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  • Atrial Septal Defect

    Atrial Septal Defect:  (ASD)  this
    congenital defect, an opening between the left and right atria allows shunting
    of blood between the chambers.  The left atrial pressure normally
    is slightly higher than right atrial pressure, blood shunts from left to
    right.  The pressure difference forces large amounts of blood through
    the defect and leads to right heart volume overload, therefore, affecting
    the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary arteries.  Eventually,
    the right atrium enlarges, and the right ventricle dilates to accommodate
    the increased blood volume.

    ASD is usually a benign defect during infancy and childhood, delayed
    development of symptoms and complications makes it one of the most common
    congenital heart defects diagnosed in adults.  Asymptomatic patients
    have an excellent chance of recovery; the outlook is less hopeful for individuals
    with cyanosis caused by large, untreated defects.

    Cause: Unknown

    Symptoms:

    May often be asymptomatic, especially if the patient are young preschooler. 
    He may only complain of feeling tired after extreme exertion.  If
    large amounts of shunting occur, his growth may become retarded.

    Upon auscultation at the second or third left intercostal space may
    reveal a superfical early to midsytolic murmur.  The doctor may hear
    a fixed, widely split S2 and a systolic click or late systolic murmur at
    the apex.  In patients with large shunts, auscultation at the lower
    left sternal border may reveal a low pitched diastolic murmur that becomes
    more pronounced on inspiration.

    Older Patients with ASD may develop pronounced fatigability clubbing,
    and cyanosis. Dyspnea on exertion may severely limit the patient’s activity,
    especially after age 40.  Syncope (faint, temporary loss of consciousness)
    or hemoptysis (spitting up blood) may occur in adults with severe pulmonary
    vascular disease.

    Treatment:

    ASD seldom  produces complications in infants and toddlers, the
    doctor may delay surgery until the patient reaches preschool or early school
    age.  For large defect:  the patient may require immediate surgical
    closure with sutures or a patch graft.

  • Birth Records

    When you have a baby and he is delivered in a hospital you will be provided with forms which will be your child’s birth records. A birth certificate in most countries will contain information such as the date your baby was born, along with the time of day, your baby’s sex, length, weight and your baby’s blood type.

    A birth certificate will also contain the signature(s) of the nurse, doctor or midwife who helped to deliver your baby. In addition, the legal parent’s names will be listed and some countries even list the occupation of the parents. This vital birth record is issued for the new baby shortly after the baby’s birth. A physician will generally file the birth records with the government agency in their area.

    Birth records are usually stored in a government office and copies of the certificate are issued upon request. Many people have the option of requesting how many copies of their child’s birth certificate they would like while they are still in the hospital. It is a good idea to get a few copies and to have them on hand. One should be kept in a safe place such as a fire box or a safety deposit box. You will need a copy of your child’s birth certificate during important milestones in your child’s life such as starting school, obtaining a passport or getting a driver’s license.

    Many people find that they are interested in searching their family history once they have started their own family. If the arrival of your baby has made you curious about your lineage you should begin your search with birth records. Birth records are being searched more and more as people have started using the Internet to search for their genealogy. Birth records are generally available to anyone for a small nominal fee.

  • Birth Pictures

    The first pictures of a newborn infant are meant to be treasured forever and are always a sight to behold. Birth pictures can be clicked right from the moment of birth and even earlier when labor is in progress. It is, of course, a matter for you and your partner to decide when to start recording the arrival of your baby. Most hospitals allow documentation of a baby’s birth from any time the parents wish to do so. This applies to both Caesarean and vaginal births. Birth pictures are particularly useful when compiling a birth diary that you can pass on to your child when he or she is of a suitable age.

    Birth pictures are also the ideal way of sharing with your near and dear ones this joyous event irrespective of where in the world they happen to be. It is also a good idea to collect pictures of your little one beginning from birth because it helps you see the changes he or she undergoes in a matter of weeks, even days during the first few months. You can choose some of the good birth pictures and have them enlarged and use them as part of your nursery décor.

    You can also use some of the birth pictures to make birth announcements to send to friends and relatives to inform them of the joyful event. The photos do not have to be clicked professionally or on a sophisticated camera. Even a disposable camera would do the job just as well. Make sure you click a lot of photographs though, since you won’t know which ones would be technically good since you won’t be able to pay any attention to things like focus, flash, and background. Once you have a lot of pictures to choose from, you can pick only the ones you like and turn them into keepsakes of your choice.

