Topic: Health
Q. First of all thanks for taking time and replying me. I really appreciate it. My question is I am 33 years old and quite good in health. being indian no alcohol, no smoking. all in all quite healthy. We are planning for 2nd kid. I went to dental x-ray recently. I asked they I could be pregnant but when they tested my urine it came negative. So I had FULL MOUTH DIGITAL X-Rays. Then after a week I came to know I am pregnant. So i have full mouth x-ray with cover apron when i was 3 weeks pregnant. My question is How safe is my fetus. My OB said its absolutely fine and so did my dentist. But I am still worried. Please let me know what is the digital dental x-radiation impact. I am safe to go with pregnancy.

A. Thank you for your question - we have checked with a few very well trusted sources and everyone seems to feel that digital x-rays during pregnancy do no harm.  Digital x-rays are very low in radiation and therefore are the safest option

Topic: Health
Q. I am having pelvic all the way across me from hip to hip and on the sides some and hurts so i bad it has about put me in tears i don't know what it is it hurts when i stand sit or lay and the pain stunds me more when i first stand or when i first sit down the worst?

A. I am so very sorry that you are in so much pain. Any pain can be very frightening and not knowing what the cause is can make the pain even worse. What you have described could have many sources and could be very serious. The only recommendation I can give you at this time is to please see a doctor. The sooner you get care, the better you will feel.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. I am 6 months pregnant and high risk,my dr. told me that my baby is retaining to much water or fluid,what does that mean or suggest?

A. Thank you so much for your question.  Unfortunately, without more information, we can't truly give you a complete answer.  First thing you need to do is speak with your doctor to be sure you understand exactly what you were told.  And, most importantly, any time your doctor tells you anything - be sure and ask follow up questions.  Don't be afraid that you will sound stupid or that you are wasting the doctor's time.  Remember, that your doctor is working for you and the more you understand, the more comfortable you will be with your care and this alone will make the rest of your pregnancy less stressful.

Topic: Preconception
Q. I have been having swollen, sore breast...I also have headaches and moodswings. I just noticed a little bit of red blood in my urine, also when me and my boyfriend have sex I cramp in my abdominal afterwards-this has only been going on for the past three days. We thought maybe I was pregnant so I took three home test and they all said negative. This was 15 days before a missed period. Should I take another one?

A. Thank you so much for your question.  The symptoms you describe certainly could indicate pregnancy, however, they also could mean something else is going on.  Some pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy before a missed period, but not all tests can do that.  I would suggest you make an appointment with either an obstetrician or midwife.  That way you can truly confirm if you are pregnant or if you have some other condition causing your symptoms.  And, I must remind you that if you are pregnant or even if you are considering pregnancy, to please be sure you are considering everything that goes in to your body.  Food, drugs, alcohol, etc.  And, please be sure to take your vitamins and especially increase your folic acid.  Good luck to you and your partner.

Topic: Family Planning
Q. My wife and myself are thinking about having another child. She is 40 turning 41 in April this year. She is concerned about having a child at her age, and the possibility of the unborn having possible birth defects. We want to see a doctor (specalist) who can provide us information of perform test to see if having a child is viable. Can u help?

A. How exciting to be planning a pregnancy.  Many, many, many women your age have wonderful pregnancies and very healthy babies.  Your first step would be to see your regular obstetrician who will probably follow you throughout your pregnancy.  If necessary, a perinatologist would then follow your during your pregnancy to provide care for the baby.  If you don't have a regular obstetrician you can access physicians in your area by going to www.baycare.org and click on find a physician.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. Can I take extra strenght Tylenol while 9 weeks pregnant?

A. Thank you for your question.  Just the fact that you are questioning whether or not you should be taking anything during your pregnancy says you care and are concerned.  Most sources say that Tylenol Extra Strength is acceptable to take during your pregnancy.  The question you could ask yourself is basically, "why do I need to take this medication"?  And, "is there any other way I can deal with this discomfort or pain"?  Perhaps you could try heat or cold or a warm bath or shower, or maybe, even some relaxation techniques.  And, of course, if your pain is severe, please bring it to the attention of your care provider.

Topic: Conception
Q. My last menstrual cycle was 10/12/08, approximately when was my date of conception?

