Is Cord Blood Storage Necessary? Debunking Common Myths and Concerns
Issues related to umbilical cord blood? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a necessity to store umbilical cord blood. I have read online that some people say if a child has a problem and needs to use the umbilical cord blood, it may not be usable because the child...
Dr. Cao Guotao Reply:
Hello, umbilical cord blood should ideally be collected from oneself. Whether or not to do so depends on individual circumstances, similar to the concept of insurance—most of the time it may not be needed, but it can be very useful in case of certain conditions. Wishing you good ...[Read More] Is Cord Blood Storage Necessary? Debunking Common Myths and Concerns
Understanding Low Amniotic Fluid and Its Impact on Fetal Weight
Amniotic fluid weight Hello doctor, I am currently 37 weeks pregnant. During my check-up, the doctor mentioned that I have low amniotic fluid and that the fetal weight has decreased by one week. Will this affect the fetus? How can I replenish the amniotic fluid? Thank you.
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
1. Oligohydramnios is somewhat of a subjective term; a more objective method is to measure the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI). The pregnant woman's umbilicus is set as the center, and then the amniotic fluid depth is measured in centimeters in four quadrants: right upper, right ...[Read More] Understanding Low Amniotic Fluid and Its Impact on Fetal Weight
Can Cord Blood Be Stored If You Have Viral Hepatitis?
Umbilical cord blood issues If a person has viral hepatitis, can they store umbilical cord blood? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Kunmin Reply:
Hello, the umbilical cord blood is the blood from a newborn's umbilical cord, and it generally does not conflict with the mother's hepatitis status. The cord blood will be tested by the cord blood bank, and the clients will be informed whether it can be stored. Thank yo...[Read More] Can Cord Blood Be Stored If You Have Viral Hepatitis?
Understanding Low Fetal Weight in Twin Pregnancies: Risks and Remedies
Low fetal weight Hello, doctor. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with twins. The measured fetal weights are only 1300g and 1400g, which are considered underweight. However, I have undergone placental function tests, and the healthcare provider mentioned that contractions and feta...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Dear Mimi, Common reasons for low fetal weight include the following: First, there may be measurement errors in ultrasound assessments, which do not necessarily indicate that the fetal weight is truly low. It is advisable to have multiple measurements taken at different hospit...[Read More] Understanding Low Fetal Weight in Twin Pregnancies: Risks and Remedies
How to Determine Your Unborn Baby's Blood Type at 16 Weeks
What methods can be used to determine blood type? I am currently 16 weeks pregnant. What methods are available to determine the baby's blood type at this stage?
Dr. Yang Wangjun Reply:
Hello: Umbilical cord blood is the blood of the fetus, and testing umbilical cord blood can determine the blood type of the fetus. However, this is an invasive procedure that carries risks of infection and miscarriage, and it is generally not recommended to perform this type of t...[Read More] How to Determine Your Unborn Baby's Blood Type at 16 Weeks
Is It Safe to Go Past Your Due Date? Concerns About Induction
Emergency situation!!! Hello Doctor: My due date was September 20, but today is September 22, which means I am two days overdue. Is this a concern? I have seen a doctor for a cervical exam, but there has been no dilation. If I go over a week, I will need to be induced. Is there a...
Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: About one in ten pregnant women will go beyond their due date, which is usually not a concern. However, whether it is a concern or not must be determined by a physician based on several indicators such as amniotic fluid levels, umbilical cord blood flow, fetal movement cou...[Read More] Is It Safe to Go Past Your Due Date? Concerns About Induction
Concerns About Fetal Health: Understanding Growth and Amniotic Fluid Issues
Is the baby healthy? Hello: My wife is currently 28 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Ten days ago (July 17), she was hospitalized due to frequent contractions for bed rest. During her hospitalization, the baby was measured to be two weeks smaller (previously, at each prenatal check-up,...
Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
Hello: At 28 weeks, the amniotic fluid index (AFI) ranges from 94 mm to 228 mm. If your AFI is 0 + 0 + 15 + 20 = 35 mm, it indeed meets the criteria for oligohydramnios. First, early rupture of membranes should be ruled out. Next, a high-level ultrasound should be performed to ch...[Read More] Concerns About Fetal Health: Understanding Growth and Amniotic Fluid Issues
Do Expecting Mothers Need High-Level Ultrasounds? Costs and Options
Do all pregnant women need to undergo a high-level ultrasound? Do general pregnant women need to undergo a high-level ultrasound? What is the approximate cost? Additionally, which hospitals in central Taiwan have such equipment? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Wu Linting Reply:
Hello, generally, expectant mothers first undergo a basic ultrasound screening. If any potential issues are identified, a more detailed examination, known as a "high-level ultrasound," is performed. This includes serious conditions such as fetal growth restriction, poly...[Read More] Do Expecting Mothers Need High-Level Ultrasounds? Costs and Options
Certified Cord Blood Collection Centers in Taiwan: What You Need to Know
Collection of umbilical cord blood I'm sorry, but could you please let me know if there are any government-licensed or certified umbilical cord blood collection centers?
Dr. Wang Hanzhou Reply:
Currently, the Department of Health has a draft regulation regarding public cord blood centers (donation) and private cord blood storage centers, which will begin evaluation next year. Therefore, there is currently no facility in Taiwan that has been certified by the Department o...[Read More] Certified Cord Blood Collection Centers in Taiwan: What You Need to Know
The Importance of Cord Blood Banking: What You Need to Know
Umbilical cord blood Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the preservation of umbilical cord blood. What do you think is its importance?
Dr. Wu Zongcheng Reply:
(1) The significance of preserving umbilical cord blood lies in the presence of stem cells, which can be cultured to treat congenital diseases (such as congenital immunodeficiency and leukemia) in the event that the newborn has a congenital defect. (2) Direct umbilical cord blood...[Read More] The Importance of Cord Blood Banking: What You Need to Know