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Fertility Blood Tests for Men and Women
Blood tests are essential to determine fertility in both men and women, and thus for consecutive treatment. There are numerous blood tests for fertility, however, your doctor will decide which blood test you need based on your pre-pregnancy situation.
Common Blood Tests for Fertility
Blood tests to determine male fertility and female fertility may not always be the same. Let’s look at a few common fertility blood tests for men and women, which are necessary during the first few months of pregnancy.
1. Blood Type and Rh
This test checks your blood group and Rh which is done as part of infectious disease screening.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This fertility test should be done during the first trimester of pregnancy. Rh incompatibilities between a man and woman’s blood may lead to complications in the baby.
Who Should Take The Test?
Both the man and woman should get this test done to identify incompatibilities.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
There are 4 blood types – A, B, O and AB along with two Rh types (positive and negative). This test will determine which blood group and Rh factor you carry.
What Next?
If you are Rh positive and your partner is Rh negative, the doctor will give you medicines that will prevent the formation of antibodies during pregnancy.
2. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
The FSH is a hormone which is made by the pituitary gland. In women, this hormone stimulates follicle production in the ovary while in men, it stimulates the testicles to produce sperm.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test is usually done in women on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th day of their menstrual cycle to check their ovary function while in men, it is done to check their testicular function.
Who Should Take The Test?
People above the age of 35 should take this test. Also, women who show symptoms of ovarian failure and men who show signs of testicular failure.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
High levels of FSH in women may mean ovarian failure. The reason is that if the function of the ovary decreases, the pituitary gland is forced to make more FSH in order to stimulate follicle production. In men, high FSH levels may indicate testicular dysfunction.
What Next?
Your doctor will study your test results and recommend the best treatment option available for you to increase pregnancy chances.
3. Anticardiolipin Antibodies
Cardiolipin is responsible for regulating the clotting of blood in your body. In some cases, your body can recognize this molecule as foreign and attack it with anticardiolipin antibodies. They are of three types – IgG, IgA, and IgM.
When and Why is The Test Done?
If you have had a miscarriage, then your doctor will advise you to get this blood test done. It can be done anytime during your cycle but not in the middle of a miscarriage.
Who Should Take The Test?
People who are infertile, have AIDS or Lupus need to take this test.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
If your results are abnormal, they may indicate higher levels of these antibodies in your blood. This may cause the formation of small blood clots in the placenta, lessening blood flow from mother to foetus.
What Next?
Your doctor will first tell you to do the test twice to get accurate results. If the results are abnormal, then he will prescribe medication to prevent any possible blood clots.
4. Estradiol
Estradiol is a type of oestrogen produced by the ovaries and does the function of thickening the uterine lining and stimulating ovulation.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test can be done at different times during the menstrual cycle. It measures the level of estradiol in your blood and is done in women over 35 years of age along with a 3rd Day FSH test to determine ovarian function. The estradiol levels are also measured regularly during stimulation of gonadotropin to optimize the dosage.
Who Should Take The Test?
A high level of estradiol on Day 3 can indicate poor ovarian function. Patients who are taking fertility medication need to have their estradiol levels checked so that the medication effectiveness can be evaluated and adjusted if need be.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
The test results how well you are responding to ovarian stimulation and/or the correct dosage of gonadotropin that has to be given to increase the development of follicles.
What Next?
Your doctor will review results and recommend treatment options to improve a successful pregnancy.
5. Infectious Disease Screening
If a patient is undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra-uterine insemination (IUI) then they are required to go through an infectious disease screening.
When and Why is The Test Done?
The tests need to be done every 12 months and are done to check for any communicable diseases. The various tests are done to check for: Blood type and Rh factor, HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis C Antibody, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Hepatitis B Core Antibody, RPR (Syphilis), Varicella (chicken pox), and Rubella (German measles).
Who Should Take The Test?
Both men and women should take this test if they are undergoing IUI and IVF cycles.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
It indicates whether or not you carry any of the above infectious diseases and/or Rh incompatibilities.
What Next?
For patients who are undergoing third-party reproduction, there are few more additional tests are needed.
6. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by different mutations in the gene in chromosome 7. It regulates the production of a protein called cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test can be done anytime in life to check for this abnormality in your gene.
Who Should Take The Test?
