"This is the best present ever!" – baby
That the risks of fetal and neonatal strokes can be greatly minimized by optimizing placental function through intense maternal treatment?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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As a physician practicing for over 20 years, I have encountered countless questions and have heard infinite concerns from mothers and their families about everything from smoking during pregnancy to what sort of music may or may not be harmful to the development of a baby’s ears. Hopefully, going through this list will ease some of your worries, or in the least inform you as to what you should and should not be concerned about. - Alexander D. Kofinas, MD
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What is it that I should worry the most about?
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Nothing. There is absolutely nothing that should be worrying you during your pregnancy, other than perhaps keeping an open mind. Worrying suggests stress, and stress is one of the worst things for your body and for your baby. Let your doctor and your family do all the worrying for you; I guarantee you it will be more than enough to go around. |
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I often dye my hair. I have heard that this can be dangerous to the baby’s health. Is this true?
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So far there is no substantial evidence to support the theory that dying one’s hair during pregnancy is harmful to the baby. However, because beauty related products are not regulated it is impossible to know for sure what is and is not harmful. For this reason, we recommend that women avoid using such products entirely during the first trimester and only sparingly during the subsequent 6 months of pregnancy. |
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Does sitting out in the sun pose a threat to my baby?
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For the most part, the answer is no. However, because during pregnancy the maternal skin vessels are dilated to help the mother eliminate the additional heat produced by the baby, pregnant women are more prone to suffering heat strokes if they remain in the sun for an excessive period of time (in this case sunscreen does not help). It is therefore recommended that pregnant women avoid direct sun exposure for more than a few minutes at a time. |
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What is the placenta?
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To best understand the PlacentaPlacenta:
A membranous vascular organ that develops in female mammals during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus. we must first try to understand the nature of the baby in utero. From the instant of conception to the moment of birth the baby never once comes in direct contact with the mother, yet it is fully dependent on the mother for its survival. How is this possible? The answer is the PlacentaPlacenta:
A membranous vascular organ that develops in female mammals during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus. . Because most of the baby's organs like its kidneys and lungs are non-functional (in practical terms, though they do exhibit some elementary form of functionality) during the first 9 months in utero, the baby depends on the mother's equivalent organs for its own survival. If the baby wants to rid itself of waste it must do so through the mother. Likewise, if the baby wishes to breath, in other words to circulate oxygen throughout its body, it must obtain that oxygen from the mother. Most people know about the umbilical cord and how it is a "life line" between the mother and child, but what many people do not realize is that the umbilical cord is nothing more than a hallway or tunnel facilitating the two-way transportation of vital nutrients or harmful wastes to and from the fetus, all of which are filtered through the PlacentaPlacenta:
A membranous vascular organ that develops in female mammals during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus. . The PlacentaPlacenta:
A membranous vascular organ that develops in female mammals during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus. itself is much like an organic sponge but one, which grows as the baby grows, and whose porous spots are constantly filled with blood from the mother. The organic part of the PlacentaPlacenta:
A membranous vascular organ that develops in female mammals during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus. therefore acts much like the revolving door of an office building, facilitating the transfer of nutrients and wastes from the blood supplies of the mother and fetus. You can have all the tunnels you want leading up to a building's doors; if the doors are locked then everyone in the building will starve. |
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Is it safe to fly during my pregnancy?
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For all practical purposes, the answer to this question is yes. However, some concerns have been raised regarding exposure to cosmic radiation as well as clotting and dehydration during the course of a flight. Regarding exposure to cosmic radiation, the available studies were poorly conducted and dealt only with flight attendants and frequent flyers. There is no evidence to suggest that occasional air travel increases the risk of health problems to the fetus. Because pregnancy increases the affinity for clot formation, the immobile nature of long flights may lead to blood clots in the legs. This condition may in turn be aggravated by the low humidity level in the cabin, leading to dehydration, which in turn leads blood thickening and clot formation. However, if patients make sure to keep themselves hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol consumption, as well as getting up from their seats ever 1-2 hours they should not experience any problem. It is also important to note that any pregnancy, including those identified as low-risk, may spontaneously develop into a high-risk pregnancy. If this were to occur during a flight, it could potentially pose a threat to the baby. However, this can happen anywhere and flying certainly does not increase the probabilities of it occurring. |
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What does it mean when a procedure is outpatient?
