Home fetal Doppler monitors allow expectant parents to listen to their baby’s heartbeat between doctor’s appointments. They are easy to use, non-invasive, and come in a variety of models with varying prices. They are not meant to replace prenatal care. Doctors have used Doppler fetal monitors since the early 1960s as an integral part of […]
Fetal age is the age of the fetus from conception and is determined by ultrasound or date of conception. It helps doctors monitor fetal growth, establish due dates, and determine necessary prenatal care and medical treatments. Fetal age is the actual age of the fetus in the womb from the time of conception onwards. It […]
Fetal fibronectin is a protein that helps bind the fetal membrane and the lining of the uterus together during pregnancy. It is also a useful diagnostic marker for preterm delivery, as the fetal fibronectin test can determine whether a woman is at risk of giving birth prematurely. A positive test does not necessarily mean premature […]
Fetal screening tests are used to detect complications or abnormalities in a fetus during pregnancy. Tests range from minimally invasive to invasive, and can include blood tests, physical exams, and ultrasounds. False negatives and positives can occur, and further testing is usually recommended. Genetic counselors can provide information about implications and future pregnancies. Maternal screening […]
Fetal images are taken through ultrasound technology to monitor fetal development and give parents a first look at their unborn child. Ultrasound emits sound waves to create images and is generally safe for pregnant women, but caution should be taken to avoid non-medical reasons. Diagnostic fetal imaging is done using two-dimensional image projection, but three-dimensional […]
A fetal nonstress test monitors the fetal heart rate after the 28th week of pregnancy to check for potential complications. The test is non-invasive and involves monitoring the heart rate in response to fetal movement. Follow-up tests may be needed if the fetus is nonresponsive. The test is recommended for high-risk pregnancies, concerns about the […]
Electronic fetal monitoring tracks the heart rate of the fetus and can monitor uterine contractions during labor. External monitoring uses ultrasound waves and can be used to evaluate the fetus during labor. Internal monitoring is more accurate and uses a small electrode attached to the scalp of the fetus. Electronic certification is required for healthcare […]
Fetal ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to monitor the development and health of an unborn baby. It can detect abnormalities and determine the baby’s sex, and is a routine part of prenatal care. It is not painful and does not carry the risks of X-rays. A fetal ultrasound, also called a […]
Fetal movements are important indicators of fetal health, with doctors using “kick counts” and ultrasounds to monitor them. The first movements are usually felt between 14 and 22 weeks, but lack of movement doesn’t always indicate a problem. Mothers should track their baby’s movements and notify a doctor if there is a decrease in activity. […]
The normal fetal heart rate varies during pregnancy, but a range of 120-180 bpm is considered normal. Abnormalities could indicate fetal distress or abnormal development, and a low heart rate in early pregnancy may signal a possible miscarriage. Fetal monitoring is usually done externally, but internal monitoring may be necessary in some cases. The normal […]
Fetal movement begins around 7-9 weeks after conception and can be felt by the mother between 16-22 weeks. Movement includes bending, stretching, kicking, and punching. During the third trimester, movement is quite strong, and the fetus can even move to the beat of music or a familiar voice. The fetus moves 50 times or more […]
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a group of disorders caused by alcohol exposure in utero, leading to permanent birth defects and developmental disorders. There is no cure, and diagnosis can only be made after birth. Treatment is nonspecific and varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the clinical […]
There are over 4,000 types of birth defects, with heart defects and oral clefts being common. Fetal defects can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, and medication. Heart defects are the most common, affecting 1 in 100 births. Down syndrome occurs in 1 in 800 births, while spina bifida affects 1 in 2,500 births. When […]
A fetal stethoscope allows people to listen to a fetal heartbeat, but it’s not always audible and failure to listen isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. It’s a quick and easy way to listen to the heart and can be useful in regions where ultrasound and other tools may not be available. Another device known as […]
Decreased fetal movement can occur naturally but may also indicate a problem. Patients should discuss changes in fetal activity with their obstetricians and use the pregnancy kick count to establish a baseline. A decrease in fetal movement can indicate a circulation problem or fetal death. Patients should report decreased fetal movement to their doctor and […]
Fetal distress can occur during pregnancy or labor and is characterized by signs of disease or abnormal conditions in the fetus. Symptoms include decreased fetal movement and changes in heart rate, often caused by oxygen deprivation. Doctors may monitor the baby’s heart rate and may induce labor or perform an emergency C-section if necessary. Certain […]
A fetal stress test measures a baby’s heart rate and movement using two belts on the mother’s belly. It is given to women at least 28 weeks pregnant and can detect problems with the placenta or umbilical cord. The test is non-invasive and has no risks or side effects. Results are classified as reactive or […]
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the leading cause of preventable physical and mental birth defects in the US. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a general term for children affected by maternal alcohol use while in the womb. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a specific group of developmental and physical problems that can affect a […]
Fetal hiccups are normal and occur when the diaphragm contracts due to breathing in amniotic fluid. They may help regulate heart rate and practice the suck and swallow reflex. However, doctors may be concerned if hiccups suddenly increase, as it could indicate a problem with the umbilical cord. Fetal hiccups occur when an unborn baby’s […]
The fetal fibronectin test detects the presence of a protein in cervical secretions, indicating the potential for premature birth. It requires a cervical swab and results are usually available within 24 hours. Treatment options may include bed rest, medication, or steroid injections to prevent premature birth. A fetal fibronectin test is done to determine if […]
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