This link shows 10 facts about vaccines, which you may find interesting. I always encourage my childbirth students to learn about both sides to everything - vaccines being an important one. The website linked has lots of great information.
For those choosing not to vaccinate, this is a great article on why you should NOT sign the vaccine refusal forms, but rather write your own (examples included).
This test can be done to determine the possibility of your unborn baby a open neural tube defect, Downs syndrome or Trisomy 18
Remember that no test or procedure is completely accurate when trying to determine if an unborn baby has a genetic defect. These tests measure the possibility of a open neural tube defect, Downs syndrome or Trisomy 18, and both false negative and positive results do happen.
The quad screen is generally done between 16-18 weeks, and results can be had in 2-3 days.
Blood is drawn from the mother, and four specific biochemical markers (alphafeto-protein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), unconjugated estriol (eC3), and inhibin-A) are measured. These levels, in addition to other information, can determine the possibility of a disorder.
What if you get a positive result?If you do have a positive result, if you choose, you can have an ultrasound and/or amniocentesis or CVS done to determine the possibility of a birth defect. Generally a genetic evaluation will be done prior to further procedures.
Who takes the test?This test is available for all pregnant women. Many people will not take the test because the results can be so shaky, and they will not end a pregnancy because of a chance that their baby will have a disorder. Others will take the test (and further procedures if necessary) to prepare themselves for the possibility, and then others will end the pregnancy.
Nursing moms need an additional 300 calories from healthy foods, for a total of at least 1500 per day. Dieting is not recommended during breastfeeding, however, breastfeeding does help with postpartum weight loss on its own!
Try to eat a variety of healthy foods, add in extra protein and three servings of calcium-rich foods each day, plus plenty of fluids. Continue taking your prental vitamins.