Understanding Baby Gender Predictions: Myths and Facts During Pregnancy
Boy or girl? Hello, I am currently 14 weeks pregnant. A few days ago, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound due to feeling unwell. The doctor said everything was fine. The doctor also mentioned that the baby's gender could not be determined, but they saw a round shape. Ho...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! During the ultrasound examination, a round shape was observed, making it difficult to determine the sex; however, the probability of it being male is slightly higher. It is best to wait until the 16th week of pregnancy for a more accurate determination. Sincerely, Dr. Lu L...[Read More] Understanding Baby Gender Predictions: Myths and Facts During Pregnancy
Common Concerns for First-Time Mothers at 20 Weeks Pregnant
Questions of a First-Time Mother I am currently 20 weeks pregnant, and the prenatal check-up indicated that I am having a baby boy. The doctor mentioned that the baby weighs 346 grams, but I still have many questions that I don't quite understand. I would like to ask the doc...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. During pregnancy, it is common to experience discomfort or pain due to the enlargement of the uterus. If the pain is severe or occurs regularly, it is best to consult your obstetrician. 2. Lower back pain is also common because of the increased load on the back. 3. Fetal movem...[Read More] Common Concerns for First-Time Mothers at 20 Weeks Pregnant
Understanding Pregnancy Discomfort: Pain, Nausea, and Miscarriage Risks
Pain Doctor, is abdominal pain during pregnancy similar to menstrual cramps? Does every pregnant person experience nausea and vomiting? Is it possible for someone to be pregnant for two to three months without feeling any symptoms? Which months are more prone to miscarriage? Is t...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
1. If there are abnormal lower abdominal pain symptoms during pregnancy, it should be taken seriously. However, if the pain is due to the mother being overly fatigued or from ligament spasms as the uterus grows, it can be alleviated with adequate rest. Unless the lower abdominal ...[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Discomfort: Pain, Nausea, and Miscarriage Risks
Understanding White Bumps on the Vulva During Pregnancy: What to Know
Vulvar diseases Hello, my wife is recently pregnant, and during a check-up, we found small translucent white granules on her vulva. She has no discomfort or symptoms otherwise. We are unsure what this condition might be and whether it could affect the fetus.
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, early pregnancy can lead to changes in hormone levels, which may cause alterations in the body's acid-base balance, making it more susceptible to infections, such as candidiasis. This condition typically improves after the second trimeste...[Read More] Understanding White Bumps on the Vulva During Pregnancy: What to Know
Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Effects on You and Your Baby
What is gestational diabetes and how does it affect the baby? (1) How significant is the impact of gestational diabetes on me and my baby, and what steps should I take to improve the situation? (2) Is it harmful to the baby if I use skincare products containing retinoids or alpha...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: (1) Gestational diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. If dietary control (as outlined by a nutritionist) or insulin therapy (when dietary control is ineffective) is not implemented, it can lead to fetal malformations, macrosomia, stillb...[Read More] Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Effects on You and Your Baby
Safety of Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Medications during pregnancy Hello, my wife is currently five months pregnant, but she has been coughing for three months, so she visited a pulmonologist. The doctor prescribed the following medications: 1. Benzonatate soft gel 100mg 2. Acetaminophen 500mg/tablet 3. Dexchlorpheni...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: Aside from Benzonatate, which should be used with caution during early pregnancy and breastfeeding, other medications are considered safe. Since you are five months pregnant, you can rest assured as long as you are not using them long-term. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of ...[Read More] Safety of Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Hardening of the Belly During Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal rigidity? Dr. Wang: Hello! I am currently 30 weeks pregnant, but recently my abdomen has been frequently hardening, especially when climbing stairs or transitioning from sitting to standing. Is this dangerous? I am very worried. Is there anything I can do to alleviate t...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the hardness of your abdomen is a sign of early uterine contractions, especially when you are particularly fatigued. It is advisable to rest more during contractions (when your abdomen becomes hard). Most symptoms can be alleviated by sitting ...[Read More] Understanding Hardening of the Belly During Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Weight Loss Pills During Early Pregnancy: What to Know
I took weight loss medication? I am 8 weeks pregnant and took weight loss pills during the first 1-2 weeks of my pregnancy. I am concerned about the potential effects on the fetus and am currently contemplating whether to continue with the pregnancy or terminate it, as I worry th...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
It is certainly not advisable to take weight loss medications during pregnancy. However, there are many different types of weight loss drugs, and without knowing which specific one you took, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to your question. If you could provide the...[Read More] Concerns About Weight Loss Pills During Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Can Artificial Insemination Determine Baby's Gender? Costs and Considerations for Older Mothers
Artificial insemination Can artificial insemination allow for the selection of a male baby? What is the probability of this happening and what are the approximate costs? I am 39 years old, which is considered advanced maternal age; what should I be aware of?
