Online Medicine Resource: PREGNANCY & BIRTH

This section looks at issues relating to pregnancy, labour and child birth.

AMNIOCENTISIS

Pregnant women over 35 should consider whether to have an amniocentisis to test for foetal abnormalities. This article details the procedure, the risks and benefits.

BIRTH DEFECTS

Birth defects are abnormalities present at birth that cause physical or mental disability. This article looks at causes and types of birth defect.

CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING (CVS)
CVS is a test on the placenta to check for possible genetic abnormalities in the foetus. This article looks at how the test is performed and the risks of the procedure.

DONOR INSEMINATION
Donor insemination offers the hope of a pregnancy for some infertile couples. This article outlines the procedure and the legal issues related to it.

DOWN'S SYNDROME

This article outlines the age-related risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome, and the features of this genetic condition.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

This is a potentially life-threatening condition of early pregnancy and all women should be aware of the symptoms. Modern treatment aims to preserve future fertility.

FOLIC ACID

Folic acid has been shown to reduce the incidence of spina bifida when taken before conception and in early pregnancy. This article profiles the supplement.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY
This article explains the technical terms and jargon used during infertility treatment, and is a helpful guide for those undergoing or considering treatment.

INFERTILITY

Infertility is experienced by an estimated 10 percent of couples. This article looks at some of the causes and when to seek expert help.

IVF (IN VITRO FERTILISATION) AND GIFT (GAMETE INTRA FALLOPIAN TRANSFER)
IVF and GIFT offer hope of a genetic child to many infertile couples. This article outlines how the procedures are carried out, and their success rates.

LISTERIA

This is a food-borne illness which is dangerous for pregnant women and those with weak immune systems. This article profiles the illness and how to minimise your risk of getting it.

MALE INFERTILITY

This article discusses the latest technology in treatment options for male infertility, including the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and donor insemination.

MALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT OPTIONS
The development of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injections (ICSI) has offered hope of a genetic child to infertile men. This article outlines this treatment and other options for infertile men.

MEDICATION IN PREGNANCY

This article provides a useful overview of the issues about medication use during pregnancy.

MISCARRIAGE

A miscarriage is a distressing event for many couples. This article looks at why they occur and the theories behind recurrent miscarriage.

PAIN RELIEF IN LABOUR
This article provides a broad overview of the different methods of pain relief that can be used during child birth.

POST NATAL DEPRESSION
An estimated 10 percent of new mothers get post natal depression. This article outlines the theories behind the disorder and what can be done to help.

PRE-ECLAMPSIA

Pre-eclampsia is a condition related to increased blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine. This article looks at the risks related to the condition.

PREGNANCY OVERVIEW

A normal pregnancy can still involve some undesirable symptoms like nausea and back pain. This article offers an overview of a healthy pregnancy.

RUBELLA

German measles is normally a mild illness but is serious in pregnant women because of the risks of birth defects. This article provides an overview of the illness.

SLAPPED CHEEK DISEASE (FIFTH DISEASE)
Slapped cheek disease is a mild illness among children but can be serious in pregnancy. This article looks at the symptoms and what can be done to help.

TOXOPLASMOSIS

Toxoplasmosis is an infection carried by cats that can be dangerous in pregnancy. This article looks at the risks of infection.

ULTRASOUND SCANNING

Ultrasound scanning is a common diagnostic technique. It is often used during pregnancy and to diagnose medical problems. This article outlines how the scan is performed and what preparation is required.