Every couple trying to get pregnant should take this test. Men with no sperm in their semen analysis may test positive for this disease.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
This test will tell you whether you and/or your partner carry the mutation which causes cystic fibrosis and can be passed on to the child.
What Next?
If you or your partner test positive, then genetic screening can be done before IVF implantation which allows transfer of normal embryos or those that are just carriers.
7. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is a hormone which stimulates ovulation and production of progesterone in women. In men, it stimulates the testes to secrete testosterone.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test is done before attempting pregnancy to check for ovulation in women so that the timing of sexual intercourse or IUI can be set. It can also be done to check for PCOS and ovarian failure. In men, it is done to check the testicular function.
Who Should Take The Test?
Every couple should take this test, as abnormal levels of LH hint infertility.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
Low levels of LH may mean your ovulation is not happening.
What Next?
If an LH surge is not detected, then your doctor can inject you with medication so that your process of ovulation can begin.
8. Progesterone
Progesterone is necessary for ovulation and subsequent pregnancy. It prepares the uterine lining so that implantation can occur.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test is done 7 days before your expected period or 7 days after ovulation to determine if normal ovulation has occurred.
Who Should Take The Test?
Women who have a history of miscarriages, ovarian dysfunction or who have bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy should take this test.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
Progesterone levels will rise during ovulation and peak 7 days after. They will fall post that, reaching a low after 13-14 days. If you are not pregnant, then you will start your period once progesterone levels fall to 2-3ng/ml. If you are pregnant, then the levels will rise 10-12 days after ovulation.
What Next?
If your progesterone levels show that ovulation is not happening, then your doctor can prescribe medication to induce ovulation.
9. Prolactin
Prolactin regulates the production of breast milk.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test is done on fasting after abstaining from breast stimulation or sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior. It has to be done to check for ovulatory dysfunction as too much prolactin can affect ovulation.
Who Should Take The Test?
Women who have irregular menstrual cycles or milky discharge from the breast are advised to take this test.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
A high level of prolactin may indicate a tumour in the pituitary gland.
What Next?
You will need oral medication if you have high prolactin levels.
10. Lupus Anticoagulant
Lupus anticoagulant is a protein that causes your blood to clot abnormally.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test can be done in women anytime during their cycle, except when in middle of a miscarriage, to check for these antibodies as they may prevent a successful pregnancy due to blood clots.
Who Should Take The Test?
Anyone can have these antibodies in their bloodstream, but people who are infertile or have AIDS or Lupus are prone to have higher levels which is why they need to take the test.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
The test involves two tests called Modified Russell Viper Venom Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time which see how long it takes your blood to clot. If it is a longer clotting time, then that can mean you have lupus anticoagulant in your blood.
What Next?
Your doctor will first tell you to take the test twice to get accurate results. If the results are abnormal, then he will prescribe medication to prevent any possible blood clots.
11. Quantitative hCG
This is a pregnancy test called beta hCG.
When and Why is The Test Done?
HCG levels are indicative of pregnancy and done 7-10 days after a missed period. When pregnancy is failing, the levels are again monitored. If pregnancy is healthy, hCG levels will rise till 10-12 weeks after conception and then fall.
Who Should Take The Test?
Women who want to confirm their pregnancy.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
A test result of more than 5 indicates positive pregnancy. Men and non-pregnant women should have no hCG detected.
What Next?
Women with positive results will be monitored by the doctor for a few weeks to make sure that the pregnancy is healthy.
12. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH secrete T3 and T4 thyroid hormones after simulating the thyroid gland.
When and Why is The Test Done?
This test can be done anytime during your cycle when you are on fasting to check for thyroid disease.
Who Should Take The Test?
If you have irregular periods or if your doctor suspects something wrong with your thyroid gland, then you will have to take this test.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
High levels of TSH show that thyroid hormones are not produced (hypothyroidism) and cause weight gain, tiredness, and a cold feeling while low levels show hyperthyroidism causing weight loss, anxiety and feeling of being warm. Both can disrupt ovulation.
What Next?
Doctors will prescribe medication to regulate the thyroid levels in case of an underactive or overactive thyroid.
These tests are extremely useful if you find that you are taking a long time to get pregnant and can in many cases be a godsend to find out the root of the problem.
