How Many C-Sections Can a Woman Safely Have?
Cesarean section I would like to ask the doctor, how many children can a woman have after a cesarean section?
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
After a cesarean section, when delivering the next baby, the incision on the surface of the uterus from the previous surgery has healed, but the muscle strength may not be the same as before. If a vaginal delivery is attempted, there is a 2% risk of uterine rupture and significan...[Read More] How Many C-Sections Can a Woman Safely Have?
Understanding Pregnancy: Common Concerns and Medical Practices
Pregnancy status Doctor: I apologize for interrupting your consultation time. My wife is currently pregnant with our second child, due around July 2016. Is it common for pregnancies to be spaced this far apart? If the baby arrives early, what measures should we take (considering ...
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, the method commonly used to calculate the due date after pregnancy is to count 280 days (or 40 weeks) from the first day of the last menstrual period. For example, if the last menstrual period was on May 11, 2016, the due date would be February 18, 2017. Therefore, if your...[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy: Common Concerns and Medical Practices
Understanding IUFD at 22 Weeks: Causes, Risks, and Future Pregnancies
Fetal intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) at 22 weeks of gestation? Hello, Doctor. I am 38 years old and have been married for three and a half years without becoming pregnant. My menstrual cycle is approximately 28-30 days, but every three months or so, it extends to 40-42 days, la...
Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, the incidence of IUFD (Intrauterine Fetal Death) is not high and can be attributed to various causes, many of which may not be identifiable. Generally, we recommend taking a natural approach, and only if it continues to occur will we investigate the underlying causes. If y...[Read More] Understanding IUFD at 22 Weeks: Causes, Risks, and Future Pregnancies
Is My 7-Week-4-Day Embryo Size of 0.9 cm Too Small?
Embryo size Dear Doctor: I am currently 7 weeks and 4 days pregnant, and the embryo measures only 0.9 centimeters. Is this size too small? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
At 7 weeks and 4 days of pregnancy, the embryo should measure approximately 1.5 cm. However, the ultrasound shows that the embryo is only 0.9 cm, which is slightly smaller than expected. There are three possible reasons for this discrepancy. First, the actual gestational age of...[Read More] Is My 7-Week-4-Day Embryo Size of 0.9 cm Too Small?
Is It Safe to Attend a Concert During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy Concert Hello, Doctor: I have two questions that have been bothering my wife for a long time. 1. My wife's due date is December 21, 2013. If I take her to a concert where the sound is too low, will it affect the baby? 2. My wife experiences bloating in her abdo...
Dr. Yang Wangjun Reply:
Hello: (1) Fetal hearing begins to develop at four months and responds to external sounds by 25 weeks. However, due to the amniotic fluid, the decibel level of external sounds reaching the fetus is usually not very high. At her current gestational age, it should not have any impa...[Read More] Is It Safe to Attend a Concert During Pregnancy?
Understanding Abnormal High-Level Ultrasound Findings in Pregnancy
High-level ultrasound abnormalities Hello Dr. Lu: I am currently pregnant with a due date of November 8, 2013. Due to an initial screening for Down syndrome showing a nuchal translucency of 3.0 and unclear visualization of the nasal bone, I underwent chorionic villus sampling bec...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: Since both physicians have noted abnormalities, there is a possibility of a diaphragmatic hernia. The newborn may require surgical treatment in the future. It is recommended to seek prenatal care and delivery at a medical center specializing in pediatric surgery. Wishing y...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal High-Level Ultrasound Findings in Pregnancy
Is It Normal to Feel Baby Movements Before Due Date?
Pregnant with a second child? I'm sorry, but my wife is due on October 8th. She is still working, and when she comes home in the evening, she feels some slight movements in her abdomen. Is this normal? Thank you.
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: Your wife's due date is on October 8th, and she is currently 16 weeks pregnant. She may be feeling slight movements in her abdomen, which are likely fetal movements. During the first pregnancy, fetal movement is typically felt around 20 weeks, but in subsequent pregna...[Read More] Is It Normal to Feel Baby Movements Before Due Date?
