by bouncing sound waves and projects the image onto a screen. It's like an X-ray, but without the radiation and associated risks.

Ultrasound is used: To help date pregnancies To detect multiple fetuses To look at placental location To detect location of the fetus near the due date *** AMNIOCENTESIS: A needle is inserted through the abdomen to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid from the uterus. This allows from hundreds of chromosomal, genetic abnormalities and inherited disorders to be recognised before birth.

Amniocentesis is used: To detect bacteria and viruses To reveal conditions such as Downs syndrome, Spina Bifida, sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis To reveal information on lung maturity *** MATERNAL-SERUM-ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN (MSAFP): This is a blood screening test to establish the level of Alpha-fetal protein (AFP) in the mother's blood. This is produced initially by the yolk sac and then by the fetus' liver. If levels are higher than normal in the mother's blood, it could indicate that the baby has Spina Bifida, congenital kidney disorder, or a cyst on the testicle. Low levels can mean Downs Syndrome. This test is widely recommended and mandated by law in New York and California.

*** CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING (CVS): This test is not frequently performed since it involves removing cells from what will become the placenta. It's generally performed to screen for evidence of abnormalities revealed by amniocentesis.

Excerpted from the Heath Net webpage at www.health-net.com *** MORNING SICKNESS Recommendations for morning sickness: Eat crackers or dry toast before getting up in the morning and in between meals when you feel nauseous.

Eat small meals instead of three regular ones. Take small sips of water every few minutes instead of drinking a whole glass at once.

Vitamin B6 may help the nausea (50 to 150 mg per day).

Avoid fried, odorous, spicy and greasy foods.

Refrain from smoking.

Exercise your regular routine daily, if you can. You may have to alter your routine if you develop cramps, dizziness or bleeding repeatedly while you're exercising.

Refrain from taking medicines, except and occasionally Tylenol, unless you discuss them with your doctor.

Take short naps to help you through the day.

If you are so nauseated that you can't keep fluids down and this goes on for more than 12 hours, call your doctor.

Excerpted from Greater Carolinas Women's Center webpage at www.universityobgyn.com