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
Does Frequent Vaginal Ultrasound in Early Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
Does having too many vaginal ultrasounds in early pregnancy affect the baby? Hello, doctor! On February 23 of this year, I underwent a medical abortion due to the sudden cessation of my 7-week-old baby's heartbeat. Prior to that, I had undergone transvaginal ultrasounds for ...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
Transvaginal ultrasound does not increase the risk of miscarriage. The impact of sexual activity is more significant (as semen contains prostaglandins, which can lead to uterine contractions). Generally, in a healthy pregnancy, even moderate sexual activity should not cause a mis...[Read More] Does Frequent Vaginal Ultrasound in Early Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
Postpartum Bleeding: Understanding Retained Membranes and Treatment Options
After delivery, the membranes were cleared, but there is still persistent bleeding? Hello, I gave birth naturally on April 12, and I have been experiencing continuous bleeding for 8 weeks. On June 6, I underwent a hysteroscopy and dilation procedure, during which the doctor infor...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of postpartum hemorrhage, including incomplete uterine involution, poor uterine contraction, infection, maternal health issues, coagulopathy, and abnormalities related to the placenta. Retained membranes can also be a potential cause, and there are in...[Read More] Postpartum Bleeding: Understanding Retained Membranes and Treatment Options
Understanding Cytomegalovirus Infection Risks in Pregnant Women in Taiwan
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Doctor, is the rate of congenital cytomegalovirus infection among newborns in Taiwan high? Can transmission occur if parents do not use serving utensils during meals? Generally, during prenatal check-ups, doctors do not recommend testing for this. If the fet...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
1. According to statistics in the United States, over five percent of adult women have detectable antibodies for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in their bodies. 2. The virus can be transmitted through blood (blood transfusions), semen (sexual intercourse), saliva (sharing food), breast mi...[Read More] Understanding Cytomegalovirus Infection Risks in Pregnant Women in Taiwan
Understanding Placental Calcification: Risks and Implications
What is placental calcification? Is there any associated risk? What is placental calcification? Is there any associated risk?
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
During the last month of pregnancy, placental calcification may occur, indicating that labor is approaching and the blood supply to the placenta may decrease. If calcification occurs too early or if the area of calcification is extensive, it can lead to insufficient blood and nut...[Read More] Understanding Placental Calcification: Risks and Implications
Understanding Fetal Weight and Amniotic Fluid at 20 Weeks Pregnant
At 20 weeks of pregnancy, the average fetal weight is approximately 10.5 ounces (300 grams), and the amniotic fluid volume typically ranges from 200 to 300 milliliters? Hello, doctor. I had my prenatal check-up today, and I am currently at 20 weeks and 1 day. The fetal weight is ...
Dr. Zhong Wenzhen Reply:
Hello: The above values are all normal. The amniotic fluid of the fetus comes from the fetal urine, which is produced by the filtration of blood flow through the kidneys. It is not directly related to the amount of water the pregnant woman drinks, but rather reflects whether the ...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Weight and Amniotic Fluid at 20 Weeks Pregnant
Impact of Sjögren's Syndrome and Low Protein on Fertility and Pregnancy
Immune issues Hello, I would like to ask about the natural conception and live birth rates for someone with Sjögren's syndrome and low serum protein levels. Are these rates significant, or is assistance from other methods necessary? What effects do these two conditions have ...
Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
The natural conception rate for patients with Sjögren's syndrome is similar to that of others; however, due to the presence of serum autoantibodies (anti-SSA, anti-SSB), the live birth rate may be affected, as these autoantibodies can attack the placenta and the fetus.[Read More] Impact of Sjögren's Syndrome and Low Protein on Fertility and Pregnancy
Understanding Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Treatment, and Medication Options
Postpartum depression Doctor Lin, my sister just gave birth not long ago, and these past few days her mood has suddenly dropped, and she has been crying for no apparent reason. Could this be postpartum depression? Should she consult an obstetrician or a psychiatrist? Is medicatio...
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
After giving birth, the sudden drop in hormone levels due to the expulsion of the placenta leads to a decrease in metabolic rate. Additionally, with the arrival of the baby, new mothers are often overwhelmed with the demands of caregiving and breastfeeding. This can result in sym...[Read More] Understanding Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Treatment, and Medication Options
Understanding C-Sections: When Are They Necessary for Delivery?
Which method is better? Hello, doctor. Under what circumstances is a cesarean section necessary? After having a cesarean section for the first delivery, is it mandatory to have cesarean sections for all subsequent deliveries? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
If there are issues such as abnormal fetal position, placenta previa during prenatal check-ups, or fetal distress and slow cervical dilation during labor, a cesarean section may be necessary. Once a cesarean section is performed, it is not impossible to have a subsequent vaginal ...[Read More] Understanding C-Sections: When Are They Necessary for Delivery?
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 Drinking Postpartum Herbal Soup Safe for Uterine Recovery?
Drink herbal soup? Hello, doctor. I just gave birth three days ago. My mother-in-law has prepared a herbal soup for me to drink. Is that okay? Does this herbal soup promote uterine contractions? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
The herbal formula known as "Shenghua Decoction," which contains ingredients like safflower, is believed to promote blood circulation and break up blood stasis. In my opinion, with the current standards of natural childbirth, physicians ensure that the placenta is deliv...[Read More] Is Drinking Postpartum Herbal Soup Safe for Uterine Recovery?