Also Read: Types of Female Fertility Tests Read more
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Breastfeeding a Preterm Baby and How to Prevent Breast Abscess Due to Excessive Clogged Milk
This is from my experience in breastfeeding my late preterm baby. Breastfeeding a preterm baby is quite challenging as the baby can't suck milk. A mother will have to make her baby learn how to latch on to the breast properly. In flat nippled mother's case, it could lead to serious issues if the baby does not latch and suck properly. If milk production is low to medium in mom, then need not to worry. Baby will take a month time to learn to suck. But, if milk production is high, and if baby does not suck properly, then breast abscess will be formed in mother when she did not take excess milk out from her breast every time since clogged milk will create infection inside the breast.
I want to share a few tips to solve these problems:
Never give same side breastfeeding. Give alternate sides everytime you breastfeed.
During pregnancy, mothers-to-be must do breast examination to check whether they have flat nipples. If so, then they have to do the below:
For erecting flat nipple, use two syringes connected together.place on to the nipple, and make the nipple erect. Keep doing this for a few weeks.
Use silicone nipple on the flat nipple, which will be easy for the baby to suck on.
Use a breast pump to let out the extra milk in the breast so that you will not have breast abscess due to clogged milk.
Never ever take Cabgolin tablet during breastfeeding since it will completely stop the milk supply in mother.
Maintain hygiene before and after breastfeeding.
For low milk supply, a mother can have lactate tablets which will give a tremendous amount of milk. Also, have Pro-PL powder or galaxy powder mixed in milk twice a day. Consult your doctor before taking any of these.
Also, they can have bread with milk, idiyappam with milk, 1 big glass of filter coffee which will produce more milk.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Tips to Inculcate Reading Habits in Kids
It is claimed that books are our best companions, which is entirely accurate. Reading books, newspapers, magazines, and other online articles improves a person's vocabulary, attention span, and analytical skills. Even before your child starts school, you may instil reading habits in them. Reading with your children from an early age and allowing them to appreciate the pleasures of reading are the secrets to encouraging reading habits in your children.
Some children have a natural affinity for reading, while others dislike it. Don't be worried if your youngster falls into the second category. However, you must take specific steps to help your child acquire reading habits. There are a variety of techniques to foster and strengthen your child's reading habits. First of all, you should figure out why your child does not like reading.
Why My Child Does Not Like Reading?
There are different reasons why your child might not like reading. Here are some of the reasons listed below that you may like to know.
Reading is a boring task for your child, and does not have a natural aptitude for reading.
Your child might feel that reading is a chore and is only essential for doing school homework.
The child might be having trouble pronouncing and reading certain words
Your child might just not have found the right book which he or she likes to read.
Now the good part is that once you come to know why your child does not like reading, you can address that issue along with your child and make reading fun for him or her.
Tips to Inculcate Reading Habits in Your Child
You can try some of these easy and simple-to-follow tips to encourage and teach good reading habits to your child. Have a look at the list below.
Create a Reading Area
To encourage your child to read, you can make a library or reading area in your home. It can be a small corner in your kid's room or an entire room. You can also arrange some chairs and a table and make it like a small reading room where you and your kid can sit together and have fun while reading books.
2. Make Reading a Daily Habit
From the day you bring your newborn home, you can start reading to him or her. The baby's love is cuddled in a warm lap and respond to the soothing voice of their parents, and your child will grow up looking forward to reading time.
3. Read in Front of Your Kid
To develop good reading habits in your kid, first of all, you should start reading in front of your child. You can read a book, a newspaper, a magazine or whatever you like. Kids learn what they see, and if you are excited about reading, they will catch up to your enthusiasm.
4. Encourage Reading Everywhere
Teach your child that reading is not just about reading books. Encourage and help your child to read menu cards, hoardings on the road, instruction manual for products, road signs, movie names, and a lot more.
5. Connect the Dots Between Reading and Real Life
Please help your child practically apply what he or she is reading into day-to-day life. If your child sees a similarity between what he or she is reading and the things that are happening in the real-life, then the child will have more tremendous enthusiasm for reading.
6. Visit the Library Often
A library is a great place to explore new books and authors; you get a wide variety of options over there. Your child can also pick out the book, that catches his or her attention and have fun reading at home. These libraries also have story hours or other literacy programs for kids.
7. Let Your Child Pick What to Read
The trip to the library becomes extra special when you let your child choose the book that he or she wants to read. Kids would love to read something that they pick out themselves and are very excited about it. So, give your kid time to move about in the children's section in the library and choose the book that he or she likes to read.
