Are ultrasounds safe during pregnancy?

I have been reading up a bit on ultrasound scans during pregnancy. For both of my pregnancies, I've only had one. It was at 20 weeks and called the "Fetal anatomy scan". For Tucker's pregnancy, my doctor said I should only "need" one during my pregnancy if everything progressed normally. I didn't need one in the 1st trimester because I knew when my last menstrual cycle was and had multiple positive pregnancy tests, so there was no need to "verify the pregnancy" by ultrasound. I'm so thankful that I had a doctor who was more hands on, and didn't rely on or force ultrasound technology. Not only is it expensive ($700 at Dean clinic in Madison!!!), but I later discovered that it sends sound waves to the fetus and can potentially cause physiological effects. Although there is no hard evidence yet, there is a lot of controversy over the necessity and safety of ultrasound technology during pregnancy. 


Of course, there are high risk situations where ultrasound is very necessary, throughout the entire pregnancy. Where the benefits outweigh the risks. I'm more referring to low risk pregnancies.


I have plenty of friends who tell me that they've had an ultrasound as early as 6 weeks, to "verify the pregnancy". I'm curious why their doctors are performing these scans so early in the pregnancy, even though the woman knows when her last menstrual cycle was and the pregnancy seems to be low risk so far? 


The following text is found from an article I found from an MD: http://www.drbenkim.com/articles-ultrasound-pregnancy.html. There are plenty more resources out there, this is just one example.


"These sound waves are capable of producing the following physiological effects:

-Increase in blood flow and temperature in local tissues
-Production of gas bubbles that can put pressure on local tissues
-Mechanical effects like movement of the fluid that surrounds your cells, which can also put pressure on local tissues

Before you allow ultrasound scanning to be performed during pregnancy, please consider the following points:


-Ultrasound scanning of pregnant women has been shown to significantly increase the likelihood of miscarriage, preterm labor, and even infant mortality. 

-Pregnant physiotherapists who provided ultrasound treatments for more than 20 hours per week were found to have an increased risk for spontaneous abortions. 

-One of the reasons used to support ultrasound scanning for pregnant women is that it can help to diagnose a condition called placental praevia. This is a condition where the placenta is implanted in the lower part of a woman's uterus, which can cause bleeding in the third trimester and increase her chance of being encouraged to have a cesarean section. A study of 4000 women found that of 250 women who were scanned and diagnosed with placental praevia, only 4 actually had placental praevia upon delivery. Who knows how many unnecessary cesareans have been done and how much needless anxiety women have experienced due to incorrect diagnoses of placental praevia wiith ultrasound? 

-Using ultrasound scanning to detect serious problems before birth does not necessarily save lives or reduce illness. There is evidence to suggest that using ultrasound to attempt to detect problems while a baby is in the womb can do more harm than good. 

-There is evidence to support that children who have been exposed to ultrasound while in their mothers' bellies have a greater chance of suffering from dyslexia and other speech and learning problems than children who have not been exposed to ultrasound."

 I decided with both my pregnancies, that I did want at least one ultrasound to make sure the placenta was in the right spot and to be prepared if there was something wrong with my baby. Just my personal choice. 

I'm not saying that I believe everything this particular doctor has to say. There is still a lot of research to be done.This is just something to be aware of and think about. It shouldn't cause you fear. I found this topic very interesting and was just recently made aware of it. It never hurts to question things. Remember, you have a choice and cannot be forced into anything you don't feel comfortable with :) 

34 weeks maternity shoot (Sneak peak)

Summer fun!

33 week check up

I had my 33 week check up with my midwife this last Friday afternoon. Since about 27 weeks, we've been meeting every 2 weeks. My appointment was supposed to be Thursday, but my midwife had to reschedule due to another baby being born a few hours earlier. It was the 3rd one in a week! Plus another one was born  Saturday night! Very exciting.


The check up went great. We talked about nutrition, trouble sleeping, postpartum fears, future appointments, the upcoming Group B Strep test, etc. The baby was very active for the entire appointment. Probably because I was sitting and relaxing for a while. The heart beat sounded great, I measured at 34.5cm, and the baby is positioned head down. I asked if she could tell how about how much the baby would weigh when she was born. She predicted about the same as Tucker, which was 7 lbs 2 oz. Everything looks great!


I recently discovered that I have gestational diabetes with this pregnancy. What a bummer! After doing a couple urine glucose tests and a few days of the glucose monitor, it was confirmed.


"Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can block insulin from doing its job." "When this happens, glucose levels may increase in a pregnant woman's blood." Usually, glucose levels will go back to normal a few weeks after the baby is born.


What am I going to do? Gestational Diabetes can usually be maintained by improving your diet and exercise and avoid any harm to the baby. I'm lucky enough to have a midwife who knows a lot about nutrition. I think she even has a degree in it. We've been working together to help improve my glucose levels, by keeping track of what I eat and adding some exercise each day.


