Understanding Amniocentesis: Risks and Alternatives Explained
Amniocentesis Is there any risk associated with amniocentesis? Is it possible to forgo the procedure? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, the amniocentesis has its indications, which your obstetrician will discuss with you. This procedure is invasive and literature indicates there is approximately a 0.5% risk of miscarriage or other complications. Generally, the performing physician will proceed with caution...[Read More] Understanding Amniocentesis: Risks and Alternatives Explained
Will My Baby Inherit Thalassemia If My Husband Has It?
Genetic issues Doctor, my husband has latent thalassemia, and I do not. I am currently pregnant with my first child. Will this be inherited by the baby? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, in your current situation, it is advisable to consult a physician to confirm whether you have thalassemia. If you do not have it, congratulations! Your child will not have this issue. In the event that you are a carrier, it is important to check whether both you and your p...[Read More] Will My Baby Inherit Thalassemia If My Husband Has It?
Concerns About Laxative Use During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Before pregnancy Hello Dr. Dong, I have been taking laxatives for several years, on average every two to three days. For the past two years, I have switched to this brand "Laxative Tablets," which contains Bisacodyl. I am currently two months pregnant, and I am very con...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: Bisacodyl is classified as pregnancy category B, which means it is not contraindicated if there is a medical need. Since you have had gastrointestinal issues for many years, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterology specialist to address your gastrointestinal discomfor...[Read More] Concerns About Laxative Use During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Managing Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy: What to Know
Diarrhea and abdominal swelling in pregnant women? Hello, I am 28 weeks pregnant. Yesterday, I had diarrhea all day, going to the bathroom eight or nine times. I went to the hospital in the evening, and the doctor said it would be fine once I expelled everything. The fetus is als...
Dr. Yang Wangjun Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Generally, if one ingests bacterial exotoxins, most will recover after expelling the toxins through vomiting or diarrhea. However, if pathogenic bacteria affecting the gastrointestina...[Read More] Managing Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy: What to Know
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?
How Radiation Exposure Affects Pregnancy and Fetal Development
How does radiation exposure affect pregnancy? Doctor: Hello! (1) I traveled to Osaka and Kyoto for a few days last month. If I want to conceive now, will it affect fertility or the development of the fetus later? (2) If I need to undergo medical tests to determine if I have been ...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: If the location you are visiting is not a travel advisory area and you have passed radiation screening at the airport, there is no need to be overly anxious. However, if you have been to a radiation-contaminated area or have been exposed to radioactive contaminants or othe...[Read More] How Radiation Exposure Affects Pregnancy and Fetal Development
Concerns About Progesterone Use During Early Pregnancy
Progesterone issues? Hello Doctor: I am in the early stages of pregnancy. On the night of January 6th to the morning of January 7th, I experienced brown discharge approximately the size of a five-dollar coin, but it stopped afterward. On January 11th, the doctor prescribed proges...
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, the most important thing for maintaining a pregnancy is bed rest and avoiding overexertion. Progesterone can have additional benefits; this medication is generally considered safe and is commonly used. However, some individuals may experience discomfort, as you have. If th...[Read More] Concerns About Progesterone Use During Early Pregnancy
Pregnant While on Birth Control: Risks and Concerns for the Baby
Taking birth control pills but still getting pregnant? Hello. I have been taking birth control pills but I am pregnant. I am unsure about the effects on the fetus. I have heard that there is a possibility of birth defects. Is this true? Do you have any similar cases? I lack knowl...
Dr. Zhang Yongxuan Reply:
If pregnancy is suspected, it is important to stop taking the contraceptive pill immediately, as it contains female hormones. Excessive exposure to these hormones can lead to feminization of male fetuses, making pregnancy one of the absolute contraindications for the use of contr...[Read More] Pregnant While on Birth Control: Risks and Concerns for the Baby
Impact of Pesticides on Pregnant Women Living Near Rice Fields
Regarding health care issues related to the living environment during pregnancy? Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you about the effects on pregnant women living near rice fields during the pesticide spraying periods. Does long-term residence next to rice fields, where pestici...
Dr. Zhang Yongxuan Reply:
1. There will be an impact; the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months) is especially important. 2. During pesticide spraying, it is advisable to avoid exposure or take protective measures. 3. Regarding drinking water, it is best to use filtered water, such as rev...[Read More] Impact of Pesticides on Pregnant Women Living Near Rice Fields
Impact of Anesthesia and Medications on Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Use of anesthetics in early pregnancy? Hello Dr. Yang: My wife had to undergo surgery for a hernia and was given general anesthesia during the procedure. However, we were unaware that she was already three weeks pregnant at that time. After her discharge, she noticed that her men...
Dr. Yang Wangjun Reply:
Hello: The first three months of pregnancy are a critical stage for fetal development, during which most organs differentiate and form. Therefore, any substances or factors that may cause teratogenic effects should be avoided. Medications used in general anesthesia, including cen...[Read More] Impact of Anesthesia and Medications on Early Pregnancy: What to Know
Impact of Pesticides on Pregnant Women Living Near Rice Fields
Regarding health care issues related to the living environment during pregnancy? Dear Dr. Chang, I would like to inquire about the potential effects on pregnant women living near rice fields during pesticide spraying periods. Does long-term residence next to rice fields, where p...