8. Expose Your Child to Different Genres of Books
Once you find a book that interests your child, then the child will be excited about reading. But, do not limit your child to the same genre of reading. You should include mystery, non-fiction, fiction, science fiction, comic books, biographies, and many more types of books in your child's reading.
9. Talk About What Your Child Is Reading
Once your child starts reading a book, every day, discuss with your child what is his or her favourite part of the book. Discuss with the kid regarding the book's story and, if possible, also read the book with the kid.
10. Support Your Child
If your child has difficulty reading, then do not force the child, but take a step back and address that issue. You might also want to talk to your child's teacher regarding this and work with him or her to bring improvement to your kid.
11. Reading Should Be Fun and Not a Punishment
Use these tips to improve reading habits in your child. Work with him or her to find out which one is better for your child and make reading fun for your kid.
So, these are some of the tips to help your child develop good reading habits.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Things to Watch Out for When You Become a New Mother
I have become a new mother recently, and there have been different avenues I am exploring each and every day. However as I am a new mother, I have no prior knowledge about motherhood, I had an unclear notion of motherhood, so every day became a learning experience for me.
There are five things which I need to keep a watch as and when my child is growing up, and those are:
1. Whether My Child Is Well Hydrated or Not
Because during summer it is very essential to take note of how many times my child is peeing. My child is four months old, and she fully relies on my breast milk. So, it is important to watch if my breast milk suffices her hunger or not. She sweats a lot, so sometimes her pee count gets reduced. So I had to keep feeding her almost on her demand just to make her pee count six every day. And we all know, mother's milk works as an antibody for them and it contains 90% of water. So it is very important to feed your baby only with your breast milk upto six months of age.
2. Whether My Child Is Getting the Right Skincare and Haircare
It is very difficult to choose the right skincare and haircare brand for a child because you do not know what type your child's skin is, it might be sensitive too. So it is always essential to read the ingredients before purchasing a baby care product. I did not have too much knowledge about the ingredients so I researched each and every ingredient. I was looking forward to something that can actually have a higher percentage of natural ingredients percentage as compared to the chemical ingredients. So after my research, I came across a brand for both mother and baby. So, I started with their baby care range when my doctor gave me a green signal to use baby products for my child. I started initially with their baby body lotion, baby powder, and baby hair oil. All three products are extremely efficacious. The products consist of organic ingredients which are beneficial for my child's skin. The lotion has helped to get rid of her flaky skin. It has a soothing agent. The hair oil worked really well on her cradle cap. Due to her cradle cap, she was having hairfall too. The hairfall also got reduced. I use the powder before and after changing her diaper. It absorbs the wetness and makes the area dry. Touchwood, my baby doesn't suffer from diaper rashes because of this powder. I am looking forward to using all their baby care products.
3. I Try to Keep My Eyes on Her
I am always worried about my baby, whether she is eating or sleeping properly or not. I try to keep my eyes on her 24×7. I try to find out the reason if she refuses her feed or sleep. As I am new to this journey, I try to find out the reason behind her cry. Whether she is crying out of colic pain, or hunger, sometimes it becomes very difficult to understand. But as usual, I try my best to keep her calm.
4. To Maintain Proper Hygiene and Care
As I have become a mother in this COVID-19 pandemic, I always try to maintain proper hygiene when it comes to my baby. I usually ask people to sanitise themselves, when anyone comes to see my daughter, and it is applicable for my family members too. I try to keep everything clean and sanitised around her. From changing bedsheets and pillow covers to changing curtains, all this has become my regular duties. I regularly wash and dry her toys because nowadays she puts everything into her mouth. So in this current situation, it is very important to keep everything clean around her.
5. To Ensure Her Safety
Keeping in mind our surrounding situations, I always try to keep my baby safe from anything and everything. I do keep her private parts covered all the time. I always give her a bath in an enclosed room. I do not let anyone touch her despite my family members. In these ways, I try to ensure her safety and well-being.
Taking care of a child is not an easy task. Irrespective of everything, a baby always becomes our topmost priority. So these are the things that I usually watch out for after becoming a mother.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Puja Kumari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Puja Kumari
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
A. vomiting ka kya karan ho sakta
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
55 mins ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
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