Understanding Amniocentesis: Procedure, Risks, and Costs Explained
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure used to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding a developing fetus. This fluid contains fetal cells and various substances that can provide important information Hello Dr. Peng, I would like to ask what amniocentesis is. How long does it...
Dr. Peng Yiguo Reply:
1. Amniocentesis is a procedure that involves using a needle to extract approximately 20cc of amniotic fluid from the amniotic cavity through the abdominal wall and uterus, which is then sent to the laboratory for cell culture and fetal chromosome analysis. It is currently the mo...[Read More] Understanding Amniocentesis: Procedure, Risks, and Costs Explained
Understanding Placenta Previa: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
Placenta previa Hello Doctor, during my wife's prenatal check-up at 20.5 weeks, the doctor mentioned a tendency for placenta previa, as part of the placenta is covering the cervix. The doctor advised to observe for four weeks (until 24 weeks) and to perform another ultrasoun...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, placenta previa refers to the condition where the placenta is located in the lower segment of the uterus, covering the internal cervical os. Diagnosis relies on ultrasound, and it can be classified into four types based on severity: complete p...[Read More] Understanding Placenta Previa: Risks, Treatment, and Prognosis
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
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
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
Understanding Abortion Options and Their Health Impacts
Regarding abortion? In August, I accidentally became pregnant, and I want to terminate the pregnancy. What methods are available, and how do they affect health?
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello, in response to your question. Current methods of abortion include surgical and medical procedures to terminate early pregnancies. According to Article 9 of the Maternal and Child Health Act, a pregnant woman may voluntarily undergo an abortion if diagnosed or proven to hav...[Read More] Understanding Abortion Options and Their Health Impacts
Can Pregnant Women Get Genital Warts Without Sexual Contact?
Can pregnancy cause cauliflower-like growths? I saw online that a pregnant woman developed warts, and she said her husband would never cheat on her because he is also afraid of getting sick. She consulted an obstetrician, but the doctor told her that pregnant women have more secr...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! 1. Genital warts are indeed transmitted through sexual intercourse. 2. Even without sexual activity, the virus that causes genital warts can be transmitted through contact with fingers, toilet seats, and other surfaces that come into contact with the genital area. However,...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Get Genital Warts Without Sexual Contact?
Understanding HPV: Lifelong Risks, Recurrence, and Pregnancy Concerns
Make sure to ask clearly? I would like to ask: If someone has had genital warts, is there a possibility of recurrence for a lifetime? In other words, will it stay with the patient for life? Is there a chance of complete cure? If there are no recurrences currently, how long should...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! Genital warts, commonly known as "cauliflower," are caused by sexual contact with a type of "human papillomavirus" (HPV). Many people carry this virus, but only a small number develop symptoms. Some individuals may retain the virus for decades, while ot...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Lifelong Risks, Recurrence, and Pregnancy Concerns
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy: Expert Insights and Recommendations
Breastfeeding during pregnancy Dear Dr. Lu: Regarding obstetrics and gynecology and its perspective on breastfeeding during pregnancy, what are your views and recommendations? I really want to continue breastfeeding; some experienced mothers on breastfeeding websites say it'...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello! 1. Currently, no significant adverse effects on the fetus have been observed. 2. Please pay attention to nutritional supplementation, which should be more than that of the average pregnant woman. 3. The act of breastfeeding stimulates the secretion of oxytocin in the body,...[Read More] Breastfeeding During Pregnancy: Expert Insights and Recommendations
Sex During Pregnancy: Impact of Orgasms on Your Baby's Health
Sex during pregnancy? Hello Dr. Huang: I am currently over 16 weeks pregnant, and my husband and I have continued our sexual activities as usual, although they are not as intense. However, I have heard that when a pregnant woman experiences orgasm, the baby may temporarily experi...
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
Dear readers: Engaging in moderate sexual activity during pregnancy is acceptable, but attention should be paid to the choice of positions after the mid-pregnancy stage. During orgasm, women may experience a state close to hypoxia, while the uterus is in a state of contraction. H...[Read More] Sex During Pregnancy: Impact of Orgasms on Your Baby's Health
Management of Varicella in Pregnant Women: Observation, Admission, or IVIG?
Varicella zoster virus A pregnant woman with a skin lesion of varicella should be closely monitored. The appropriate course of action would typically involve admission for observation, especially if there are concerns about the severity of the infection or potential complications...
Dr. Wang Hanzhou Reply:
The gestational age is the most critical concern regarding Varicella-Zoster virus infections. Infection acquired late in pregnancy can lead to severe neonatal disease. Mothers infected 5-15 days before delivery tend to give birth to infants who develop symptoms. When infection oc...[Read More] Management of Varicella in Pregnant Women: Observation, Admission, or IVIG?
