Nuchal Translucency Screening

Why should I take the test?💡A nuchal translucency testing is a specialized routine ultrasound that measures the nuchal fold thickness. It focuses on a small, clear space at the back of a baby to determine whether the baby has chromosomal abnormalities. This spot tends to accumulate fluid and looks thicker if your baby carries genetic problems.It is mandatory but highly recommended if you are over 35 years of age or you have a family history of certain conditions. It is conducted between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy. The result of the test can help you make important decisions about your management of pregnancy and delivery, and any necessary preparations or special care that your child might need. How is the test done?💉Your healthcare provider will use abdominal ultrasound to measure the nuchal fold. A sonographer applies a transducer to the outside of your stomach to measure the baby from crown to rump. The fetal age, the location of the nuchal fold and its thickness will appear on screen.  Having a full bladder will give you the best ultrasound picture. An hour before the test, you might need to drink 2-3 glasses of water to make your bladder full. You cannot urinate before the ultrasound. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:  Normal results of the testNuchal translucency measurement correlates with the gestational age. The higher the measurement compared to other babies at the same age, the higher the risk is for the baby to have genetic disorders. If the measurement is up to 2mm when the baby is around 11 weeks old, the baby is at low risk for any problems. If the measurement is up 2.8mm at 13 weeks and 6 days old, the baby is relatively safe and healthy.Abnormal results of the testMore fluid at the back indicates that the baby might have Down's syndrome, Turner syndrome or congenital heart disease. However, the test itself cannot diagnose any specific condition. An abnormal result only means that there is a statistical likelihood of your baby having a problem. Your doctor might suggest follow-up diagnostic testing. Nuchal translucency risksBoth the ultrasound and the blood tests are completely painless and safe for you and your baby. You are perfectly fine in the hands of all professional doctors!  

Appetite loss

Pregnancy is one of the special moments when you are applauded for gaining weight and eating your favorite food as much as you want. Gaining enough pregnancy weight is critical to provide nutrients and support your baby's needs. Loss of appetite during pregnancy🤢Nausea and vomitingLoss of appetite is one side effect of morning sickness and nausea.🤢 When morning sickness strikes and smell sensitivity triggers, you naturally walk away from strong scents, including the foods you once loved.🍲 Your appetite consequently becomes a bit shy when it comes to food. 🤢Mental health conditionsDue to various physical and biochemical changes, you are prone to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.😟 Depression during pregnancy is associated with decreased appetite for healthy food, increased intake of unhealthy food, leading to lower nutrients for the baby development.👶 Health disorders may go undiagnosed if you don't speak up because of embarrassment. If you're experiencing any symptoms, please consult with doctors and trusted health professionals.👩‍⚕️ 🤢Phobia of weight gainYou are afraid of gaining weight because you might adhere to a certain weight stigma or portray weight gain as a flaw.🙅‍♀️ You are worried that you're not able to return to your old body once you eat vociferously.😟 If you're experiencing this sense of anxiety, please consult with doctors or therapists. How to treat appetite loss during pregnancy🤢Eat small mealsIf your appetite loss is linked to nausea or vomiting, you can try to distribute meals into small portions but more frequent meals throughout the day. Little by little, you'll get used to the foods and increase your food intake.😋🍛🤢Food prioritizeTake your prenatal vitamins daily to ensure both you and your baby are getting enough nutrients. Drink plenty of water.🚰 You can try many kinds of foods that are simple to make, filling and easy on your stomach such as protein-rich snacks, bland veggies, fruits, or soup.🤤  

IPV vaccination 2nd dose

Why should I take the vaccine?💡The vaccine shields your infant from polio, a disease that can result in paralysis by invading the spinal cord. Poliovirus is highly transmissible and propagates through the sneeze, touch, or cough of an afflicted individual. Polio vaccines are highly effective, guarding your little one  from contracting the infection.How to get the vaccine?💉To complete the IPV vaccine, you'll need four doses of the polio shots. The second shot of the vaccine is recommended to get when your baby is around 4 months old, which is 2 months after the first dose. You should have an appointment for the second dose if you have had the first shot. If you don't, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician now and make an appointment before the time passes!TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Any side effects of the vaccine?The spot where the shot was given could turn red, swell, and little pain could come along as well, which could annoy your little one! Fortunately, this isn't serious and the pain will go away within one day or two, but your baby might cry and whine with the discomfort, so you might get exhausted on the same day. Is the polio virus a serious disease?Poliovirus causes paralyzing, which could continue lifelong. Even children who appear to have made a complete recovery might experience new muscle pain, weakness, or paralysis as adults after 15 to 40 years. Paralysis could also appear on the muscles responsible for breathing, which is very serious because it could lead a child to death. This happens to approximately 2 to 10 children out of every 100 with poliovirus, so preventing the infection by getting the vaccine is very important.