preterm

How long should we wait before trying for a second baby?

  What is the correct interval between pregnancies? Traditional advice has been to wait at least a year before conceiving again , suggesting an actual birth interval of at least 18- 24 months as the ideal.  Often the ” fourth trimester”  takes longer than most women expected and the physical , psychological and social adaptations to childbirth can be considerable.  It has generally been acknowledged that a short birth interval of less than 18 months was not advisable because of increased problems during the pregnancy.  But the precise extra risks were, until recently, rather non-specific and uncertain. Recent studies have […]

The Terminology of the term “term” is being redefined.

The Terminology of the term “term” is being redefined. Traditionally,” term” has been defined as , after 37 weeks and up to 42 weeks of pregnancy. The date is calculated from the onset of the last menstrual period , and backed up by an ultrasound measurement performed before20 weeks. Therefore, delivery before 37 weeks , is therefore, by definition ,preterm, and after 42 weeks, it is called post-term. The WHO and a group of American clinicians have recently recommended a slightly more detailed breakdown of the various categories of preterm and term deliveries. The reason they have done this, is […]