Health

Reasons to Get an Ultrasound When Pregnant

Published

2 years ago

November 13, 2021

Ultrasounds are very common for pregnant women in Newport Beach. They can help you determine the health of the baby and the state of your pregnancy. They are safe for both mother and child but should only be done by a doctor. If you’re wondering whether or not to get an ultrasound when pregnant, here are some of the reasons why you should consider pregnancy ultrasound in Newport Beach.

Issue of Size

It determines whether or not the baby is growing at a healthy rate. If it seems that the baby might be too small, your doctor can offer recommendations to promote healthy growth.

It also gets accurate measurements so that caregivers can monitor baby growth. If you don’t get one, it may be impossible to track a baby’s growth accurately. Ultrasounds help caregivers spot any abnormalities that might cause developmental issues for babies, both in the uterus and after birth. Sometimes, they can monitor development for problems like Down Syndrome.

Detecting Health Issues

Ultrasounds are great for determining if the fetus is healthy. Some signs that there may be issues with fetal development include:

Abnormalities in the brain, spine, and heart.
Small size or failure to develop limbs.
The fetus’s measurements seem smaller than the average for that stage of pregnancy (when viewed via an ultrasound).

Checking for Life

It checks for signs of life. This is known as doing a viability scan. It helps determine whether or not there is a heartbeat in the fetus. If this test comes back positive, then you know that your baby still has a chance at life. If it doesn’t, you know that your baby isn’t alive.

Checking the Position of the Baby

It determines the location of the placenta and the position of the baby. If there is any reason to believe that something might be wrong with either one of those things (like when your placenta is low-lying), then an ultrasound can help determine it.

Addressing Concerns

Ultrasounds can also be used as follow-up for people who have experienced complications during previous pregnancies. If you’ve experienced miscarriages or problems before, then ultrasounds are needed to monitor your baby’s health during future pregnancies. Conversely, ultrasounds are helpful for people who have had no complications in their past pregnancies but still want extra reassurance that everything is okay.

Detecting Twins or Other Multiples

With IVF or IUI, there’s always a chance that you might end up with twins or even more multiples. It monitors the development and growth of multiple fetuses to ensure that they are all healthy. They can also help you determine the number of babies you’re carrying.

Issues of Miscarriage

You can use it in the event of a potential miscarriage. If you’re having symptoms of a miscarriage, your doctors might want to run an ultrasound. To see if the fetus has died and fallen away from the uterus. They can use this information to determine the best course of action.

If you have been on the fence about getting an ultrasound during pregnancy, it is time to go on and get it. Speak with your doctor, and they’ll help you determine the best time to get one.

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

Published

2 months ago

February 14, 2024

Michelle Langton

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw.

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth.

Now what?

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps.

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves.

3. Control Bleeding

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments.

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time.

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals.

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies.
Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.