A. Thank you for your question.  Ovulation and therefore conception, occurs approximately 14 days before your period was due.  If you have a 28 day menstrual cycle, that means you ovulated on day 14.  If your cycle is a few days longer, you probably ovulated after day 14.  Since sperm can stick around for up to three days, it is usually considered you are most fertile, and therefore, conception can occur during the 13 to 17 days before your period arrives.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. Hello, i was wondering if you could help me.  My husband and me had been trying for a baby for nearly two years.  I had a one night stand (using a condom) on Match 14 2008 i then had a period on 21st March 2008 on the 12 April i took a test and it was negative (this would have been 4 weeks after the affair) i then did a further test on 18th (5 weeks after the affair - putting me at 7 weeks pregnant if the affair caused the pregnancy) I then did a positive test on the 21st March.  We had a scan on the 26th March dating the pregnancy at 4 weeks 6 days closly matching that of my period and putting concepion in early April.  My 12 week scan and 24 weeks scan also matched my period.  Is there any way that sll of the above could be three weeks out leading to my one night stand being the father.  Can someone have protected sex then a period and still be pregnant?  Can three scans all be three weeks out? 

A. My initial response to your question is take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.  Considering all the information you have shared, it does appear that this pregnancy was not a result of your one night stand.  Scans done at or near 20 weeks are usually the best way to date a pregnancy.  Studies have shown that these scans are the most accurate.

Not to cause you concern, but, yes, someone can have protected sex and still get pregnant.  Also, it is possible to have a light period and still be pregnant.  At this point, the only way to truly determine true fatherhood of the baby is to wait and have a test done when the baby is born.   But, again, in your case, you probably should rely on your ultrasounds scans. 

Topic: Breastfeeding
Q. I'm extremely embarassed to be asking this question,  however,  I really need some advice!  I have two children,  8 & 4.  I did not breast feed my first,  but opted to on my second.  I had every intention of weaning by the age of 6 months,  but I was told by a pediatrician that if I stopped I would need to substitute with some sort of formaula until age 1. So,  I then decided rather than have to wean from the breast and then from the bottle too that I would just stick with nursing until age 1.  My problem is that my second child is now age 4 and still nursing on demand.  It has been somewhat easier to keep allowing it rather than put up with her fits for attempting to stop.  This is not a topic you hear about often and therefore very touchy to question about,  but next year my daughter will be starting kindergarten and this must stop!  I kept hoping that eventually this would run it's course,  but I just don't know what to do anymore.  Clearly what I've tried so far hasn't worked.  Do you have any suggestions on how I might go about doing this in a way that would work for us both?  Thank you so very much for any advice you might could offer!

A. Congratulations on providing your daughter with the very best life has to offer, breastmilk.  And, not only in terms of nutrition, but as Dr. Sears says, “These days, you hear about kids shooting up schools.  In a nutshell, these are disconnected kids.  But children who breast-feed a long time, are, above all, connected.  And our society could use a whole lot more connected kids.”  

Studies throughout the world conclude that in societies where children are allowed to nurse as long as they want, they usually self-wean around age 4 or 5.  But, take heart, it is totally understandable that you want to wean now.  I would suggest using substitution and distraction.  4 is a magical age,  poised between the frustrations of toddlerhood and kindergarten’s autonomy.  Perhaps you could try giving you daughter the option of substituting her favorite “big girl food” or special food treat instead of nursing.  Also, try to use her increasing distractibility as she matures.  She may be distracted by a favorite TV show, toy, book or play choices.  Be patient, it will happen.  Best wishes to you both.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. Me and my fiance have been trying to get pregnant..I had my last period on October the 8th, and have been following my ovulation calendar....so we have been going at it....every other night this month....I am not due for another period until Nov. 5th, according to my calendar....which would make that 7 days away, is it too early to take a pregnancy test?, I do know that my HCG levels run lower than normal women's do.  I have been extremely nauseous, and my breasts have been a little tender, although I know it could just be a misconception of just having a bug, or the coming of my cycle....I just wish I knew already!!

Topic: Infants
Q. My son is in pain he is making like a choking noise at the back of his throat worse when hes getting winded he screams as if hes in agony i went to doctor and hes sending him to a specialist but i have to wait for appointment but it isnt fair on my son to wait any longer as hes really disstressed is there anything i can do i am really concerned about it as he is only 10 week old

A. I am so sorry your son is in pain. It is always difficult when we see our children in distress. You are to be commended for immediately bringing this to the attention of your doctor.  Since the symptoms you describe can be descriptive of a few conditions, you should contact your doctor and let her know you have not been able to schedule a timely appoint with the specialist.  They may be able to schedule your appointment for you or send you to someone else. 

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. Can a pregnant woman (9wks) take Xanax or Benedril? Thank you for your help.

A. It is always good to question any medications during pregnancy.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy.  Xanax is classified as a Category D, which means that studies have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus.  Of course, Xanax is a prescription only drug and you should only be taking it under the care of a physician. But, if you have been taking Xanax, please do not immediately stop, please see your healthcare provider for instructions on  how to stop taking the medication.  There is also the possibility that your provider may decide that you should continue taking Xanax if the benefits outweigh the possible risks. 