Understanding Palpitations During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Palpitations? Hello Dr. Lu: I am a pregnant woman at 21 weeks, and for the past 1-2 weeks, I have frequently experienced palpitations. I have measured my blood pressure, which is within the normal range, but my heart rate has been between 100-120 beats per minute, compared to 70-...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Pregnant women may experience shortness of breath and even a sensation of asthma due to hormonal changes in their bodies. However, as long as their daily activities are not significantly affected and they do not experience breathlessness from walking or climbing stairs, there sho...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Can Pregnant Women Safely Receive Tetanus Shots? Understanding Risks
Can pregnant women receive the tetanus vaccine? Is there a possibility of side effects from the tetanus shot received by a pregnant woman (around four months pregnant)? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Changfu Reply:
Ms. Wang: Hello! There have been no clinical reports of adverse effects from tetanus toxoid injections on pregnant women and fetuses to date, so you can rest assured. The mortality rate from tetanus infection can be as high as 60%, and this applies to pregnant women as well. Teta...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Safely Receive Tetanus Shots? Understanding Risks
Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy: What to Know
During pregnancy testing, blood sugar levels were slightly elevated? Hello doctor, a few days ago during my routine prenatal check-up, I found out that my blood sugar levels were elevated. This is the second time my blood sugar has been high, but I have been managing my weight we...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
You can undergo an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) between 28 to 30 weeks of pregnancy. This involves consuming 50 grams of glucose solution, followed by fasting blood glucose tests at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours. Your physician will help interpret the results to determine if...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy: What to Know
Can German Measles Vaccine Affect Baby's Health If Pregnant Soon After?
Will a baby be deformed if the German measles vaccine is administered within two months before pregnancy? If a woman becomes pregnant within two months after receiving the German measles (rubella) vaccine, there is generally no increased risk of birth defects in the baby. The rub...
Dr. Wang Jionglang Reply:
Hello, Miss Wu. If a pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus during the first three months of pregnancy, the virus can cross the placenta and cause various congenital defects (such as heart, eye, and brain abnormalities). The side effects of the vaccine are quite rare, ...[Read More] Can German Measles Vaccine Affect Baby's Health If Pregnant Soon After?
Are Toner Emissions from Copiers Harmful to Pregnant Women and Fetuses?
Is the toner released by photocopiers harmful to fetuses and pregnant women? I would like to ask if my wife, who is 31 weeks pregnant, will be adversely affected by sitting next to a photocopier due to a recent workplace relocation. Is the toner released by the photocopier harmfu...
Dr. Wu Zongcheng Reply:
Long-term exposure to large amounts of carbon dust can have chronic effects on the human body, but it does not specifically pose adverse effects on pregnant women. By 31 weeks of gestation, fetal development is already well-formed, and there is no concern for fetal malformations....[Read More] Are Toner Emissions from Copiers Harmful to Pregnant Women and Fetuses?
Is Rabies Vaccine Safe for Early Pregnant Women and Their Fetuses?
Is it harmful to the fetus if a pregnant woman (approximately within 20 days) receives a rabies vaccine? Rabies vaccine is an inactivated (killed) vaccine. It is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is not associated with fetal development issues. If the vaccination occ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Rabies is a fatal disease, and theoretically, any pregnant woman can receive inactivated vaccines.[Read More] Is Rabies Vaccine Safe for Early Pregnant Women and Their Fetuses?
Understanding Morning Sickness: Causes, Risk Factors, and Relief Options
Morning sickness Which body types are more prone to experiencing morning sickness? Why do some individuals experience this phenomenon while others do not? Besides medication, are there other methods to alleviate it?
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. Any pregnant woman may experience morning sickness, which is caused by hormonal secretion that can vary in severity from mild to severe. 2. Aside from medication, there are no other effective methods; some advocate that massaging the Nei Guan acupoint (located on the wrist) is...[Read More] Understanding Morning Sickness: Causes, Risk Factors, and Relief Options
Breastfeeding with Hepatitis B: Key Considerations for New Mothers
Breastfeeding for Hepatitis B Carriers Postpartum My wife is currently 25 years old and is a carrier of hepatitis B due to vertical transmission. She is now 23 weeks pregnant, with an estimated due date around April 7th next year. I would like to ask the following questions: 1....
Dr. Wang Hanzhou Reply:
1. The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent both vertical and horizontal transmission. I am not sure if it can achieve 100% prevention, but it can at least prevent a significant number of infections. 2. Administering vitamin K injection (VIFK) immediately after birth can reduce the ri...[Read More] Breastfeeding with Hepatitis B: Key Considerations for New Mothers
Amniocentesis for Pregnant Women Over 35: Government Subsidy Guide
Amniocentesis Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to inquire whether a general pregnant woman aged 35 years or older (born on January 4, 1954) is eligible for government subsidies for amniocentesis. If so, how can she apply for this assistance? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. If you are only 35 years old or older, the subsidy is 2,000 NT dollars. 2. If you are 35 years old and live in a remote area, the subsidy is 5,500 NT dollars. Remote areas include Shui-Li, Hsin-Yi, Yu-Chi, Jen-Ai, Chung-Liao, Lu-Gu, Guo-Hsing Township, etc. If you have further...[Read More] Amniocentesis for Pregnant Women Over 35: Government Subsidy Guide