TA2

• TENS

  Small electrical impulses are delivered which give a tingling sensation
• Pethidine

  Given by injection to quickly make the mother feel relaxed as it causes the muscles to relax
• Risks of assisted birth

  Vaginal tearing

  Higher risk of blood clotting, urine and anal incontinence
• Episiotomy

  An incision made in the perineum
• Ventouse

  Plastic or metal cup that fits firmly around the baby’s head

  The obstetrician gently pulls as the mother pushes with contractions
• Forceps

  A curved metal instrument that fits around a baby‘s head

  The obstetrician gently pulls as the mother pushes with contractions
• What do blood tests look for?

  Anaemia

  High blood sugar

  Blood group

  German measles

  Hepatitis B and C

  HIV
• 3 routine tests:

  Blood tests

  Urine tests

  Heartrate of baby
• Screening tests

  Offered to all pregnant mothers

  Reveal weather the baby has a high chance of being born with certain conditions

  Screening tests are first to be carried out
• Ultrasound dating scan

  Offered at 8-14 weeks

  Checks how far along the pregnancy is, the baby’s development, how many babies are expected, any abnormalities
• Ultrasound anomaly scan

  Offered at 18-21 weeks

  Checks for major abnormalities
• Triple test

  Carried out between 10 and 14 weeks

  Assesses the chance of the baby being born with Downs Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome or Pataus Syndrome
• What diagnostic tests can be offered?

  CVS

  Amniocentesis
• Amniocentesis

  Tests for genetic disorders

  A small sample of amniotic fluid is taken and removed for testing
• CVS

  Checks for genetic disorders through the removal of cells from the placenta
• Nucal fold translucency scan

  Offered to all mothers at around 11-13 weeks

  Babies with Down Syndrome have an increased amount of fluid
• Non invasive prenatal testing

  Carried out at 10 weeks

  No risk of miscarriage

  Assesses the likelihood of a mother having a baby with Downs syndrome, Edwards syndrome or Pataus syndrome