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what is toxoplasmosis and what does it have to do with pregnancy ?

pregnancy life — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:22:31 +0000

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that is spread by eating raw meat, infected meat or through contact with cat feces. While most of us are aware of being careful when handling or eating raw or infected meat, we may not be aware of the danger of handling cat excrement. While toxoplasmosis may not present any symptoms in a pregnant woman it can enter the placenta and affect an unborn baby. Infection with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can result in miscarriage or an infected baby at birth. While there are antibiotics available to treat the condition it is wise to be aware of the disease and to take appropriate preventive measures, particularly when handling or eating meat or when around cats. A pregnant woman for instance should not touch cat litter. Washing hands thoroughly is also advised.

what is alpha fetoprotein ?

pregnancy life — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:53:49 +0000

Alpha Fetoprotein (APF) is a substance produced by an unborn baby as it grows inside its mother’s uterus. A baby has the highest alpha fetaprotein level of any human. After birth APF levels decrease and reach a steady low level when the baby is about one year old. The function of APF in a fetus is to bind with the hormone estradiol. Testing for APF can indicate such pregnancy complications as spina bifida and ancephaly.

what is a fontanelle ?

pregnancy life — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:11:22 +0000

A fontanelle is a soft part on the crown of your baby’s head. Before your baby’s skull becomes bony and firm these soft spots allow the baby’s head to pass through the birth canal. For more information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontanelle

what is an endometrium and how does it change during pregnancy ?

pregnancy life — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:43:14 +0000

Endometrium – The endometrium is the uterine lining or inner membrane of the womb or uterus. Normally this lining is shed every month due to hormone changes that accompany a normal menstrual period. The endometrium grows back slowly until the next month when the cycle repeats itself. That is unless you are pregnant… During pregnancy, the endometrium glands and blood vessels increase in number and size and due to changing hormones and absense of a menstrual period the endometrium is not shed or lost. The lining becomes the foundation for the placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the embryo and fetus.