Discordant twins are two twins that significantly differ in size, and in weight, or sex. They may also differ in the type of twins they are, with one being fraternal (dizygotic) and the other being identical (monozygotic). Discordant twins are more common than most people think, occurring in about 20-30% of all twin pregnancies. There are several reasons why discordant twins may occur. One reason is simply because the twins are not the same gestational age. If one twin is […]

The fundus of the uterus is the uppermost portion of the organ. It’s generally defined as the area above the level of the uterine tubes, the part of the uterus that is closest to the stomach. The fundus plays an important role in pregnancy and during childbirth. The fundus produces hormones that are essential for pregnancy, such as progesterone and estrogen. During pregnancy, the fundus helps to support the growing fetus. It also helps keep the blood vessels in the […]

A sonogram, also called an ultrasound scan or sonography, is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. It is usually performed by trained technicians called sonographers. A sonogram is most often used to visualize fetal development during pregnancy, as well as to assess heart function, and look for abnormalities in the abdomen and pelvis. It can also be used to detect problems with the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and […]

Pelvimetry is the process of measuring the pelvis, typically during pregnancy. It is used to determine the size and shape of the pelvis, and to assess whether the pelvis is large enough to allow for a vaginal delivery. Pelvimetry may also be used to diagnose pelvic disorders, such as prolapse, dysplasia, and cephalo-pelvic disproportion. There are several methods of pelvimetry, including external palpation, internal examination, X-ray pelvimetry, and MRI pelvimetry. External palpation is the most common method of pelvimetry and […]

Diamniotic twins are two fetuses that develop independently in their own amniotic sacs. They are also known as dichorionic twins. This is the most common type of multiple pregnancy, occurring in about 70% of cases. Diamniotic twins are usually diagnosed during an ultrasound scan at around 12 weeks of pregnancy. The presence of two separate amniotic sacs and two yolk sacs is diagnostic of diamniotic twins. However, it may not be possible to confirm the diagnosis until later in the […]

A birthing room is a facility where women give birth. It is also called a delivery room or a labor ward. The term “birthing room” can be used to refer to the physical space where births take place, or it can be used more broadly to refer to the entire environment surrounding the birth process, including the staff and services available.  The functions of a birthing room vary depending on the type of facility, but they typically include providing a […]

Linea nigra often called pregnancy line, is a dark line that runs from the navel to the pubic bone. It typically appears during pregnancy as a result of increased melanin production and is more common in darker-skinned women. The line usually fades after delivery, but some women may find it permanent. There are no health risks associated with linea nigra, but some women may seek treatments to lighten the line. There are no known risk factors or complications associated with […]

Palpation is a medical term referring to the examination of the body by touch. It is most commonly used in the fields of pregnancy and childbirth, where it is used to assess the size, position, and consistency of the pregnant uterus. Palpation can also be used to check for any lumps or swellings in other parts of the body. There are two main types of palpation: abdominal and vaginal. Abdominal palpation is when the examiner feels the abdomen through the […]

A fetal anomaly is also known as “birth defect” or “congenital anomaly” and is defined as a physical or functional abnormality of the fetus that is apparent at birth or that develops during the first weeks of life. It can affect any part of the body and can be either mild or severe. The causes of fetal anomalies are diverse and some are still unknown. Some of the known causes are genetic abnormalities, exposure to teratogens during pregnancy, and problems […]