Pregnancy encyclopedia: AIDS screening to Blood pressure

AIDS screening

-- see HIV screening

This blood test determines whether or not you have been exposed to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Heterosexual transmission is the leading cause of HIV infection for women.

The Minnesota Commissioner of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend HIV testing for all pregnant women. If you have HIV or AIDS, the earlier your health care provider knows, the better for your baby's health. Early detection and treatment can reduce your baby's chances of getting HIV to less than 10 percent. Without treatment, your baby's risk of getting HIV is 30 to 40 percent. Insurance cannot be denied or canceled on the basis of a positive HIV test result.

If you have HIV or AIDS, your health care provider will advise you not to breastfeed -- you can pass the virus on to your baby in your breast milk.

Amniocentesis

This is a diagnostic test offered to mothers who are identified as high risk for a particular problem. It is important to note that the same disorders are not tested for in all amniocenteses. The tests are tailored to the needs of the patient.

Ultrasound is used to locate your baby and placenta within your uterus. Then a needle is inserted through your abdomen into the uterus. A small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn and tested. This test is usually done between the 15th and 18th weeks of pregnancy and is most often done for women over age 35. It is also sometimes done later in pregnancy to measure your baby's lung maturity.

Amniotic fluid

This is the "water" in the "bag of waters." It is the fluid inside the thin membranes of the amniotic sac ("the bag"), which surrounds and encloses your baby in your uterus.

Amniotic sac

The thin membranes that surround your baby in your uterus. They are filled with amniotic fluid, which cushions and protects your baby during pregnancy.

Anesthesia

-- see Medicines used during labor and birth

Anesthesiologist

A doctor specially trained in using anesthesia and pain-relieving medicines used during surgery and childbirth.

Apgar score

After birth, your health care provider assigns your baby a score that records breathing, heart rate, color, muscle tone, and reflexes. Five minutes later, the score is assigned again.

Areola

The dark ring around the nipple of your breast.

Birth control

Remember, you can get pregnant before your period returns and while you are breastfeeding. Even though you have just had a baby, it is possible to get pregnant in the first weeks after birth.

Things that do not prevent pregnancy:

• douching after intercourse
• withdrawal by your partner
• depending only on breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy

In the hospital before discharge, or at your postpartum exam, talk with your health care provider about birth control choices that are good for you, and that won't interfere with breastfeeding, if that is the way you are feeding your baby. No one option is 100 percent effective except abstinence. Estrogen-progesterone combination birth control pills are the only method not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. The chart [on the next page] gives brief information about 11 types of birth control.

Method	Information
The pill	Very effective. Certain health conditions may mean you need to use a different method. Progesterone birth control pills are the only ones that go with breastfeeding.
Injection	Very effective. A hormone shot given once every 1 to 3 months. It may cause prolonged or irregular bleeding.
IUD or intrauterine device	Very effective. A small, flexible device is placed in the uterus. It can stay there for 8 to 10 years. It may cause sterility, so is usually only used by women who have completed their families.
Diaphragm	This is a thin, rubber dome that you cover with a spermicide or sperm-killing jelly, and then insert in the vagina so it covers the cervix. It must be inserted each time before having sex and removed afterward. Note: Do not reuse your diaphragm from before your pregnancy. You must be refitted after having your baby.
Implant	Very effective. Small plastic rods that are inserted under your skin release hormones for 5 years. It may cause irregular bleeding.
Cervical cap	Less effective than IUD or hormones. A rubber dome smaller than a diaphragm fits over the cervix. It must be inserted each time before having sex and removed afterward.
Male condoms or "rubbers"	Quite effective when used with spermicide. They are thin shields that unroll and fit over an erect penis. One must be used each time before having sex and removed afterward.
Female condom	This is a plastic pouch with a ring that is inserted into the vagina. It must be inserted each time before having sex and removed afterward.
Tubal ligation	This is a one-time surgical procedure that permanently sterilizes a woman.
Vasectomy	This is a one-time surgical procedure that permanently sterilizes a man.
Natural family planning	This is a method of monitoring the woman's basal body temperature, estimating the time of ovulation, and timing intercourse to occur when the woman is not fertile. This requires careful personal observation and charting.

Blood pressure

The force of the blood against the walls of the arteries. This is measured by two numbers (for example, 100/60). The higher the numbers, the more reason for concern.



 

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 10/04/2002

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education, experts