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, the use of pesticides in fields, orchards, and greenhouses by pregnant women can potentially affect fetal development. Particularly, some women lack knowledge in this area and may spray pesticides outdoors in summer while wearing short sleeves and shorts, without masks or ...[Read More] Impact of Pesticides on Pregnant Women Living Near Rice Fields
Is It Safe to Take Nature Made Fish Oil During Pregnancy?
Is there any concern about accidentally taking Lecithin fish oil? Hello Doctor: I am a pregnant woman who is over 31 weeks along. Recently, I went to Costco to purchase calcium and fish oil, and I consulted with the pharmacist present, so I have been taking the products with peac...
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
During pregnancy, it is generally understood that any medication should be avoided unless it is necessary and effective, in order to prevent adverse effects on the fetus. Pregnant women should not consume excessive amounts of fish oil, which is rich in fat-soluble vitamins. After...[Read More] Is It Safe to Take Nature Made Fish Oil During Pregnancy?
Impact of Fibroids on Pregnancy: Understanding Miscarriage and Future Fertility
Miscarriage at 6 weeks of pregnancy? Do fibroids affect fertility? I have experienced two miscarriages. The first one was last June (at 8 weeks), and the doctor attributed it to an unknown cause. He suggested that the fibroids should be removed after delivery to avoid affecting f...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: There are many factors that can affect miscarriage, and uterine fibroids are one of them. If you have experienced two consecutive miscarriages and have uterine fibroids, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist with expertise in infertility. After a comprehensive evaluati...[Read More] Impact of Fibroids on Pregnancy: Understanding Miscarriage and Future Fertility
Understanding Emergency Care Protocols in Obstetrics: A Patient's Concerns
Medical issues Dr. Yang: Hello! I would like to ask the following questions: Can a nurse perform a vaginal examination on a patient without a doctor's order? When a pregnant woman experiences bleeding, is it necessary for a doctor to perform a vaginal examination? If a pregn...
Dr. Yang Wangjun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, this pregnant woman's condition appears to be preterm labor. The vaginal bleeding is likely the show during labor. Typically, if antepartum hemorrhage is ruled out and the woman is in labor, the labor and delivery nurse (midwife) will perfor...[Read More] Understanding Emergency Care Protocols in Obstetrics: A Patient's Concerns
Does Pressing the Bladder Affect Pregnancy and Fetal Health?
Urination and Pregnancy in Relation to the Bladder I would like to ask, every time I go to the bathroom, I need to press on the bladder area with both hands in order to urinate. Will this affect my chances of getting pregnant or have any impact on the fetus? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Wangjun Reply:
Hello: The bladder is located in front of the cervix and can extend to the front of the uterus when full. Pressing on the bladder does not affect the fetus and will not cause any abnormal pregnancy conditions. If there are any abnormal pregnancy issues, they are likely pre-existi...[Read More] Does Pressing the Bladder Affect Pregnancy and Fetal Health?
Can Pregnant Women Safely Visit the Dentist for Treatment?
Can pregnant women visit the dentist? I would like to ask the doctor: I am currently four months pregnant and my teeth have been feeling sensitive and painful lately. Yesterday, I visited a general dentist, and the doctor said that I have a cavity that has affected the nerve, and...
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, the questioner: Pregnant women need to be particularly cautious when addressing dental issues to avoid infections and the effects of medications on the fetus. It is best to have thorough discussions and communication with both obstetricians and dentists. Collaborative cons...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Safely Visit the Dentist for Treatment?
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
Impact of Sita's Lymecycline on Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Sildenafil tablets for erectile dysfunction? Hello Doctor, last month I took a medication to delay my period (Sita, also known as Medroxyprogesterone) because I was going abroad. Before taking the medication, I confirmed that I was not pregnant. However, after stopping the medica...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Nono: Hello, the ingredients in general contraceptive medications are just hormones, and they do not have much impact on early embryos, so there is no need to worry. Moreover, during the time you are taking the medication, the fertilized egg has just implanted and is still j...[Read More] Impact of Sita's Lymecycline on Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Delayed Menstruation After Abortion: What to Expect
Delayed menstruation? Hello doctor, I underwent an abortion on July 28 (the fetus was approximately 11 weeks at that time). After the procedure, I did not experience any bleeding and have had three follow-up appointments confirming that everything is fine. I had sexual intercours...
Dr. Cai Yonglong Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yong-long of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, After an induced abortion, the ovulation date is often uncertain (as we interrupt the entire cycle artificially), which is why it is common to conceive agai...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Menstruation After Abortion: What to Expect
What to Do If You Received Rubella Vaccine While Early Pregnant?
What should I do if I received the German measles vaccine while less than one month pregnant? Hello, I had my first day of menstruation on August 7. I took a pregnancy test at Mackay Memorial Hospital on September 1, which came back negative. Therefore, I received the German meas...
Dr. Zhang Yongxuan Reply:
During the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months), it is best to avoid taking medications or receiving injections unless they are lifesaving.[Read More] What to Do If You Received Rubella Vaccine While Early Pregnant?