Ultrasound for Early Detection of Down Syndrome

image:fetal.com

Based on the research results, it is known that the examination of the development of the fetal nasal bone in the middle half of pregnancy may help doctors to identify the possibility of the baby having Down syndrome. Currently, the most effective way to find out is by amniocentesis, where a doctor will take a sample of amniotic fluid. Unfortunately, this test may cause a risk of miscarriage.

According to a 2003 study on ultrasound were written in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, stated that the nasal bone grows less than perfect present in 61.8% of fetuses with Down syndrome abnormalities. And 21% of normal fetuses had a normal nasal bone development. This suggests that the nasal bones are not perfectly evolved associated with a high risk of Down syndrome.

Experts estimate that combining imperfect growth of the nasal bone and other test method can enhance the ability to detect any abnormalities of Down syndrome in the fetus by more than 90% accuracy, so it is likely that risky amniocentesis method can be minimized.

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5 Things in Lulling Your Child

Some parents have a going to bed habit by singing a quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep every night. So, do you have the same ritual to lull your child before bed? Well, there are a few things you need to know first about the lullabies.

image:telegraph.co.uk

1. Since long time ago, mothers can make the baby quiet or sleeping with a simple repeated melody, such as lullabies.
2. Babies will be more relaxed when they hear the sound of women’s voice compared with men, especially her own mother's voice.
3. Infants can also recognize the songs that played when he was still in the womb.
4. Lullabies can help babies born prematurely to sleep more soundly and increase heart rate.
5. Babies prefer the song that has simple tones. Too high tones in a song will make the baby becomes tense up.

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Surprising Moment

I thought before that Mocca –our male cat- is a solitary cat. It turned out that he also has a sense of motherhood inside. When I saw Mocca sleeping together and showing affection by licking one kitten’s head, I couldn’t help not to smile. Though I missed the moment, I still had a chance to capture their closeness.  

Mocca's motherhood :)

The sleeping black cat is the real mommy

 Captured a few days ago for Camera Critters  and Saturday's Critters       

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How to Become a Good Father

In a family, the father's role will greatly help the development of the child. But unfortunately, because of their busy work, there are lots of fathers who don’t have much time together with family. If you are a father and have such condition, you should -as much as possible- fix the pattern of your life. Bring yourself closer to your child since many factors of their development rely on you.

image:popsugar.com

Some studies show that if a child actively engages his father in doing daily activities, then they will have high IQ, achieve better academic achievement, and rarely be involved with drugs as well as delinquency.

According to Wade Horn, Ph.D., a psychologist and director of the National Fatherhood Initiative (a working group that examined the role of the father in the family), it does not mean that the kid without a father's role will grow into a child as opposed to a few points above; it's just that the child will have a higher risk.

When the baby is still in the womb, the father is able to create a bond with the baby. For example, when the baby is kicking, the father could respond by gently patting and talking to him as the answer, so the baby can recognize his voice and this could strengthen the inner contact between father and baby.

After birth, the active role of the father is going to help the baby's development, for example:
-two months old baby: social response is getting better

-six months old baby: developing good motor nerve

Then, how to be a good father? Some of the ways are following:

• Take some time to spend with children.
• Communicate openly. Openness will make a child doesn’t hesitate to show emotion and talk to his father.
• Apply good time management so that the work does not take up all of your time.
• Hold their trustworthy and keep promises. If you’ve promised to your child, stick to that promise, don’t delay.
• Accept responsibility. Make sure that the child's needs such as clothing, home, food, education, and health are met so that he will grow up with good character.
• Become example for your child by guiding and providing a good example.
• Most children imitate their parents’ words and actions. Therefore, keep your attitude, words and actions, especially when you’re with the children.
• Provide a sense of security and protect the entire family.

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