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In functional electrical stimulation (FES), computer technology sends low-level electrical impulses to activate specific muscles in your legs, arms, hands or other areas. The electrical impulses are sent to the muscles either through surface electrodes on the skin or through electrodes implanted just under the skin. The electrical stimulation can cause your muscles to contract, Read more…

A forceps delivery is a type of assisted vaginal delivery. It’s sometimes needed in the course of vaginal childbirth. In a forceps delivery, a health care provider applies forceps — an instrument shaped like a pair of large spoons or salad tongs — to the baby’s head to help guide the baby out of the Read more…

Focused ultrasound surgery is a noninvasive treatment option for uterine fibroids — noncancerous growths of the uterus. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is typically performed before treatment to determine whether you’re a good candidate for focused ultrasound surgery. Focused ultrasound surgery — also called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery or focused ultrasound ablation Read more…

A flexible sigmoidoscopy (sig moi-DOS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the large intestine (colon). During a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, a thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and Read more…

First trimester screening is a prenatal test that offers early information about a baby’s risk of certain chromosomal conditions — Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and extra sequences of chromosome 18 (trisomy 18). First trimester screening, also called the first trimester combined test, has two steps: A blood test to measure levels of two pregnancy-specific substances Read more…

A fetal ultrasound, or sonogram, is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of a baby in the uterus. Fetal ultrasound images can help your health care provider evaluate your baby’s growth and development and determine how your pregnancy is progressing. In some cases, fetal ultrasound is used to evaluate possible Read more…

Fetal surgery, a procedure in which surgery is performed on an unborn baby (fetus), is offered in some conditions to improve the long-term outcome after delivery. In one type of spina bifida, myelomeningocele, an opening in the skin on the fetus’ back causes part of the spinal cord and coverings to be exposed to amniotic Read more…

Fetal fibronectin is a protein that acts as a “glue” during pregnancy, attaching the amniotic sac — the fluid-filled membrane that cushions your baby in the uterus — to the lining of the uterus. Fetal fibronectin is often present in vaginal discharge before week 22 of pregnancy. Fetal fibronectin also begins to break down and Read more…