here - Health Promotion Agency

Antenatal care and antenatal classes
contact the Sickle Cell Society
or the UK Thalassaemia Society
(see page 151).
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease
which affects vital organs in the
body, especially the lungs and
digestive system, by clogging them
with thick sticky mucus. The sweat
glands are usually also involved. The
disease is inherited and both parents
must be carriers of the faulty gene
for a baby to be born with cystic
fibrosis. A test is offered to mothers
who are at high risk early in
pregnancy to find out if the baby has
cystic fibrosis.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
internal examination. Discuss the
reasons for this with the doctor. By
putting one or two fingers inside
your vagina and pressing the other
hand on your abdomen, your doctor
can judge the age of your baby. Most
doctors prefer to use an ultrasound
scan for this purpose (see page 56)
either at the first or a later visit.
CERVICAL SMEAR
You will be offered a cervical smear
test now if you haven’t had one in
the last three years. The test detects
early changes in the cervix (the neck
of the womb) which could later lead
to cancer if left untreated. By sliding
an instrument called a speculum
into your vagina, the doctor can
look at your cervix. A smear is then
taken from the surface of the cervix
and will be examined under a
microscope. The test may feel a bit
uncomfortable but it is not painful
and won’t harm the growing baby.
Occasionally, the doctor might
consider it necessary to do an
HERPES
If you, or your partner, have ever
had genital herpes, or you get your
first attack of genital blisters or ulcers
during your pregnancy, let your
doctor or midwife know. This is
important because herpes can be
dangerous for your newborn baby
and he or she may need treatment.
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