Pregnancy & Fetal monitoring

Your care provider may send you to the hospital or order fetal monitoring in the office. Two monitors may be placed on your abdomen and secured with a loose strap. One monitor will assess and trace uterine activity and the other will evaluate your baby's heart beat at that time. This is external fetal monitoring. In labor, other internal monitors may be used if deemed necessary by your health care provider. Did you know the normal fetal heart rate at term is between 110-160 beats a minute? A Doppler or device like a stethoscope can also be used to monitor fetal heart tones.

Having a Baby: A Nurse's Tips on Childbirth Preparation

Finding out your pregnant can be very exciting. There is so much information out there, where do you start. I'm A Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience. I have written a small booklet and have great information on my website to find out important things you should know about your pregnancy. For more information visit my website GetReady4baby.com
Get real tips from Nurse Judy

What is a Biophysical profile?

This is an ultrasound test performed during pregnancy that evaluates your baby's breathing, amniotic fluid, movements, and tone. An ultrasound can also evaluate your placenta and baby's growth. It can be done in the office or hospital and takes about 30 minutes.

What is a Nonstress test?

This is a non invasive test done during pregnancy to monitor your baby's well being. It may been performed in the Doctor's office or in the hospital as a outpatient. A fetal monitor is applied to your abdomen to monitor your baby's heartbeat for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Consent forms and more....

When your admitted to the hospital for your delivery, you may be asked to sign many consent forms. Some of these may include but are not limited to consent for vaginal delivery, episiotomy, induction or augmentation of labor, pitocin, other medications, operative delivery or forceps, cesarean section, blood transfusions, anesthesia, and NICA just to name a few. The important thing to know is you need to discuss the risks and benefits with your health care provider and ask questions. You do have the right to refuse procedures, but again discuss the issues with your Doctor or Nurse Midwife.

Safe Haven Law

Check out your state law to find out about dropping off a newborn baby to a safe location like a hospital or firehouse if you feel you can't care for your baby.
visit www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws or google safe haven law

Having a baby when to head to the hospital?

When to go to the hospital and signs of labor in your 9th month or 38 weeks gestation?

1. When your water breaks or your leaking fluid.
2. You have regular contractions about every 5 minutes for an hour.
3. Heavy bleeding or passing clots.
4. Decreased fetal movement.
5. Any other concerns like fever, headache, you should contact your health care provider.

Pregnancy & STD's

What STD's should you be tested for during pregnancy? Regarding this topic if you don't get tested you really don't know if you have them. Now you have 2 lives to consider and STD's can be very harmful to your health and to your newborn, so be on the safe side and get tested for the following: Herpes, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Hepatitis, HIV, HPV, Bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas. Check out www.cdc.gov/STD

Tattoos and Pregnancy

You are probably not thinking about childbirth when getting a tattoo. However, you should not get a tattoo on your lower back above your buttocks. This is area where an epidural may be placed . You do not want a needle inserted into ink into your spinal area. You also need to be concerned about sterile technique to prevent infection. You should also know about hepatitis C before exposing yourself to this.

Pregnancy and Group B Strep (GBS)

Group B Strep is a bacteria that may be found in the lower gential tract that may cause illness in your newborn. You should be tested for this at 36 weeks gestation. If you are positive you may be given antibiotics in labor and your baby may be observed for 48 hours after birth. To learn more about GBS visit www.cdc.gov/GroupBstrep