  • Birth Pics

    Births are a great and exciting occasion. Unfortunately, so many families live in different cities and even different countries today that is makes it almost impossible for everyone who is important in your life to be there for the birth of your child. This means great looking birth pics are very important! If your loved ones cannot be there for the birth, at least they can help share the experience with you later by looking at incredible birth pics.

    Before you enter the hospital, talk to your doctor about birth pics. Make sure it is okay for you to take a camera or video recorder into the birthing room. You may even ask if the hospital has professional photographers on staff to take photos immediately after the birth. After all, birth fathers are often overwhelmed after the birth of a child and may completely forget about taking photos. If there isn’t a professional photographer on staff, consider having a family member or friend in the birthing room with you to take photos. This way, not only can you get photos of the new baby with mom, but also family photos. If you have an older child that is old enough to work a camera and they plan to be in the room when the baby is delivered, as them to take photos as well. Not only does this give you additional photos, but it also allows the older child to have an important role in the birthing process.

    Make sure you take more than one camera, just in case there is any faulty equipment. There is just no way to stop the birth while you run out and get another camera, so be prepared! Be sure to take photos of the baby as he or she is born, is being cleaned by the nurses, and after he or she is wrapped up and given to the mother. Birth pics are a great way to share the experience with those who cannot be there. You can never take too many birth pics!

  • Birth Photos

    The day a woman gives birth to a child is one of the most important days in her life. Most mothers even want to remember the birth with birth photos. Birth photos are very important because they are the first ones taken of your new child as he or she enters the world.

    There are many different types of birth photos you can take. You will need to decide if you want birth photos of the baby actually coming out of the birth canal. Many people like to take videos of the actual birth and save birth photos for shots of the mom and dad with the new baby. Another good birth photo to take is as soon as the physician lifts the baby up. Be warned that this shot may be a bit gruesome, as the baby has not been cleaned, but the mother will love having that moment preserved on film. Most people like to take shots of the happy family after the baby has been checked out by the physician and nurses, cleaned, and wrapped in a blanket. One of the cutest poses for birth photos is to have the dad holding the baby next to the mother while she is still on the delivery table. You can also ask your physician to appear in the photo with the baby and mother.

    Although most will allow it, check to see if the hospital allows cameras in the birthing rooms before you take one in. Make sure your camera is working well before the birth – there are no chances for retakes with this event! Make sure the film is loaded or if you are using a digital camera, make sure your battery is charged and all old photos are removed from memory. Make sure the flash works. It is even a good idea to have a backup camera or even an extra set of hands to help you take photos from different angles.

  • Birth Order

    There has been much discussion on birth order. Many people believe that where a child places in the family directly effects how the child will view himself. For instance, the research that has been completed on birth order show that the child that is born first is more likely to feel that he is “right” and superior to others. The middle child is said to have more negative impressions about who himself. The youngest child in the family is said to be more dependent upon others to help him out.

    Birth order is very interesting. Here are some typical characteristics that have been reported by people who have studied birth order:

    First Child: These children are very comfortable being the center of attention. They also tend to believe that they are better or superior to their siblings. The oldest child in the family may be controlling, yet he strives to please. First children tend to go to college more than other children in the family.

    Second Child: These children may feel that they never have their parent’s undivided attention. Second children may be competitive and feel that they are always racing with the older sibling. Many second children may try to be the opposite of their older sibling.

    Youngest Child: These children tend to act like they are the only child in the family. These children may expect others to take responsibility for them. These children may sometimes feel that they are not taken seriously. The youngest child may become bossy and dictate the entire household around.

    These are just general characterizations that have been made about birth order. Of course, every individual and family is unique. However, learning about birth order can give you an inside peek as to why the people in your family act the way they do.

  • Birth Month Flowers

    Birth stones make great gifts for the jewelry lover, but birth month flowers are great for anyone. Many people do not wear jewelry. Jewelry can also become expensive. However, flowers are unique and inexpensive ways to show you care.

    January is all about the carnation or the snowdrop. February is the violet or primrose, while March is the Daffodil or Jonquil. April is the Daisy or Sweet Pea. The first months of the year offer a variety of light fanciful flowers. These birth month flowers are great ways to add a delicate touch to your décor.

    May is the Lily of the Valley or Hawthorne. June is the Rose or Honeysuckle. July is Larkspur or Water Lilly. August is Gladiolas or Poppy. September is Aster or Morning Glory. The middle months offer a variety of Lilies and other unique flowers. These birth month flowers are great gifts.
    October is the Calendula or Cosmos. November is the Chrysanthemum. December is the Narcissus or Holly. The latter part of the year brings some strong flowers. These birth month flowers add character to your home.

    Birth month flowers are great for giving to people on their birth days. This is the ideal time to give the associated flower. They can also be given as baby shower gifts and for other occasions. You can give these flowers out as wedding month flowers, or graduation flowers or whatever events you can think of.

    If you don’t want to give the actual flower, you can also use the flower as inspiration. Designs using flowers make great cards, gift wrap, and other items. You can use the birth month flower as inspiration to design all types of crafts. This is another reason why flowers are better than birth stones. You are limited in what you can do with birth stones rather than birth flowers.

  • Birth Injuries

    Having a child is usually a cause for celebration, but unfortunately, birth injuries occur due to negligence on the part of the doctor, nurse, or someone else on the hospital staff. Most medical professionals know whether certain pregnancy threats exist before the deliver. Birth injuries can cause such conditions as cerebral palsy or shoulder dystocia, lifelong conditions that will plague your child and cost you money. If you suspect that someone was careless during the birth, you can sue to receive compensation for you and your child.

    The first thing you should do is consult a lawyer that specializes in seeking damages for medical malpractice. Ask them how many cases they have had concerning medical malpractice. You may even want to ask them what type of compensation they have gotten for past clients. Do not let a lawyer intimidate you into not asked questions such as these. If, for any reason, a lawyer does not answer the questions, find another one. The lawyer should be willing to answer any and all questions you have about the case.

    Once you hire a lawyer, he or she will request to look at the child’s medical records (including neonatal records), fetal heart monitor strip, labor records, delivery records, and newborn records as well as images from ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Common examples of birth injuries that can occur during labor may include bleeding, umbilical cord problems, a breech birth, fetal distress, and delay in decision to perform a cesarean section. If the lawyer can see where the doctor or staff delayed a response or made an improper response to an emergency situation or unexpected complication, you may have case. The lawyer will advise you of all the options available.

    Birth injuries are horrific, but if it was caused by medical malpractice, you should receive the compensation you deserve.

  • Birth Footage

    END MORNING SICKNESS!!
    For a Happy Pregnancy

    The birth of your child is surely a day in your lives that you and your partner will never forget. A great way to remember this special day is to capture some birth footage on video. Most hospitals will allow the father or family member to bring in a small video camera in order to get the birth of a new baby on tape. Birth footage is a great way to keep memories of this day in your family forever. In addition, some family members may want to see the birth footage later on since they could not be in the room with the mother at the time of the baby’s birth. It’s a wonderful way to capture those tender moments when the new baby first arrives into the world. There are no words to quite describe the feeling parents get when their child is born, and having birth footage is a great way to be sure that the feeling is always there to experience again and again.

    Not only is birth footage used to help parents capture wonderful memories, it is also used for new mothers who need to see what the birthing process will be like. Many doctors and birth classes show parents birth footage of other babies before their baby is born so that they will know what to expect. It is a great training and teaching tool to help new mothers know what to do when the big day comes. It’s also a great preparation for them as well, so that they can be ready both physically and emotionally. Birth footage can give insight into the process that takes place when a baby is born, and how the mother copes with the entire experience from the first time she checks into the hospital until she, daddy, and baby get to go home. It’s a wonderful way to document the beauty of childbirth.

  • Birth Diaries

    Whether you are having your second or third child, or this is your very first pregnancy, having a new baby is a very special time in your life. New parents can especially feel all of the excitement and the anxiety that comes with bringing a new baby into the world. Many parents have discovered that keeping birth diaries can be a tremendous help. Birth diaries essentially track and document the progress of pregnancy from that first moment you find out you’re pregnant, up to the big day. They can be written down by hand in a journal, or today’s modern mom often chooses to document everything online in a blog. Birth diaries can serve many purposes, but perhaps the most important and endearing is to help the mother cope with the many emotions she will feel throughout this time. She can document her feelings and experiences, and it serves as a very therapeutic thing to do.

    Another great reason for keeping birth diaries is so that the parents can remember everything they went through throughout the entire process. It can be a great keepsake later on, when reading back about all of the things they experienced. If the parents decide to post their birth diaries publicly online, friends and family members can track their progress and see how they are doing.

    It’s a great way to let everyone know how things are going without having to call everyone every day and update them. Birth diaries are a fun way to make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s also a great way for first time mothers to look back and remember what they went through in order to prepare for their next child. Birth diaries are an excellent way to document everything a mother experiences from shopping for baby items to doctor’s appointments, as well as how she feels physically and emotionally.