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An outpatient procedure is one that does not require overnight hospital stay. Occasionally and due to complications an outpatient procedure may require overnight hospital admission. |
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Is it true that while pregnant, one should avoid contact with cats?
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Cats are often believed to be potential carriers of a disease known as ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis:
a) a congenital disease characterized by lesions of the central nervous system that can cause blindness and brain damage.
b) an acquired disease characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and lesions in the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. . ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis:
a) a congenital disease characterized by lesions of the central nervous system that can cause blindness and brain damage.
b) an acquired disease characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and lesions in the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. is a parasitic infection that is not harmful to adults but may cause major damage to the developing fetus. If the mother has never been exposed to ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis:
a) a congenital disease characterized by lesions of the central nervous system that can cause blindness and brain damage.
b) an acquired disease characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and lesions in the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. before and encounters it for the first time during pregnancy, then her fetus is at risk for infection. If the mother, however, has been exposed to the ParasiteParasite:
An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host. before her pregnancy then she is most likely immune and therefore the risk to her baby is negligible (immunity can be confirmed by blood tests). If you feel that, for any reason, that your baby may have been infected you should immediately see a Maternal-Fetal-Medicine specialist for confirmation. |
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Does working long hours in front of a computer screen harm the baby?
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Computer monitors emit electromagnetic radiation. So does the human body. The amount emitted is minimal and clinically insignificant. However, a rule of thumb is to keep your body at arm’s length when you have to spend long hours in front of a monitor. |
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I had my first child only 13 months ago and I am now pregnant again. Is this too early, and may it result in pregnancy complications?
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Theoretically your body is ready for another pregnancy when your menstrual cycle resumes after childbirth. If your first pregnancy was uncomplicated and your health in general has been normal, then 13 months is more than enough time. If however, your previous pregnancy was complicated and depending on the type of complications, it is important to consult with your Obstetrician about any time related restrictions that may exist. |
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What causes high AFP?
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Because Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. normally finds its way into the maternal circulation via the AmnioticAmniotic:
Of or related to the amnion or characterized by developing an amnion; "amniotic membrane" fluid, anything that increases the amount of Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. in the former will consequently amplify the concentration of Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. in the latter. Such conditions include, open neural tube defects (spina bifida and AnencephalyAnencephaly:
Congenital absence of most of the brain. ) , abdominal wall defects (OmphaloceleOmphalocele:
Congenital herniation of viscera into the base of the umbilical cord. and GastroschisisGastroschisis:
A congenital fissure in the abdominal wall usually accompanied by protrusion of the viscera. ) , sacrococcygeal teratomas (tumors of the lower spine), and other anatomical defects. Excessive fetal urine levels of Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. can occur in cases of fetal renal damage where the kidneys excrete abundant amounts of Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. . One such condition is called Finnish Nephrosis and is extremely rare (1 in 3000 individuals of Finnish descent). Some conditions may also increase maternal SerumSerum:
Also called blood serum. The clear yellowish fluid obtained upon separating whole blood into its solid and liquid components after it has been allowed to clot. Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. in ways other than through the AmnioticAmniotic:
Of or related to the amnion or characterized by developing an amnion; "amniotic membrane" fluid. In such cases, the Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. finds its way into the maternal circulation directly through the damaged placental vessels. This damage may be the result of endothelial inflammation and breakdown, which leads to leakage of fetal Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. into the maternal VascularVascular:
of or relating to or having vessels that conduct and circulate fluids, such as blood. space. This may be the most dangerous of all conditions, because it is commonly linked to placental failure with all the usual consequences ranging from fetal growth failure to fetal death. A study in Great Britain recently found that there is a direct relationship between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and elevated Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. . In most instances of elevated Alpha-fetoproteinAlpha-fetoprotein:
A protein produced in the liver of a fetus that can appear in certain diseases of adults. Its level in a pregnant woman's blood can be used in the detection of certain fetal abnormalities. due to placental damage, the initial cause is placental ThrombosisThrombosis:
Formation or presence of a thrombus; clotting within a blood vessel which may cause infarction of tissues supplied by the vessel. brought on by acquired or genetic thrombophilia. |
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