Dr. Wu Zongcheng Reply:
The Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, responded: 1. Artificial insemination is divided into two types: sperm washing and sperm separation. Generally, those who wish to control the sex of the baby use sperm separati...[Read More] Can Artificial Insemination Determine Baby's Gender? Costs and Considerations for Older Mothers
Understanding Fetal Growth Discrepancies: Nutrition and Concerns
Fetal growth restriction? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. During my prenatal check-up this week, it was found that my fetus, which should be 30 weeks in size, has a head circumference and abdominal circumference corresponding to only 28 weeks, while the leg len...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: If your fetus is initially measuring two weeks smaller, it may indicate that you ovulated and conceived later. If the recent prenatal check-up shows the fetus is two weeks smaller, it requires further monitoring; most of the time, this does not indicate a problem with the ...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Growth Discrepancies: Nutrition and Concerns
Pregnancy Concerns: Enema Use, Angelica Soup, and Pineapple Safety
Using a suppository for constipation at 5 weeks of pregnancy, will it affect the fetus? 1. At 1.5 weeks, using a suppository for constipation, will it affect the fetus? 2. I am currently 8 weeks pregnant; can I consume Angelica (Dong Quai) soup? I feel uncomfortable with a sensa...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. During pregnancy, hormonal changes often slow down gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to constipation. Therefore, it is important to consume high-fiber fruits and vegetables and to pay attention to bowel habits. Additionally, the us...[Read More] Pregnancy Concerns: Enema Use, Angelica Soup, and Pineapple Safety
Pregnant Dog Lovers: Safety Tips and Concerns for Expecting Moms
Dog-loving pregnant women Hello Dr. Lu: I am a huge dog lover, and every time I see my little dog, I can't help but hug and kiss him. Recently, since I am over six months pregnant, my mom often scolds me, saying I shouldn't hold the dog. However, I just can't resis...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! There are very few dogs and cats that are hosts for Toxoplasmosis, but since you have had your dog for a while, even if your pet is a host, you should have developed antibodies, so it should not affect you. However, it is not advisable to start raising pets after becoming ...[Read More] Pregnant Dog Lovers: Safety Tips and Concerns for Expecting Moms
Is Hair Dye Safe During Early Pregnancy? Expert Insights
Hair dyeing I went to a beauty salon to dye my hair on November 15, and on November 18, I went to the hospital for a pregnancy test, only to find out that I am six weeks pregnant. Although the hair dye I used claims to be plant-based and free of side effects, I am still very conc...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
There have been reports that some low-quality hair dyes may contain formaldehyde, which can enter the body through the skin and pose health risks, even affecting the fetus in pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid dyeing their hair during pregnancy...[Read More] Is Hair Dye Safe During Early Pregnancy? Expert Insights
Impact of Birth Control Pills on Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Taking contraceptive pills during early pregnancy? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask, my last menstrual period was on September 21. To delay my menstrual cycle, I took the contraceptive pill (Winstop from Winston Pharmaceuticals) from October 16 to October 25, one tablet in the ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
The contraceptive pill contains estrogen and progestin, which are prohibited during pregnancy as they may affect the development of the infant's genital organs and future sexual psychology.[Read More] Impact of Birth Control Pills on Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Managing High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy: Tips and Testing Options
High blood sugar Hello Dr. Lu: I am six months pregnant, and in my recent prenatal check-ups (urine tests), the test strips have shown a blue-purple color. The doctor mentioned that my blood sugar is a bit high, and if this continues, I may need to be tested for diabetes. However...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! 1. The urine test showed elevated glucose levels, which could indicate several possibilities: (1) You may have diabetes (gestational diabetes or general diabetes), (2) the test strips may be inaccurate (expired), or (3) you might have consumed a very sweet food just befo...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy: Tips and Testing Options
Managing Cervical Polyps During Pregnancy: Key Considerations and Concerns
Management of cervical polyps? 1. Can cervical polyps cause an increase in discharge? 2. I am currently about 20 weeks pregnant; is it appropriate to have a cervical polyp removed? Will it harm the baby? Is anesthesia required for the procedure? Will the removal of the polyp cau...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
Hello: If there is no abnormal vaginal bleeding, a Pap smear can be performed to check for any other abnormalities, and any urgent issues can be addressed postpartum.[Read More] Managing Cervical Polyps During Pregnancy: Key Considerations and Concerns
Is Anesthesia Safe for Pregnant Women During Eyelid Surgery?
Is it safe to receive facial anesthesia during pregnancy? If a red bump appears on the eyelid during pregnancy and needs to be surgically removed, will the anesthesia used for the procedure affect the fetus?
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: Local anesthetics do not affect the fetus. Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Is Anesthesia Safe for Pregnant Women During Eyelid Surgery?
Is Side Sleeping Safe During Pregnancy? Understanding Fetal Movement Concerns
Regarding sleeping positions? Dr. Jan: Hello! I would like to ask, I am now over six months pregnant and I really enjoy sleeping on my side, but my baby seems to dislike it as she keeps kicking regardless of whether I sleep on my right or left side. Yesterday, I ignored her and s...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Pregnant women are theoretically better off sleeping on their left side because the inferior vena cava is located closer to the right side. Sleeping on the right side may compress major blood vessels and affect blood circulation.[Read More] Is Side Sleeping Safe During Pregnancy? Understanding Fetal Movement Concerns
Is It Safe to Fly During Pregnancy? Expert Insights and Guidelines
Is it safe to fly during pregnancy? Hello Dr. Jan: I would like to ask if flying during pregnancy can have negative effects. I've heard that in the early and late stages of pregnancy, flying might increase the risk of miscarriage. Is this true? Additionally, how long after b...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
In general, it is safe for pregnant women to travel on domestic flights before 36 weeks of gestation, while for international flights, it is best to travel before 32 weeks. Every pregnant woman should carry a physician's note indicating her due date. That said, the safest tr...[Read More] Is It Safe to Fly During Pregnancy? Expert Insights and Guidelines
When Can You Confirm Pregnancy? Key Signs and Considerations
When can pregnancy be confirmed? Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle has always been irregular. My last period started on October 24, and I visited the doctor who prescribed medication (I forgot the name of the medication) to be taken twice a day. The doctor mentioned that my menstr...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! 1. You can take a pregnancy test 2-3 weeks after sexual intercourse. 2. A Pap smear should be performed when there is no bleeding and no inflammation (such as abnormal discharge); it is generally recommended to do it a few days after the end of menstruation. 3. You can ret...[Read More] When Can You Confirm Pregnancy? Key Signs and Considerations