Topic: Breastfeeding
Q. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant...and still breastfeeding my 23 month old daughter. I have had so much trouble trying to stop the breastfeeding! She never took a bottle-not breastmilk or formula. She does eat solid food, though. She also drinks plenty of regular milk, juice, and water...but still always comes right back to the breast! I've been told to tough it out and put her in her room to cry it out...that doesn't work either. She knows how to open doors- so she comes running back to me, pulls my shirt up and literally asks for "boob"! I am currently a stay ay home Mommy...which doesn't help matters because it's just her and I and my 6 year old daughter. She has no one else that occupies her attention! Daddy works 65-70 hour weeks and isn't here to take her for a drive, or anywhere to get her away from me for awhile! The breasts are always basically at her service! I haven't slept through a night in over 2 years! So I find that at times I'm the weak one that gives in too early because I'm just too tired and want to get some sleep too! I know it's just a comfort thing for her. She does get pleanty of nutrients elsewhere. What can I do??? I've even tried putting Cod-liver oil on my breast! I was told by her Doctor that it tastes bad-yet is okay to digest. It does taste bad alright! Not to her, though. She ate right through it! I'm at a loss! With my new baby on the way, I have to get this one off the breast! It's to the point now where it hurts so bad that I grit my teeth when she latches on! My breasts are sore from the pregnancy, and I'm starting to show...so having her across my belly is also uncomfortable! Please help with some new ideas of how to get my baby off the breast! Two years is long enough! :) Thank you!

A. Congratulations on providing your daughter with the very best life has to offer, breastmilk.  And, not only in terms of nutrition, but as Dr. Sears says, “These days, you hear about kids shooting up schools.  In a nutshell, these are disconnected kids.  But children who breast-feed a long time, are, above all, connected.  And our society could use a whole lot more connected kids.”  

Studies throughout the world conclude that in societies where children are allowed to nurse as long as they want, they usually self-wean around age 4 or 5.  But, take heart, it is totally understandable that you want to wean now.  I would suggest using substitution and distraction.  4 is a magical age,  poised between the frustrations of toddlerhood and kindergarten’s autonomy.  Perhaps you could try giving you daughter the option of substituting her favorite “big girl food” or special food treat instead of nursing.  Also, try to use her increasing distractibility as she matures.  She may be distracted by a favorite TV show, toy, book or play choices.  Be patient, it will happen.  Best wishes to you both.

Topic: Breastfeeding
Q. I have three children. non of them was breast feed. without any reasons. now expecting the other one and would like to breast feed her. my question Is there a possibility that my breast will be not good since it has never been sucked either of my siblings.

A. You are to be truly commended for seriously considering breastfeeding for your 4th baby.  A woman's body is very flexible and forgiving.  Your  history of not breastfeeding will not affect your plans for this baby at all.  Both you and your baby will receive all the benefits from breastfeeding.  Remember, you will be most successful with this by surrounding yourself with women who will support your choice, taking a breastfeeding class and especially by believing and knowing that breastfeeding is the most normal, natural and healthiest way to feed a baby.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. In February I discovered my baby had a fatal neural tube defect (anencephaly) we discussed our options and decided on terminating the pregnancy. In April I had very bad stomach pains and when I went to the emergency room they discovered I had an ovarian cyst and I had to remove one of my ovaries because of this. Could my termination have caused this cyst?  Recently I found out I was pregnant again but now I am so worried that this baby might also have a fatal problem like my previous pregnancy, could this anencephaly happen twice even if I take 800mcg over the counter folic acid.  I do have to healthy normal children and I am hoping for another one soon.  I just don't want to worry myself too much.

A. So sorry for your loss.  But, congratulations on your current pregnancy.  Neutral Tube Defects have many causes.  Yes, folic acid is one of the most important things you can do to prevent NTD.  That is why it is especially important for anyone who can become pregnant to take folic acid before pregnancy occurs.  However, race, ethnicity, certain medications, certain maternal illnesses, and possibly a previous NTS affected pregnancy are all possible causes.  No valid medical studies have been found linking pregnancy terminations to ovarian cysts. 

Topic: Contraception
Q. I am getting ready to go off the depo shot and am now waiting for my first period to start.   I am going back on the BC pill but I am unsure of when to start my first pack. Thanks.

A. Thank you for your question about the birth control shot Depo-Provera.  The simple answer to your question is that it is recommended that you begin taking your birth control pill on the date that your next Depo injection is due.  Since you mentioned you are waiting for your first period, I must remind you that it can sometimes take 6 to 18 months for your periods to return after you stop the Depo shots.  And, as I always like to remind women, birth control pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. I'm 31 weeks pregnant, i have high blood preasure, swealing, retaining liquids, also my doctor said i might have preeclampsia. i done had 2 paps and they both were abnormal in a month i eat 1s aday and i am gaining 10 to 12 lb a week. my doctor asked me to go see a specialist in ob because he is not sure what do i have i even might have diabetes. need help soon!

