!
I love: my hubby
I ache: during my PMS
I am not: tall enough (ideal height for me 5' 5ft)
I believe: in myself with God
I dance: when I'm happy
I sing: whenever I feel like it
I cry: when I sense sadness
I fight: when necessary
I win: an "arrogance bitch" once in my Math exam with 100% marks!
I lose: my virginity to my hubby
I never: say never
I always: wanted a family of my own
I confuse: when dealing with figures
I listen: to music often
I can usually be found: at home
I am scared: of snake
I need: guidance from God
I am happy about: living on my own with my hubby
I imagine: having to realised one of my hubby's dream

You Make It Real

Recently, while stumbling on people's blog (hehe) I came across this song... his melody and lyrics are so sincere and true to my ears and heart. I hear it again and again.... **lost count of the numbers** :P

Below, is the lyrics of the song. Hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

You Make It Real by James Morrison

There's so much craziness surrounding me

There's so much going on it gets hard to breathe

All my faith has gone you bring it back to me

You make it real for me

Well I'm not sure of my priorities

I've lost site of where I'm meant to be

And like holy water washing over me

You make it real for me

And I'm running to you baby

You are the only one who save me

That's why I've been missing you lately

Cause you make it real for me

When my head is strong but my heart is weak

I'm full of arrogance and uncertainty

But I can find the words

You teach my heart to speak

You make it real for me yea

And I'm running to you baby

You are the only one who save me

That's why I've been missing you lately

Cause you make it real for me

Everybody's talking in words

I don't understand

You got to be the only one

Who knows just who I am

And you shine in the distance

I hope I can make it through

Cause the only place

That I want to be

Is right back home with you

I guess there's so much more

I have to learn

But if you're here with me

I know which way to turn

You always give me somewhere,

Somewhere I can learn

You make it real for me

And i'm running to you baby

Cause you are the only one who save me

That's why I've been missing you lately

Cause you make it real for me

You make it real for me.