How Often Should You Have Prenatal Checkups for Twins?
Could you please provide more details regarding prenatal check-up matters? Hello Doctor: May I ask if prenatal check-ups for twins in the early, mid, and late stages will be more frequent? Approximately how many times will they occur? How many times per month? Thank you for your ...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Yei, Hello. Although you are having twins, most pregnancies do not encounter significant issues, and the current prenatal check-ups should suffice. However, for a small percentage of identical twins who share a placenta, the risk of complications is higher. After the mid-pr...[Read More] How Often Should You Have Prenatal Checkups for Twins?
Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Concerns and Solutions
Pregnancy-induced hypertension Hello, doctor. I previously inquired and am back for more assistance. I am currently 35 weeks pregnant with a baby girl weighing 2237 grams. Is this weight too small? Can high blood pressure affect the baby's growth? What should I do? My blood ...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Yaling, 1. A female baby at 35 weeks weighing 2,237 grams is not considered small. 2. High blood pressure does not necessarily cause the baby to be underweight; it depends on placental function. Doppler ultrasound can be performed to assess placental function. 3. For medica...[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Fetal Movement and Diabetes Management During Pregnancy
Fetal movement issues Dear Doctor, I am currently 34 weeks pregnant and have gestational diabetes. I am undergoing prenatal care in Thailand, where the hospital has prescribed medication instead of insulin. I take one pill in the morning and one in the evening. However, during my...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the effects of oral hypoglycemic agents on the fetus, most related clinical studies suggest that they are safe. Therefore, there is no need for excessive concern. However, since oral medications can cross the placenta, some physicians may still have reservat...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Movement and Diabetes Management During Pregnancy
Should We Keep the Baby? Concerns After Laparoscopic Surgery
Should it be kept? Hello, doctor. My wife underwent laparoscopic surgery on June 18, requiring general anesthesia due to a ruptured corpus luteum cyst with significant bleeding. At that time, a pregnancy test was positive, and the physician recommended performing a dilation and c...
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, if your wife underwent a dilation and curettage (D&C) during the 6-18 week surgery, it may affect embryo development since it is considered an intrauterine procedure. It is recommended to monitor via ultrasound for fetal heartbeat development and subsequent growth, and...[Read More] Should We Keep the Baby? Concerns After Laparoscopic Surgery
Understanding Abortion Procedures and Future Fertility Concerns
Abortion complications I accidentally became pregnant, and we are not ready to have a child. I went for an abortion. On January 31, the doctor first gave me a pill that I didn't know what it was, and then prescribed me three doses of Misoprostol, instructing me to take all t...
Dr. Yang Wangjun Reply:
Hello: The oral abortion medication RU-486 combined with misoprostol is generally required for pregnancies less than 7 weeks gestation (calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period). It is also necessary to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy. The most common complica...[Read More] Understanding Abortion Procedures and Future Fertility Concerns
Understanding Postpartum Hematoma: Impacts on Recovery and Diet
Postpartum uterine hematoma issues? Hello! I have a friend who will have a follow-up appointment 7 days after her cesarean section. The doctor mentioned that she has a condition of uterine hematoma and advised her to stop taking any traditional Chinese medicine, including herbs l...
Dr. Zhong Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question. Your physician's answer is correct. In the past, postpartum women often faced nutritional deficiencies due to a lack of social resources, which is why confinement meals were utilized to compen...[Read More] Understanding Postpartum Hematoma: Impacts on Recovery and Diet
Understanding Breech Presentation: Delivery Options and Hospital Recommendations
Abnormal fetal position Hello, doctor. My wife had normal deliveries for her first two pregnancies, but during the 31-week check-up of her third pregnancy, we found out that the baby is in an abnormal position. She is currently doing the knee-chest position exercises. If a cesare...
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, A-san: It is recommended to wait until 34 weeks to reassess your wife's condition and determine the fetal position. If the position is still not optimal, an external cephalic version may be attempted. In the case of a complete breech presentation, a vaginal delivery m...[Read More] Understanding Breech Presentation: Delivery Options and Hospital Recommendations
Understanding Bleeding and Pain During Pregnancy at 14 Weeks
14 weeks pregnant Hello, I am currently 14 weeks pregnant, but since the beginning of my pregnancy, I have experienced three episodes of significant bleeding, requiring the use of sanitary pads. After the bleeding, it turned into brown discharge that lasted for about a week. The ...
Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, your doctor found that a low-lying placenta is likely the reason for your increased risk of bleeding. A low-lying placenta can lead to bleeding, especially if there are contractions in the uterus, and the amount of bleeding may be significant. ...[Read More] Understanding Bleeding and Pain During Pregnancy at 14 Weeks
Understanding the Role of High-Level Ultrasound and Amniocentesis in Detecting Fetal Abnormalities
Can high-level ultrasound or amniocentesis determine the severity of fetal abnormalities? I had abnormal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in my second serum test, so I underwent a high-level ultrasound. Although the doctor examined for an hour and then discussed the findings with u...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
There is no need to worry excessively. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) often result in false positives, and if a high-level ultrasound does not reveal any abnormalities, it is usually considered normal. If there are still concerns, it is advisable to visit a medical ce...[Read More] Understanding the Role of High-Level Ultrasound and Amniocentesis in Detecting Fetal Abnormalities