A.Thank you for your question.  Based on the symptoms you have described, I would have to suggest that you definitely follow your doctor's suggestions.  Gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy) does occur in approximately 3 to 5% of women.  So, please get this checked out immediately.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. I have a 20month old daughter whom I still breast feed, and her father and i have been having unprotected sex for like the last month and a half now Iam 17days late and every pregnancy test that i have used has came up Negative, Is it possible that By me Still breast feeding may it have Generated a False Answer?

A. Great question.  Pregnancy tests are just as accurate whether you are breastfeeding or not.  However, sometimes pregnancy tests do give false results.  Most pregnancy tests will register positive by about two weeks after conception, and from what you say, you are well within this range.  Try taking another test and then perhaps check with your physician. 

Topic: Health
Q. My son and daughter-inlaw had their baby 5 weeks early.  He said he is constipated and gave him a supository a day ago and wants to give him another.  My youngest is 17, but if I remember well, it is normal for a baby not to have a bowel movement everyday.  How often is it safe to give a supository and how many days in between?

A. You are so right.  It may very well be normal for a baby not to have a bowel movement each day.  As for constipation, not having a daily bowel movement does not always mean constipation.  The things to look for that indicate constipation are bowel movements thicker than toothpaste, or look like logs or marbles.  You didn't indicate if the baby is being breast or formula fed, but perhaps the baby just needs more fluids.  Please have your son check with their pediatrician before using more suppositories.  The pediatrician should also check to be sure there is no physical reason the baby is having problems.

Topic: Sleep
Q. My son is 8 months old and is still not sleeping through the night. He eats formula and solids during the day.  His last feeding is at 8 pm, but then arises around 11-12 pm to eat again.  After those 8 oz he's good until 7 am.  What can I do to get him to sleep through the 11pm feeding?

A. From what you say, your baby sleeps about 8 hours during the night.  At his age, this is actually acceptable.  By the end of the first year, babies need to sleep around 10 hours a night.  So he is definitely on the way.  But, you might take a look at what he is really asking for at 11 p.m.  If he is truly hungry, and appears to be, since you say he is taking 8 ounces, consider it better to feed him at 11 p.m. than to have him wide awake and hungry at 2 or 3 a.m. If he weren't actually hungry, you might consider that he is just waking and needs to be soothed, or calmed until he learns to soothe himself.  Most babies actually do wake during the night, but are able to settle themselves.  Take heart, babies schedules do change, especially during that first year and as long as he is thriving, you and he are doing well.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. My husband and I have just "gotten back together" a week ago, after a separation. About 14 days ago I felt moody and pushy, like I was going to get my period in the next week, but that week (exactly 7 days ago) my husband and I had unprotected sex. Starting the next morning, until today I can't drink my coffee in the morning or eat anything without it coming back up. Plus, I am natiuos throughout the day. I try to push the feeling aside, but it doesn't go away. I am feeling almost as I did when I was first pregnant for our daughter. Could it just be the flu? Since it has only been 7 days is it too early to take a pregnancy test?

A. Thank you for your question.  Since you weren't specific about when you expected your period or whether you did or did not get your period on time, I can't really give you a direct answer.  Some women are actually able to recognize that they feel "different" during ovulation.  And, of course, some of what you are feeling could certainly indicate a pregnancy.  There are at home pregnancy tests which say they can provide results 5 to 7 days before your first missed period.  You might try one of these.

Topic: Development
Q. My 6 year old son has developmental problems and has trouble keeping his hands open. is there a specialist that i can take him to that can help him? we live in the Tampa Bay area in Florida and went to USF to the Genetics department. He was a healthy baby at birth. We have tried different things to help, but nothing helps. he also has weight problems, his weight goes up and down. I am trying to deal with this on my own except for my mother helps with him. He is going into the first grade. He is in a special class in school already, but I do not know what else to do. I need help because nobody knows what to tell me. I hope someone can help me.

A. Thanks so much for your question.  I can tell you are frustrated by the lack of answers you are receiving.  I can also tell that you have that special "mother's intuition" which we always encourage mothers to listen to.  I would suggest that you contact The Tridas Center for Child Development in Tampa.  They may provide the initial testing and evaluation which will help identify your son's diagnosis and give you a better understanding of his needs.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. My girlfriend is pregnant. Both of us do not have insurance. We do not want to use Madicare. Do they have some good company that can provided us with insurance?

A. I am so sorry that neither of you have insurance to cover this pregnancy and birth.  You didn't indicate why you were not interested in Medicaid, but, my suggestion would be to definitely apply for Medicaid.  There are a number of ways which your girlfriend might qualify.  Also, if she does qualify, her baby will be covered by Medicaid also.  You might try going to your local health department and see if they have any programs you might qualify for.  And, lastly, there may be some physicians who are willing to accept less than their usual fee if you don't have insurance. 