I have to limit not only sugary sweets(little to nothing), but also carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and other grains. Even fruit, which even though has natural sugar...is still sugar and can make my glucose levels sky rocket! If I do eat grains, they need to be whole grains; which we pretty much have always eaten anyway. No sugary/nutrition-less Wonderbread in this house, EVER! For example, instead of having a turkey sandwich on 2 slices of whole wheat bread, I'll either have it in a 1/2 pita pocket or a 1/2 spinach wrap. It's half the carbs! I am a chip lover, I have to admit. So it looks like I'll have to be limiting those as well. So far, I've been replacing chips with nuts. Also, very little fast food/dining out.


In the long run, I'm really glad I did the Gestational Diabetes test. It was depressing at first, but its pushed me into living a healthier lifestyle. It will not only help maintain glucose levels in this pregnancy, but positively impact the health of my family and I throughout our entire lives. 


A couple things she suggested to help me, was a cookbook called, "Feeding the Whole Family" and also to watch the documentary "The Weight of the Nation". I'm looking into both. I've always been interested in nutrition, but this is just another boost to get going!


The next appointment is our home visit! Very exciting! I've been in baby prep mode for a few weeks now. This week I plan to make "Energy Bites" for the birth and after, make my own Witch Hazel ice pack pads, and also make a casserole dish to freeze for the postpartum days.

Pregnancy Questionnaire

How far along? 34 weeks
Due date: August 30th, 2012
Baby #? 2nd child
Symptoms? Braxton Hicks contractions, VERY frequent urination, trouble sleeping, sore varicose veins, easily fatigued, sore feet, etc.
Fetal Movement? Yes! But as my midwife said, it's more like Tai Chi instead of Karate :)
Cravings? This is hard because of the GD diagnosis. I've always loved turkey wraps, so I guess I'll say that.
Gender of baby: GIRL!
Doctor or Midwife: Certified Nurse Midwife
Hospital or home birth? Planned home birth
Mood? "Nesting". Emotional ups and downs. Easily stressed.
Looking forward to: Getting all the baby prep done so I can feel more at ease. Also, our baby girl could be here in as little as 3 weeks!

5 baby products NOT to buy used

Don't get me wrong, I love buying lots of things used. Including almost all of my son's clothes. I pretty much shop resale all the time. But some items should never be bought used, due to safety. Consumer Reports doesn't list a stroller here, but I would. There has been a lot of strollers recalled in the past and who knows how "gently" the stroller was used. Check it out.

Don't buy these 5 baby products used

Want to save money? Preowned baby products can be a bargain. But for some items, like those we list here, you’ll want to buy new because it’s safer.
Don’t buy a used…
Play yard. Why? Newer models are more likely to meet current voluntary safety standards, which address problems of earlier models. Older, used models may have a top-rail hinge that can collapse, forming a steep, V-shaped angle that puts children at risk of being trapped or strangled, or they may have been recalled for one problem or another.
Car seat. A used seat may have been in a crash or recalled. The manufacturer’s instructions may be missing. If you must use a secondhand seat, avoid those with an unknown history or that are older than 6 years. In the world of car seats, a 6-year-old model is a relic--and risky.
Crib. Older models may not meet current safety standards or may be in disrepair. If you must use an older crib, avoid those built before 2000, about a year after the latest voluntary standards for slat-attachment strength took effect. Check the manufacture date on the crib label, which is required by law. Currently, 12 states have laws banning the sale of unsafe used cribs or prohibiting their use in child-care facilities. Your state may have such a law.
Breast pump. We’ve said it before--using a preowned pump is like sharing someone else’s toothbrush. It’s unhygienic. And unless a breast pump is a hospital-grade rental, it’s only meant for one user anyway.
Soft infant carrier. Strap-on carriers and slings have been subject to recalls, so buy new to ensure that you’re carrying your baby safely. Even with a new model, check the straps, snaps and other closures regularly to be sure they’re in good working order.
To play it even safer, make sure any used baby product you’re considering hasn’t been recalled. For the latest recall information, visit www.recalls.gov. When buying new, send in the registration card so you’ll be alerted to any recalls automatically.

