This later afternoon, I received a phone call from prenatal image center that the risk of my babies to have Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome was within normative range.

The risk percentage was not as good as three years ago when I had DD (see The first trimester test), but it made sense considering currently I was categorized as “older woman” and carrying twins.

Still, it made me happy and relieved to know that my babies passed the first-trimester prenatal screening or Nuchal Translucency Test!

Healthy Pregnancy | April 15, 2011 7:23 pm | Comments (2)

During yesterday’s pregnancy routine visit, the doctor gave me a warning. He told me, although my blood pressure was acceptable (122/80), and there was so protein in the urine, he found I had gained too much weight (40 pounds already). Besides, there was a trace of suger showing in my urine. Even I passed the [...]

eat healthily, From Lina, gaining weight during pregnancy, Healthy Pregnancy, Late-Pregnancy | April 24, 2008 6:45 am | Comments (0)

A few months ago, US toy company and Chinese toy manufacturer recalled millions of toys sold in the US, due to the excess lead on the paintings of the surface of the toys. Why lead is so dangerous and harmful for people, especially children? The hand-outs from my practitioner gave me detailed information about the [...]

Healthy Pregnancy | February 20, 2008 7:56 am | Comments (0)

I never smoke and don’t drink any alcohol. But when my practitioner handed me the materials about the information of the damage of alcohol, drugs, smoking to pregnancy, I still carefully read it over. I think this information might benefit other expectant mothers; therefore I share this information here, hoping it will be helpful to [...]

Healthy Pregnancy | February 14, 2008 2:08 pm | Comments (0)

Today Grandma (M’s mother) accompanied me to go back to the prenatal imaging center to have another ultrasound on the baby. “Hopefully, we don’t need to go back to that place.” Grandma said. I know what she means. “I hope so”. I said. “Don’t worry. The doctor said the cyst would go away.” Waiting quietly [...]

cpc, Healthy Pregnancy, Mid-Pregnancy | February 5, 2008 3:51 pm | Comments (0)

This month is my sixth month of gestation. The tummy bump is quite obvious. How to wear seat belt and feel comfortable at the same time is becoming an issue. The following are the tips told by my practitioner. Hope they are helpful to other mothers-to-be. Don’t wear the seatbelt or shoulder harness high over [...]

Healthy Pregnancy, Mid-Pregnancy | February 4, 2008 8:06 am | Comments (0)

Besides healthy eating, there are some special concerns my practitioner told me to be careful with. I put down into today’s post and share with you. Hope these tips will help you too!

Special concerns:

Weight Gain: Pregnancy is NOT the time to lose weight, even if you are overweight. During pregnancy, the average weight gain for a normal weight female is 25-35 pounds.

Typically, you will gain 1-3 pounds in the first 3 months and approximately ¾ -1 pound per week the remainder of your pregnancy.

Healthy Pregnancy, Pregnancy | January 30, 2008 7:34 am | Comments (0)

Fetal/prenatal education, in my understanding, is a comprehensive system including creating a solid physical foundation and friendly emotional environment for the baby. Therefore, providing a balanced nutrition and physical well-being to the baby is part of the fetal/prenatal education.

A balanced diet is more than simply increase how much you eat. You need to consider what to eat during pregnancy. Your body needs increased amounts of vitamins, protein, minerals and calories. It is important to eat a diet based on these increased needs to make sure you are getting the proper nutritional and daily recommendations from each food group.

It is essential to follow these simple guidelines to ensure a healthy pregnancy. You are responsible for making healthy choices for both you and your baby.

The following Food Guide Pyramid is the advice given from my practitioner. I present here to share with other mothers-to-be. Hope it may help you achieve a healthy eating!

Healthy Pregnancy, Pregnancy | January 29, 2008 8:34 am | Comments (0)

On December 31, 2007, the last day of last year, I received the second trimester genetic screening test—Quad Screen AFP. The Quad Screen detects up to 70%-79% of Down syndrome cases, 60% of trisomy 18 cases and 80% of open neural tube defects.

Based on the brochure of prenatal screening from Quest Diagnostics, Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome number 21. Babies with Down syndrome have a distinct physical appearance and some degree of mental retardation. Overall, out of every 800 pregnancies, approximately 1 will carry a baby with Down syndrome (trisomy 21). The number of Down syndrome cases increases with maternal age.

Healthy Pregnancy, Pregnancy | January 18, 2008 2:31 pm | Comments (0)

According to Wikipedia, constipation is very common in pregnancy. It is caused by decreased bowel motility secondary to elevated progesterone (normal in pregnancy), which can lead to greater absorption of water.

I had twice too. The first happened in the first month. It was terrible. The second one caused my first bleeding in the 13th week of gestation. Therefore, I pay great attention not to have constipation again. And so far I remain quite regular.

The below tips are from my personal experience:

Healthy Pregnancy, Pregnancy | January 17, 2008 2:32 pm | Comments (2)