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. My situation is kind of complicated. Let me start off with my health issues. I have hyothyroidism and I'm pre-diabetic. I take two meds everyday with no problems. The doc has recently lowered my thyroid meds. I am taking the same dose for the pre-diabetes. Okay I am now concerned if I may be pregnant again. I have a 4 1/2 year old but didn't find out that I was pregnant until I was already 4 months along. I know it was from my thyroid thinking it was messing with my system. Sure enough I was pregnant. It is now June 7,08' and I have not had my period since April 17th. I went to a clinic twice and tested both times negative. She said that she wasn't sure why I wasn't having my period and thought of course about my thyroid like I thought. But what I find weird is that I don't really know what the systems are because there different with everyone. All I know is that my stomach is really tighting and I don't know if that is normal. My breasts don't hurt a lot but at times my nipples will hurt. I work in a grocery store and 3 days a week in the bakery. To me the cake boxes as I'm putting them together smell like body oder. I know its not me because I'll smell myself and I smell deoderant. It's only on the cake boxes too. Weird I know but very strange to me. My scences have been very sentisitve lately. I also find myself going to the bathroom a lot more. Even right now, be right back. I have been through so much stress lately that I don't know if that could be the cause of my non periods. But this is not normal to me. When I am on my period, I am always on it. It may last 15 days then it will stop cold turkey. Then start up again 3 or 4 days later. And so on. It's not always 15 days either. In April I went for eight days. It's very quite annoying. So right now I'm not complaining that I'm not on my period. It's pretty nice.  Okay so I go in on Tue. to the doc. to have blood work done for pregnancy. I am afraid that it will be negative, and then later I will really be pregnant. I don't want to find out again when I am 3 or 4 months along. Should I ask my doc. if I can get an ultrasound done? Or do you think that she may have me take only the blood work? I don't want her to put me back on birth control, because of my period, then I'm taking these pills and I end up really hurting my baby if I am pregnant. Please help with any advise if you can! Thank you very much!!!!

A. Thanks so much for your detailed question.  The signs and symptoms you have described could certainly indicate a pregnancy, however, as you have experienced in the past, that is not always the case.  Let me answer your last question first.  According to the specialists at the Mayo Clinic, you shouldn't be overly alarmed that you may have taken birth control pills before you realized you were pregnant.  Many women have had this happen accidentally with very little evidence that this exposure to the hormones in these pills cause birth defects.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. My husband and I had sex on the 22nd of March.  My cycle is usually 30 days.  It ccomes on the 5th of each month.  I took a laxative on the 30th of March.  My period is two days pass due but I have had a light pink bloody dsischarge for the past few days.  Other than full/heavy breasts, I do not have any other symptoms. Is it possible that I may be pregnant?

A. Yes, it is possible that you are pregnant.  Some women experience early signs of pregnancy such as breast tenderness, or fullness as you described even before a pregnancy test can be accurate.  Also spotting, fatigue and nausea are other early signs of pregnancy.  So, if you think you are pregnant, please be sure and take care of yourself.  I would also suggest you avoid laxatives until you have checked with your doctor or midwife.

Topic: Health
Q. My 9 year old daugther is very curious about my body.   recently she asked her grandma to show her, her breast!!! I don't know how to help her dealing with her sexual intentions. Is she normal or premature? Please help me. thank you

A. First of all, don't panic.  Your daughter sounds perfectly normal with a normal curiosity.  Young girls are entering puberty at a much younger age than ever before.  You can certainly use this as an opportunity to begin open and honest discussions about your bodies, their parts and functions.  And I suggest using the actual names for these body parts.  Of course, some of us may have to spend some time confronting our own discomfort and anxiety about sexuality in order to be comfortable with this discussion.  There is a new book available that I would recommend.  It is called "Third Base Ain't What It Used to Be", by Logan Levkoff.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. Can laxatives cause a miscarriage at 23wks?

A. Yes, there are some studies that do link miscarriages to laxatives.  Most are too strong and can potentially stimulate the uterus.  However, any laxatives can possibly harm the baby by stripping the body of nutrients and also causing dehydration.  Even though over the counter and also natural laxatives are available, always check with your doctor or midwife before taking ANY medications during pregnancy.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. Our son who is 9 months old has stopped taking a bottle or sippy cup.  I am still nursing/pumping but we have a sitter during the day and she can not get him to drink anything.  He used to drink from the bottle just fine for several months and then justed stopped.  We have tried straws, regular cups, several sippy cups and a variety of bottles.  Nothing.  It is going on 2 months and we have become concerned.  Is there another way to help him get past this and drink from a source other than me?

