A positive pregnancy test: lots of joy, but also lots of doubts. How many ultrasound scans need to be done? What about folic acid? Should we take it?
Prenatal Diagnosis Tests? Do them, not do them, which one to choose? What about sport? Will it hurt your baby in the belly?
In these days in the city, on the occasion of the National Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, several experts discussed the topic: goal woman, good medical practice. As stated on Repubblica.com, Giovanni Scambia, president of the Del Paesena Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Sigo), answered some questions about pregnancy. Let's see some of them.
1. Folic acid? Yup
To be integrated in the first trimester of pregnancy, but also earlier. Folic acid supplementation is always recommended for women looking for a baby.
First of all, it is necessary to follow the Mediterranean diet, already rich in this principle, containing for example fruit (especially oranges, mandarins, clementines, fresh citrus juices) and vegetables (spinach, artichokes, endive, chard, broccoli, cabbage).
In addition, to reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby it is important to regularly take at least 0,4 mg per day of folic acid.
2. Vaccines? Some yes, some no
Some vaccines can be given during pregnancy, while others are not recommended. In general, the one against seasonal flu and the combined one against diphtheria - tetanus - pertussis (dTap) are recommended. Live attenuated viral vaccines are contraindicated.
Read also: Influenza vaccine in pregnancy
3. Tests for prenatal diagnosis: to do them or not? It's the couple's decision
Amniocentesis, CVS or other prenatal screening tests: what should a couple do? Do they or not? In general, when the mother is over 35, the risks of some of these procedures are justified by the risk of chromosomal abnormalities that can arise in the fetus.
It is therefore right to inform the couple of any risks they run and on the type and methods of the various techniques. It will then be up to you to decide what to do and whether to take the tests.
4. How many ultrasound scans? Really three?
Yes. In general, in pregnancies considered to be low-risk, one ultrasound is scheduled per trimester.
5. Sport during pregnancy is good for you
Are you pregnant and afraid to play sports? It depends on which one. On the contrary: moderate physical activity is good for the nine months, so as not to gain too much weight and maintain a correct posture. Some sports should be avoided, such as contact sports, those involving anaerobic exertion and diving.
6. Epidural anesthesia? It is (almost) never too late
Often during labor it is said that it is "too late" to do the epidural, because the dilation is advanced and not done. In reality, there is no time limit. "If the level of the fetus head with respect to the pelvis allows it, epidural can be used even when dilation is very advanced".
The woman, however, must be informed that with the same risks associated with the epidural, the procedure could be less effective. It could also lead to a lengthening of the times and a lower thrust capacity.
7. Episiotomy? Only in a few selected cases
As specified by Giovanni Scambia, it is "proven that episiotomy (the cut of the vagina and perineum) does not reduce major lacerations during childbirth, so this practice must be absolutely abandoned". It should no longer be used as a routine, but only in a few selected cases.
Read also: episiotomy, that's when it's really neededFor further information: Sigo, Aogoi and Agui National Congress. Here is the decalogue of "Good practices in gynecology"