Understanding Low Placenta: Risks and Differences from Placenta Previa
Is a low-lying placenta considered placenta previa? Hello! My wife is expecting our second child, with a due date of January 27. During the 16-week prenatal check-up, it was found that she has a low-lying placenta. The doctor believes there is still a chance for it to move upward...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
1. Before 28 weeks of gestation, the lower segment of the uterus continues to grow, so the relative position of the placenta may change by the time of delivery. 2. Placenta previa refers to the placenta covering the entire cervix, while low-lying placenta indicates that the edge ...[Read More] Understanding Low Placenta: Risks and Differences from Placenta Previa
Is It Safe to Switch Hospitals for Delivery? Mother-Baby Room Options
Rooming-in Hello, doctor: My sister-in-law has been receiving prenatal care in Hsinchu, and her due date is approaching. She is considering returning here to give birth. Is it safe to do so without having prenatal check-ups here? Also, does your hospital have a mother-baby roomin...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
We are a certified baby-friendly hospital, so we practice rooming-in for mothers and infants. Unless the mother is too exhausted, the nursing staff can assist in caring for the child; most of the time, it is "rooming-in" for parents and their baby. (We do not refer to i...[Read More] Is It Safe to Switch Hospitals for Delivery? Mother-Baby Room Options
Managing Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension for a Safe Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy? Hello doctor, I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes with blood sugar levels of 75/190/157/154 and my blood pressure is mostly around 140/90, even higher at the hospital at 160/105. What should I pay attention to in...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Ya-Ya, The worst-case scenario is uncontrolled gestational diabetes and hypertension, which may necessitate induction of labor if the condition deteriorates rapidly. Fortunately, you are already 34 weeks along, and the fetus is sufficiently mature; even if born prematurely ...[Read More] Managing Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension for a Safe Pregnancy
Understanding Fetal Head Circumference: What’s Normal at 20 Weeks?
Prenatal check-up questions Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am currently 20 weeks and 4 days pregnant, but the ultrasound shows that the baby's head circumference is measuring at 22 weeks. I would like to know how much the head circumference can differ from the ges...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
Ultrasound measurements of fetal size often have discrepancies. Different examiners, the gestational age at the time of the examination, various ultrasound machines, as well as the fetal position and amniotic fluid volume during the scan, can all contribute to potential errors in...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Head Circumference: What’s Normal at 20 Weeks?
Is a Larger Than Average Fetus at 8 Weeks of Pregnancy Normal?
Pregnancy issues Dear Doctor: I am approximately 8 weeks pregnant, and today during the ultrasound, it was indicated that the fetus is slightly larger than expected. Is this normal? Could there be any risks or things I should be aware of? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, the early gestational ultrasound can have measurement errors, and there may also be discrepancies in the calculation of gestational age, especially for women with irregular menstrual cycles. In such cases, it is necessary to compare several ultrasounds from the early weeks...[Read More] Is a Larger Than Average Fetus at 8 Weeks of Pregnancy Normal?
Calculating Conception Date Based on Due Date: A Guide for Women
Please help me calculate the date of conception? Hello! I would like to inquire: my menstrual cycle is irregular, and I also forgot when my last period was. If I estimate the due date to be November 22, 2011, when would the conception date be?
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Sandy: Hello, the estimated due date is 40 weeks of pregnancy, and the conception date is 2 weeks into the pregnancy. Therefore, counting back 38 weeks from 2011/11/22, which is 256 days back, will give you the conception date. Sincerely, Dr. Lu Li-Cheng, Director of Obstetr...[Read More] Calculating Conception Date Based on Due Date: A Guide for Women
How Long After Due Date Should You Wait for Baby's Arrival?
Post-term pregnancy Dear Dr. Chang, My due date is this Sunday, November 20th, but during my prenatal check-up, everything with the amniotic fluid is still good, and the baby is very active, showing no signs of wanting to come out. I would like to ask how long after the due date...