A. First, kudos to you for being continuing breastfeeding.  And, congratulations on having a smart baby who knows that " Mommy is best".  Don't worry about his/her drinking from a cup.  The sitter needs to continue to offer a cup, whether the sippy or a small regular cup, straw or whatever.  But, it should not become a "fight" between baby and care giver.  During the day he will get fluids from the foods eaten.  Do make sure fruits which are high density water foods are offered.  The baby will eventually definitely take fluids from a cup.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. I was wondering how accurate an ultrasound due date is. I am 13 weeks as of yesterday November 12,2007. I have been with the same guy for 2 years in which we had sex on August 13 and 31 but i also had sex with someone new on Sept 1. What is the possiblity that is could be the persons that i slept with on the 1st could be the father.

A. I will try to answer your questions about ultrasounds.  Yes, ultrasounds can be quite accurate, especially if done early in the pregnancy .  However, their accuracy, as far as dating a pregnancy, diminishes as the pregnancy progresses.  You say that you were 13 weeks pregnant, which could indicate that you got pregnant toward the end of August, depending on your menstrual cycle, however, the ultrasound cannot truly tell you if the pregnancy began within a 1 day time frame.  I am afraid that the only way to determine paternity would be a paternity test once the child is born.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. My last period was on the 8th of October, My cycle is usually every 28-30 days and my period lasts for 4 days. Today is the 5th of November, i had an urine test and it was negative. I feel dizzy some times, eat alot and feel bloated, do you think the negative is wrong?

A. Your question is such an important one because pregnancy tests can show a false negative.  Let me address a few reasons for a false negative test.  Sometimes the test is taken too early in the pregnancy.  It is possible that even  if you are pregnant, you are not producing enough of a specific hormone for the test to measure.  Sometimes, without meaning to, we just don't follow the instructions exactly, meaning we either did not dip in the urine well, or did not hold it properly in the urine stream.  Also, with some tests, if you do not read the result in the stipulated time, the results could appear negative.  You can always wait a few days and try the test again.  Or, better yet, see your care provider.  And, regardless, if you think you may be  pregnant begin following healthy pregnancy procedures, no smoking, no alcohol, vitamins, etc.  It actually is always a good idea to start following these guidelines, especially if a pregnancy is in your future.

Topic: Infants
Q. When should you put a newborn in crib in room alone?  I plan to breastfeed and the first two and half mths off, thought put baby by side of my bed in cradle, but then when should I put him in the crib alone in another room?

A. What a wonderful idea to keep your newborn in your room with you.  Doing this can actually help you and the baby synchronize your schedules and make it easier for you to feed and change during the night.  When to put your baby in a room alone is entirely a personal decision. However, if the baby will only be in your room while it is in the cradle, you need to consider at least 2 things.  Most cradles are small and cannot accommodate a growing baby.  Also, small cradles are really not safe once the baby is beginning to roll over, which can occur between 3 and 6 months or age.  And please remember, no matter where the baby sleeps, make sure to put baby on it's back to sleep.

Topic: Healthcare
Q. I happened to see your website and found some helpful sites.  thanks so much for being out there! I am new in the area of Tampa and I am expecting our second child.  I loved my doctor from GA but I am not too crazy about my doctor here.  Due to complications  on the first pregnancy, I will have to visit a high risk pregnancy doctor.  Do you have anything on your website that can help me on finding a good and caring doctor?

A. Welcome to the Tampa Bay area and congratulations on expecting your second child.  We do have some wonderful physicians in this area.  Depending on where you actually live, you can locate a physician by checking out these two websites.  Morton Plant Mease in Pinellas County - www.mpmhealth.org and St. Joseph Women's in Hillsborough County - www.sjbhealth.org, Women's Hospital.  On both sites you can click on find a physician. 

Topic: Development
Q. Hello, and let me say thank you so much for this wonderful service. I hope I am not going into too much detail, but we are just so concerned.

I have recently become concerned about my son's development. He's a healthy 29 month old, referred by our family doctor at 25 months because of concern about the lack of clarity in his speech. He had some history of ear infections, but nothing chronic. Had a 2/3 ear infections by 15 months, but nothing I can recall after that. Has had a few other colds that required nebulizing but that a while ago. He had been scheduled for a hearing test, but he had an accident the day of and missed it. He is being rescheduled, but we don't suspect a hearing problem.

We had a screening in our home by a Speech Pathologist and Child Psychologist at almost 27 months. BDI-2: Cognitive, Personal-Social, Motor Domains all normal. Adaptive skills below normal. Rosetti Scale: Interaction/attachment:15-18 months Pragmatic:15-21 months; Play 15-21 months. Language Comprehension: 15-21 months. Language Expression 18-24 months.He didn't qualify for special ed services at this time, but suggested a reevaluation at 3.

