Obstetrical Instruments

In general, any disease is most dangerous to a human society upon first exposure; within a few generations, natural selection encourages the survival of in­dividuals who have some natural resistance. When Europeans began colonial expansion in the 15th century, they brought new diseases (such as smallpox and measles) to the colonized lands; these diseases killed millions of indigenous inhabitants. Diseases that they encountered for the first time killed the col­onizers themselves

While advances in examining the fetus have been used to diagnose extremely severe defects, these same techniques have opened up possibilities for treating certain fetal disorders. The best-known example is treatment of hemolytic disease of the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. (more…)

Major developmental or genetic defects occur in more than one in 50 pregnancies. Some result in stillbirths; in others, the baby is born alive. Advances in prenatal diagnosis using the latest obstetrical instruments and equipments have made it possible to identify certain major defects early in pregnancy. For some cases in which the fetus has a serious disorder of the brain and/or spinal cord (e.g., anencephaly or spina bifida), treatment is not possible. The same is true for chromosomal defects, such as the one that produces Down’s syndrome. In other cases, including certain defects of the fetal heart or kidney, or blood disorders such as hemolytic disease of the newborn, early diag­nosis enables treatment to be given even before the baby is born. Early diagnosis also alerts the obstetri­cian and pediatrician to the need for specialized care of the baby immediately after birth. (more…)

To maximize the chance of having a successful preg­nancy and a healthy baby, a couple should examine their health habits before pregnancy occurs. Both partners-but especially the woman-should eat a balanced diet and should avoid alcohol, tobacco, and all drugs except those taken in consultation with a physician. Women with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, should ensure that their condition is controlled. Advice should be sought if either partner is aware of a disorder that runs in his or her family. (more…)

Since the turn of the century, improvements in medi­cal care including the use of obstetrical instruments and techniques have resulted in a dramatic decline in infant and childhood mortality in developed countries. Cur­rently, infant mortality is more of a socioeconomic problem. The greatest difficulties are encountered with teenage pregnancies, which are associated with little or no prenatal care. Infants born today in developed countries have a 98 percent chance of growing up healthily. There has also been much progress in prenatal medicine as the understanding of genetics, fertility, pregnancy, and embryonic development has increased. As a result, prospective parents can now be counseled on such matters as the likelihood of their children having a genetic disorder or, if there is a problem with fertility, how to maximize the chance of conception.