Fetal Monitors

xlinzx88x asked:


I’m scheduled to be induced for labor next Friday. I was reading through some of the forms and found that the doctor wants me to have an internal fetal heart monitor. I’m thinking about whether or not I want to allow this to happen as I’ve heard that the risk for infection is higher. I also don’t want the baby to get hurt. How did some of you mothers feel about this and did you actually go through it? Also, I’m having a non stress test on Tuesday, I haven’t had any contractions, so how are they going to monitor them?
I’m being induced because I’m overdue. The doctor said he doesn’t want me going past 41 1/2 weeks. I pretty much have a week to go into labor on my own, if not, I have to get induced. I’m 2cm dilated but I haven’t had any contractions as of yet. They’re going to use pitocin to induce me and the only pain medication I’ll have is nubain.

Courtney

Katerina asked:


I have a professional fetal heart monitor that I borrowed from a friend. Its from a doctor’s office that she used to work for. Does anybody know if its safe to use all the time? I’ve been avoiding using too much because I’m scared that it will be harmful if overused. Can anybody answer this question? Thanks!

Mary

Lesley asked:


I am 20 weeks pregnant and I am considering renting a fetal heart monitor. I am thinking of renting one from Belly Beats for $25.00/mo. I have been a nervous wreck since I found out I was pregnant, and am looking for something to ease my mind. Does anyone know if this is a good company to rent from? Do they work? Your help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Nancy

Proud Momma to Ava asked:


…from www.bellybeats.com. What do you think of it?

Alma

joolsnbump asked:


I know Im probably just being paranoid but Im 14 weeks pg and I’ve had no scan, no fetal monitor or anything. I haven’t had any bleeding or pain or anything so how do I know my baby is actually still alive? Is this dumb?
I have been to midwife twice and all she has checked is BP and weight

Frank

MMFCL *Colton James due 6/30/09* asked:


In stores, not online, because I need one today because I was diagnosed last night with a “threated miscarriage” and I want to make sure my baby is ok until my doctor’s appt.

I just asked this question, but I think people may have misunderstood for baby monitors, after birth.

I am looking for the fetal heartbeat monitors for prenatal care. thank you!

Keith

Red asked:


I’m 8 weeks pregnant and I know it’s a little early for a home heart monitor but I want to get one. What’s the best one out there and how well does it work?

Stephanie

Andrew Bicknell asked:


Gestational diabetes is a disorder which will affect around 4% of all pregnant women in the United States. It is not entirely understood why some women get it because it normally disappears once the baby is born. One theory is that the stress of the pregnancy itself causes it, but whatever the cause any woman who is diagnosed with it will need to follow a gestational diabetes diet plan.

In fact this type of diet needs to be followed if an expectant mother has preexisting diabetes as well. The risk of fetal defects and even death are considerably higher with gestational diabetes. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, in the mother is the primary cause of any problems caused by this condition. When this happens the fetus will begin to produce large amounts of insulin to deal with the excess glucose (sugar) that is crossing through the placenta.

Increased insulin levels in the fetus cause a condition known as macrosomia which results in larger than normal body and head size. It can also cause respiratory problems as well as hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, or jaundice in new born babies.

It is highly recommended that any woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes receive nutrition advice and create a diet plan with the help of a registered dietician. It is vitally important to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy and this best done by modifying the diet.

A gestational diabetes diet is individualized for each pregnancy based on the mother’s weight and height. It will also provide an adequate amount of calories and nutrients that are needed during pregnancy as well as controlling blood glucose levels. In addition the mother will need to self monitor her blood sugar levels at least four times a day to make sure her glucose levels are under control. Once good glucose control is established the frequency of self monitoring can be decreased but self monitoring should be continued during the entire pregnancy.

The diet plan should meet the desired weight gain and nutrition requirements needed for a normal pregnancy. For the first trimester weight gain should be in the 2 to 4 pound range and then an additional pound every week for the second and third trimesters. During the second trimester it is recommended that caloric intake be adjusted upwards approximately 100 to 300 kcal/day above that of the first trimester. Protein intake also needs to be increased during pregnancy to 10 grams per day either by drinking two glasses of milk or 1 to 2 ounces of meat. 400 ug/day of folic acid should also be included in the gestational diet to help avoid congenital and neural tube defects.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a very real threat during a pregnancy so restricting calories should only be done under direct medical supervision. The minimum number of calories eaten per day must not be below 1700 to 1800 and these calories should come from foods of high nutritious value.

A gestational diabetes diet plan is a crucial part of any pregnancy for women who suffer from this dangerous condition. Any pregnant woman who is diagnosed with this disorder should be evaluated by a registered dietician who will then assist the woman to meet her dietary needs.



Regina

Robert Baird asked:


In the first trimester your first task is to decide who you want to look after you during your pregnancy and to deliver your baby. This is a big decision and is linked with the type of birth you want to have. There are several options for choosing a care provider, whether you want a physician or a midwife.

Choosing A Care Provider

One of the most popular strategies for choosing a care provider is to ask friends who have had babies in the last couple of years. Another approach is to decide where you want to deliver: a hospital, a free standing birthing center, or at home. Hospitals and birthing centers will usually have a list of care providers that deliver with them. Other options include asking a physician you know for a referral or finding a care provider through professional organizations with internet sites.

In the US, most prenatal care is provided by physicians, midwives deliver about 10 percent of babies. In low risk women, choosing between a physician and a midwife is a personal decision rather than a medical one.

Physician care Physicians may view birth as uncomplicated for most women, but are more likely than midwives to be sensitized to the development of potential medical problems, this focus on the medical aspects of pregnancy has pros and cons for women over the age of 35. If you prefer to be cared for by a physician, you can choose between an obstetrician and a family practitioner who specializes in pregnancy care.

Midwife care Midwives view pregnancy and birth as an uncomplicated fact of everyday life. Usually they only look after low risk patients, but most midwives will not consider you to be high risk just because you are over the age of 35. If you are having more than one baby, have a significant medical problem, or have had a prior cesarean delivery you may not be a good candidate for midwife care. Many midwives work with physician groups. Regardless of where you deliver, it is important that your midwife has easily available physician backup in case you do need it cesarean delivery, especially because cesarean deliveries are more common in women over 35.

Birthing center or home birth

If you are having a normal, healthy pregnancy, the risk to you and your baby of delivering in an alternative setting is low. For women who have strong preferences about the use of oxytocin or continuous fetal monitoring delivery at a birthing center may increase their chances of avoiding these interventions, In addition, because epidural analgesia is not usually available you are likely to receive more intensive labor support for your pain. While some believe that delivering in a frec standing birthing center will reduce your likelihood of a cesarean delivery or episiotomy, your care giver’s practice style is probably a more important determinant than where you deliver.



Alicia

Noah’s Mommy & Marine Wife. asked:


I’ve heard they work and then I’ve heard they don’t work. I bought one last night and I’m 23 weeks along. I put the monitor right where my little guy was moving but got nothing! Is there a certain brand that has worked for you guys? I’ve also heard that stethoscopes work as well, how far along do you need to be to use one? And where can I pick one up? Thanks!

Margaret