He had been cared for by a nice woman who had little/no structure in her home. She also watched 5 other children. Typically, we think he watched TV all day. We have switched to a preschool that is more structured. He is more stimulated, but has started suffering from separation anxiety in the morning, and has stopped eating lunch there most of the time. They say he does not seek the companionship of other children there and has difficulty with transitions. They say he does much better in the afternoon after a nap, however. The staff is working with us.

Some concerns in particular that we have are that he doesn't consistently respond to his name. He gets very focused on something and will sometimes ignore us when we call him. It's hard to tell if he is ignoring us or if he is not making the connection it's his name. If we add something like "Sam...want a banana" or something that interests him, he will usually direct his attention to us. Other times he responds normally. He maintains good eye contact during play and other times. At about 24/25 months he would put a couple of 2 word things together like "More Juice" or "All Done" or "Tickle Sam" but nothing much more complicated than that. In the past few months, he has become better, connecting more words like"Mommy go upstairs" or "this is my toy" "Take a bath". After some prompting, we can get him to say "I want some milk please" or "Give me Milk Daddy", but only does it spontaneously 10-20% or so.

He didn't use pronouns really, so we started pushing him. We have seen some progress in the past week, but it is hard for us to gauge. It doesn't seem like he's making a connection that me/I are really him.

What still concerns us the most is his inability to answer "what's your name." If I say "Who's that?" and point to myself or his mom, he will say our names. If I ask "Who's this" and point to him, he will say "Sam". But "what's your name?" elicits "What's your name" in response or "My name's daddy", or sometimes the name of a toy he likes. We play games where my wife and I shake hands with each other and say "Hi - My name is Daddy. What's your name?" He would usually do what we did and then say "Hi my name is Daddy" or Mommy. He will see himself in the mirror or pictures and say "That's Sam" and seems excited about that.

He would say "Pick you up" when he wants up because we would ask him "Want me to pick you up?" but has changed it to consistently saying "pick me up."

To encourage him to start using my/etc I started taking his toy and saying "That's my toy" He would copy me and take it and say the same. I have heard him say that around other kids that take a toy from him, or when we try to take hismilk he might say "Mine!" if he's not finished. He might put the toy in my hands to initiate our game and he will tell me "that's my toy" as he puts it in my hands - knowing that's what I say when we play it.

Just recently he has used "yours" appropriately - "your cheeks, daddy" while pointing to different body parts. But only a couple of times has this happened. We are concerned about echolalia. He repeats a lot of what we say. His speech development has been delayed, so we don't know if this is him having fun copying us, i.e. going through a normal but delayed stage of copying, or something else. If we ask him a question he will often repeat thelast 3-5 words. Not all the time, though, and if there is something he wants or doesn't want, he'll answer the question with a yes or no without hesitation.

When we turn the page in his favorite books, he usually knows all the words, and will say them as we turn the page. Great memory. He has known about 10-12 body parts for a while and can identify them if I point to mine, or his. He can count to 20. Identifies and greets people by name in person and inphotos. He can identify colors. Sings the ABC song, Twinkle Twinkle and some others. Saw six coins on the table and he said "Oh coins! 1,2,3,4,5,6" while moving each coin with his finger. I didn't even know he knew the word coin! Hesometimes surprises me with vocabulary I didn't know he knew. He can follow 2,sometimes 3 step instructions (when he wants to!) Knows many words, and has good receptive language (despite the test results- he easily understand a great deal of what say and ask of him). He can answer his age when asked somtimes. He asks "Where" questions a lot.

He does not point to much. If we are reading a book, it can be very difficult to get him to point to things. If I point and say "What's this" he knows all common items, and many unusal items (igloo) - even in a new book. But to get him to point, I have to take his finger and point the first few times if I ask "Where is the cat?" If it's a page I have worked on with him before, it is easier to get him to point to things. Sometimes he takes our fingers and points to things in books.

He does occasionally generate spontaneous statements - just the other night with a new bath toy he said "Ducky swimming in bathtub" totally unprompted/ unlike other things we say in the bath. In the week or so since we have been pushing him, we have made some progress with pronouns. Some days he seems to have more clarity than others and will actually apply "I want" statements to things we have never mentioned - suddenly say "I want applesauce please" but still not consistent or often. He will spontaneously ask for things he wants done - "Turn on the light Daddy" "Turn off the Fan mommy" "Go to the Bathroom Mommy" (i.e. you go back in the bathroom, mommy) "I/me Go outside" "Take off my shoes/shirt" "Open it". "It's dark in there" etc. His pronunciation is not great, but not totally unintelligible by strangers. Still mixes a lot of jumble sounds into his speech when playing by himself.

He is very affectionate, energetic and loving with us, grandparents, neighbors, pets. He laughs and plays with us a lot. He has a few "friends" he gets excited to see at first, but then goes and plays by himself, usually. Sometimes he will bring a train (his obsession) over to another child like a gift while playing. We make play dates and he interacts marginally with the other kids, if at all.