A candid list of things to do in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

A friend of mine found this blog with a post about "things to do" in the last few weeks of pregnancy. I will definitely be making the PADSICLES!  “CAN SOMEONE PLEASE BRING ME A PADSICLE!!!!” lol! 


http://dearbabyblog.com/post/4718750068/a-candid-list-of-things-to-do-in-the-last-weeks-of

"I spent way too much time worrying about how many outfits I had for Everly, and that we had her nursery in tip top shape and a shelf full of things like diaper ointment, baby sunscreen, and 4 different kinds of pacifier - and most of it didn’t get touched for months and months after she was born. I basically refused to go into labor until I was satisfied with the pile of onesies and hair accessories I had for her. This go round, with lessons learned, I’ve been thinking about what I really, truly need to be doing to prepare for those first insane weeks once we bring Arlo home:

1. Bring in a cleaning service to do a good deep clean. I am always on the lookout for half price house cleaning services on Groupon and have been saving one of them specifically for this purpose. I want them to focus on those things that probably won’t get too much attention for the next month or two - scrubbing our tub and toilet, wiping down baseboards, and dusting everything.

2. Clean out the fridge and freezer. Friends and family are always so kind and thoughtful in the days and weeks after a baby is born and often bring over meals to heat up and ones to toss in the freezer for later. Having lots of space available to store prepared meals will be required. 

3. Stock up on hand soap. With Everly, I was always asking “Do you mind washing your hands first?” to anyone who visited and wanted to hold her. Between guests, and ourselves, we went through hand soap like crazy the first few months! So this time, I’ll have a few extra bottles stored in advance.

4. (TMI - but truth) Load up on big, giant maxi pads. yes, the ones you wore in eighth grade. Depending on where you deliver, they may send you home with a good amount after the baby is born - but trust me, you’ll go through them faster than you think. I had to send Brent to the grocery store several times in those early weeks with instructions to “find the biggest ones they have” and bless his heart, he always did it… but this time, I’m making sure I’ve got plenty stored up in advance.

5. Put a waterproof crib liner under the sheets on my side of the bed.Look, I know this one is weird too - but I’m hitting 37 weeks on Wednesday and I don’t want to have to trash our feather bed if my water breaks in the middle of the night.

6. Put together a folder with all contact information for both our insurance and my maternity paid leave.  I had to sit on the phone way too long in the first days after Everly was born trying to navigate who I was supposed to call to let them know that Everly needed to be added our insurance policy and what documentation and info was needed for me to start receiving my maternity leave pay. This time I’m putting all the documenation in one place and making those “what do I do next?” calls in advance so I’ll know just what to do once Arlo arrives.

7. A “go-time” email to friends and family. We’re designating a person on each side of our family to contact everyone else and let them know when I go into labor. We’ve got a friend lined up to check on the dogs, and friends/grandparents on standby to care for Everly when I go into labor. This week I’ll send out an email laying out what the plan of action is for each person so everyone is crystal clear and we don’t have to worry about it while I’m huffing and puffing through contractions.

What would you add to the list? What was the one thing you wish you’d done in advance to make your adjustment easier after your new baby was born?

Edit:

I want to add some of the best recommendations from other moms as they come in. This is just a handfull - there are more in the comments, be sure to read them all!

8. Full bottomed, comfortable cotton underwear or boy shorts that you won’t mind tossing later. Actually - just go ahead and buy them in black. Have at least 6 pairs. Maybe more.  Your super cute bikinis just won’t cut it in those early weeks, and you don’t want to ruin them anyway.

Oh readers. You guys are good. I love these reccomendations. BRING ON THE TMI, I SAY!!!!

9. Make a few padsicles! (Thanks to Meg for this terminology) Pour witch hazel on some of those monster pads and pop them in the freezer. So amazing in those early days when your lady biz needs some relief.  Plus it’d be really fun to yell out from the bathroom “CAN SOMEONE PLEASE BRING ME A PADSICLE!!!!” And while I’m thinking out loud here - make sure you place them on the opposite side of the freezer from Aunt Suzie’s casserole, no need to intermingle dinner with your frozen feminine care products.

10. From Imperfect Bird:  For second time moms: have a date night with your older child! “I did this with my first son in the last couple weeks of my second pregnancy.  I was feeling so tired and miserable, I knew he wasn’t getting the best of me and I really wanted to make him feel special!  So we went out to Sonic one night to get slushies…I let him stay up a little late since he was going to be a big brother ;-) and we talked about our favorite memories and what it was going to be like when the baby came.  Hands down one of my BEST memories of pregnancy! “  -  I LOVE this recommendation! I’m making a note to schedule some extra special one on one time with Everly.

Love,

M"

The birth kit

My birth kit arrived a couple weeks ago! I've never been so excited to see medical supplies :)

Included: 

• 1 pkg sanitary pads
• 15 deluxe underpads
• 1 peri bottle
• 2 sanitary panties
• 1 disposable tape measure
• 1 herbal sitz bath-wishgarden
• 1 golden seal pkg-7 capsules
• 6 peach pads
• 1 cord ring
• 1 sterile 4x4 gauze
• 2 flexible straws
• Footprinter set
• plastic backed sheets

Cost? About $37. I'm guessing you would pay about 10x more for all of this at a hospital.


Note: In addition, the midwives will bring their own medical equipment :)