Dr. Zhang Yongxuan Reply:
More than 80% of babies are born within two weeks before or after the due date. If it exceeds two weeks, it is advisable to return to the hospital for an examination.[Read More] How Long After Due Date Should You Wait for Baby's Arrival?
Understanding Conception Dates and Ultrasound Accuracy in Pregnancy
Regarding conception dates and ultrasound issues? Hello Dr. Lu, I apologize for bothering you again. I previously asked you about estimating my conception date based on my ultrasounds. I had two different technicians perform ultrasounds around 15 weeks. On May 3, during an abdomi...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear ABBY: Hello, during the early stages of embryonic development, each embryo develops at a similar rate. However, as the pregnancy progresses, some fetuses grow faster than others, leading to a difference of more than one kilogram in birth weight by the time of full-term deliv...[Read More] Understanding Conception Dates and Ultrasound Accuracy in Pregnancy
Is Your Baby's Head Size Too Big? Understanding Delivery Options
Fetal size Hello, doctor. Is it recommended to have a cesarean section if the fetal head circumference exceeds 10 centimeters? I have a small body frame; my weight before pregnancy was 48 kilograms. My due date is 8/6/17, and during my prenatal check-up, my weight was 57 kilogram...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: Since your mother has a petite physique, whether a cesarean section is necessary for this pregnancy should be discussed with your obstetrician. Your doctor will review the prenatal examination findings and discuss the options for delivery with you. Thank you![Read More] Is Your Baby's Head Size Too Big? Understanding Delivery Options
Is It Safe to Take Cold Medicine During Late Pregnancy?
Is it safe to take cold medicine? I am currently nine months pregnant and have a bit of a cold. I want to see a doctor, but since I am close to my due date, I am concerned about whether taking cold medication will affect the fetus.
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Ruby: Most cold medications are safe, so there is no need to worry. If you are still concerned, you can consult an obstetrician for a prescription. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Li-Cheng Lu, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Depart...[Read More] Is It Safe to Take Cold Medicine During Late Pregnancy?
High-Risk Pregnancy After C-Section and Ectopic Surgery: Key Concerns
After a cesarean section, shortly after, there was an ectopic pregnancy, and then I became pregnant again..? Hello, Director Chen: I am an older expectant mother. After struggling to conceive for several years without any assisted reproductive technologies or dietary changes, I f...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Due to an ectopic pregnancy, laparoscopic surgery was performed to remove the right fallopian tube. This has no adverse effects or negative impact on future intrauterine pregnancies. Additionally, this pregnancy is nearly a year apart from the previous cesarean delivery, so pleas...[Read More] High-Risk Pregnancy After C-Section and Ectopic Surgery: Key Concerns
Tips to Prevent Premature Birth and Monitor Labor Indicators
After pregnancy 1. Are there methods to prevent premature labor after 36 weeks of pregnancy, allowing the baby to be born at 40 weeks? 2. Are there specific blood markers that can indicate whether labor is approaching?
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: A baby born after 37 weeks of gestation is considered full-term, and it is not necessary to wait until the due date for a normal delivery. During your prenatal check-ups, you can consult your obstetrician to assess the risk of preterm labor based on your condition at the t...[Read More] Tips to Prevent Premature Birth and Monitor Labor Indicators
Concerns About Labor Progress and Pain Management for Third Pregnancy
Could you please provide more details about the issues related to labor and delivery? Hello Dr. Lu, I would like to ask you a few questions. I am currently expecting my third child, with the due date on the 15th. 1. On the 12th, I started experiencing contractions every 10 min...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have undergone continuous fetal heart rate monitoring for several sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, and there are no abnormalities, it indicates that the fetal condition is generally good, so please do not worry too much. 2. Generally speaking, the risk to t...[Read More] Concerns About Labor Progress and Pain Management for Third Pregnancy