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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
During the early weeks of pregancy, a standard blood test is given to check for common sexually transmitted diseases. This disease panel includes gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Untreated, any of these STDs can cause pregnancy and birth complications. Thankfully, these diseases are treatable and can be cured using antibiotics.

To find out more about common STDs, how they can affect pregnancy, and how they can be treated, take a look at the Center for Disease Control National Prevention Information Network

Sonogram
A sonogram is another term for ultrasound. See ultrasound.

Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal chord of a fetus does not close during the first trimester. Spina bifida affects every baby differently depending upon the severity of the defect.

Spina bifida can be prevented if a woman makes sure that she is taking enough folic acid every day before she becomes pregnant and during pregnancy. The recommended dosage of folic acid is 400 mcg, but many obstetricians recommend dosages of 800 to 1200 mcg. The higher dosages are especially important if a woman becomes pregnant with multiples (twins or triplets).

If you want to find out more about spina bifida, check out the Spina Bifida Association.

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People and their circumstances vary, and you should always check with your medical advisor.