questions about
Medical Services

How soon will a pregnancy test tell me if I am pregnant?

It's possible the test will show positive 2-3 days before the first missed period. Read more...

If I'm pregnant and have an STD, can it affect my baby?

It depends on which STD you have. Some can cause serious problems such as blindness in the newborn while others... Read more...

I am having morning sickness big time. Is there anything I can do?

Try eating a high protein snack before bed (cheese, milk, yogurt, or peanut butter) Read more...

How does ultrasound work? Could it hurt my baby if I have one?

Ultrasounds are performed by trained medical professionals under the direction of a physician. An ultrasound is accomplished using sound waves and doesn't harm you or the baby. Read more...

Is it a good idea for me to breast feed my baby?

There are many benefits for you and the baby. For you, it decreases postpartum bleeding, there is an earlier return to your pre-pregnancy weight. Read more...

Definition of Terms

Medical Terms

 
Amniotic fluid               Nutrient-rich fluid that surrounds or bathes the developing baby
 
Blastocyst                     The stage of the embryo when it is implanted in the wall of the
                                    uterus
 
Conception                   The fertilization of the egg by the sperm.  The term contraception
                                    then, literally means against conception
 
Embryo                        Term used for a baby from conception to the end of the 8th (eighth)
                                    month  
 
Fallopian Tubes            Tubular structures that create a passageway from the ovary to the
                                    uterus.  The egg released by the ovary is assisted through the tube
                                    by finger-like projections in the fallopian tubes.  Fertilization takes place here. 
 
Fertilization                   Defined as the moment the sperm unites with the egg.  This is the
                                    time life begins
 
hCG                             Human chorionic gonadotropin  protein hormone released by the
                                    developing placenta during pregnancy
 
Implantation                  Point in time (approximately 6 days after conception) when the
                                    embryo or blastocysts attaches himself or herself to the wall of the
                                    uterus
 
Placenta                       Begins to develop inside the uterus at the time of implantation and
                                    is completely developed by the 10th to 12th week.  Supplies food
                                    and oxygen to the developing fetus
 
Zygote                          The result of the union between the chromosomes of the sperm and
                                    egg which results in the required 46 chromosomes of the new life