He does have imaginative play, pretending that he was me leaving for work with his little bag (like me), closing the door, then opening it and saying "I'm Back!" Sweeping the floor with us. Pretending to go to sleep and waking us up. Pretending to be a lion and roaring and chasing. "Eating" plastic look-alike toys. etc. He is very sweet and loving.

We have never noticed any sensory things, no flapping, rocking, tip toes, rubbing, etc. He is very flexible at home - we travel and he can adapt to most anything. Does not throw fits or tantrums if we diverge from much. We don't have a rigid routine for him, and he seems fine with it. At his new school, he has struggled with transitions, and they say he doesn't like to be part of circle time or usually seek out the companionship of other kids. (I am shy and never did well in big groups either, if that means anything) They do say he does much better in the afternoon after a nap, like I said.

Stacked over 6 blocks no problem, but seems less interested in blocks now. We have seen improvement in his speech since we became aware of the delays, and try to work with him, but we always fear he is plateau-ing and the changes have not been too dramatic. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to help me and all of these other parents out here.

I sincerely appreciate all of your efforts to help - it really helps relieve so much of the strain of uncertainty.

A. Thank you so much for taking the time to share the story of your son.  There are probably others who have the same concerns about their children.  Although you raise a number of issues, which, of course, cannot be addressed properly through email, I do sense who still have many concerns.  You indicated that you did have him tested by a speech pathologist and psychologist.  Since, as I said, you still seem to have many questions, I would suggest that you make an appointment or get a referral to one of the Developmental Pediatricians associated with St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.  They should be able to address the balance of your concerns. 

Topic: Childcare
Q. I'm trying to find a really good daycare for my 3 year old.  Right now I have her in a daycare, but I'm not feeling that comfortible with the daycare right now.  Do they have some kind of grading system some where on the net.  Thanks.

A.Thanks for your question about your 3 year old's daycare.  We are always happy to hear that when someone senses something "is not right" they act do to something about it.  We all have a wonderful innate warning system and should always listen to it.  Here is a link to the State of Florida site on evaluating day care. Hope this is helpful.  Be sure and check out their FAQ's also. 
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ENVIRONMENT/community/group/cdc.htm

Topic: Health
Q. I have a questions about using insect repellent on my 3 year old.  Is there something out there that does not have deet in it.  She is in a pre-school that uses insect repellent all the time.  I notice that my child is now putting her fingers in her mouth and she never did that before.  I'm a little concern that it may not be good for her in the long run.  Can you help?  Thanks

A. Your question about insect repellent is so important, especially here in Florida.  Yes, there are repellents without DEET.  According to the CDC, they are not as effective, however, some protection may be better than the none.  These repellents are readily available, you just have to be a good label reader!  If you can't find them, check out your local health food store.  Of course, the other option, would be to get a good repellent intended for use on clothing - not on skin - and let your child wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.  Hope this helps.  Thanks for your question.

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. me and my guy friend were just recently had sex. and we didnt use a condom. howver i have been on my period since thursday. that just passed. what should i do i dont know if i could still get pregnant in this situation and im kind of scared. what should i do.

A. Well, yes, there is a possibility that you can get pregnant and still have a period.  You do sound very concerned, so I would definitely suggest you see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.  The other issue that I must speak to is the fact that, as you are probably aware, sex without a condom can  lead to pregnancy, but also to sexually transmitted diseases for either partner.  STDs do not always have symptoms, so please mention this to your healthcare provider also.

Topic: Health
Q. Would you recommend any good pediatric dermatologist? My son is one year old and has a very bad eczema. I am living in Pinellas County. Thank you very much.

A. Hi, I am so sorry your son is suffering with eczema.  As I am sure you are aware, it can be very disturbing and distracting, especially to such a young child.  Your pediatrician would be a good source for a recommendation.  Since eczema can be associated with allergies, you may want to ask for a referral to a pediatric allergist also. 

Topic: Pregnancy
Q. I had two miscarriages in the past year and I have discovered it's because of the Senna laxative, which I have been taking for 8 years now. I'm on a high fiber diet and I drink a lot of fluids including water, I'm also eating high fiber dried food, and nothing is really helping me, the problem is that I have discovered that I'm pregnant. What should I do?

A. Hi, so sorry for your previous losses, but please accept our congratulations on your pregnancy.  You are correct, there are some studies that do link laxatives with miscarriages.  It does sound like you are on the right track with your diet and drinking lots of fluids.  You didn't mention exercise.  Exercise and yoga can also play an important part in bowel regularity.  Of course, please check with your physician/midwife before beginning any exercise program.  And, of course, please keep your physician/midwife updated and she may also have some suggestions for you such as a stool softener, etc.