Health Tip: Before a Pap Smear
A pap smear is used to detect changes in the cells of a woman's cervix that could indicate cancer. The test is usually recommended for all women age 21 and older, and women younger than 21 if they have been sexually active for three or more years.
Certain things can lead to inaccurate results of a pap smear. Here's a list of activities to avoid in the 48 hours before your test, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* Sexual intercourse.
* Vaginal deodorant sprays or powders.
* Douching.
* Tampons.
* Any vaginal creams, suppositories or medications.
Health Tip: Getting to Know Your Premature Baby
When babies are born prematurely -- before 37 weeks of gestation -- they may require special care, often in a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
These babies may need help in keeping their bodies warm and breathing.
Even in an NICU, there are things parents can do to help care for their premature baby. Here are suggestions from the American Pregnancy Association:
* Gently touch or stroke your baby as much as possible.
* Talk, read or sing to your baby so he or she can learn the comforting sound of your voice.
* