Health related information and news from around the world.

During the first two weeks after conception the embryo is fixed in its position in the uterus. The placenta, which is the organ that transfers nutrients from the maternal circulation to the fetus, is well developed early in pregnancy. During the second to eighth weeks there is a rapid development of the skeleton and the organs so that the tiny fetus is a clearly distinguishable human being. By the twelfth week the fetus still weighs only about 30 gm.
The total weight gain during pregnancy should average about 11 kg (24 lb). The weight gain throughout pregnancy should be gradual and steady. During the first trimester a total gain of 0.65 to 1.4 kg (1.4 to 3.0 lb) is normal; for the second and third trimesters a weekly gain of 350 gm (0.8 lb) should be expected.
The weight gain is accounted for in part as follows: fetus, 3300 gm (71/2 lb); uterus, 900 gm (2 lb); placenta and membranes, 1450 gm (3 lb); breast tissue, 900 gm; increase in blood volume, 1500 gm. In addition there are considerable stores of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus in preparation for delivery and lactation.
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There have been articles in newspapers stating that swimming may not result in fat loss because the body’s natural tendency in the water is to float—and fat is your flotation device. Fat floats and muscle sinks. Some also believe that fat helps to insulate your body in cold water. Intellectually this makes sense, but if you have fat to lose, you’ll lose it swimming. For my clients who are convinced that swimming isn’t a good exercise, I have them look at photos of Olympic swimmers. They may have a little more body fat than runners or bikers, but they are lean and fit.
Can I say it one more time? Exercise is the only way to guarantee a permanent change in your fat and muscle physiology. Exercise is the key to transforming your fat-storing body into a fat-burning body. Exercise is the most important strategy to outsmart your female fat cells. Ninety percent of all people who have never had a weight problem exercise regularly—and 90 percent of all people who have lost weight and kept it off exercise regularly. What more can I say?
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Use of X-rays, CT scans or ultrasound in diagnosis

CT scans (computerized tomography) and ordinary X-rays are of no value in the diagnosis and monitoring of endometriosis. Ultrasound can have a role in some situations.

Ultrasound involves the use of high frequency sound waves to create an image or picture of the body on a screen or film. Over the last decade it has been used increasingly in the diagnosis and management of a number of gynecological and obstetrical conditions, including the detection of ovarian cysts and determining the age and size of a foetus in early pregnancy.

Ultrasound has a limited role in the diagnosis and monitoring of endometriosis. At present, the machines used are not sensitive enough to detect small implants and adhesions. They can only detect cysts greater than two centimeters in diameter and determine their size and location. Ultrasound cannot determine the nature of a cyst nor can it distinguish it from other types of cysts or conditions.

Ultrasound should not be used as a substitute for laparoscopy to diagnose endometriosis. Its use is limited to confirming the existence of a cyst felt during a pelvic examination and determining its size and location prior to surgery. In some circumstances ultrasound may be used to help monitor the change in the size of a cyst after a laparoscopic diagnosis has been made.

Use of hysteroscopy or D&C in diagnosis

A hysteroscopy is a procedure where a telescope-like instrument is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and the cervix. It enables the gynecologist to examine the inside of the uterus.

A D&C (dilation and curettage) involves dilating or opening the cervix with a series of rods of increasing thickness until the opening of the cervix is dilated to about one centimeter in diameter. A thin spoon-shaped instrument, known as a curette, is inserted into the uterus and some of the lining is gently scraped off” and later examined.

Hysteroscopy and a D&C have no role in the diagnosis of endometriosis as they do not allow the gynecologist to examine the pelvic cavity.

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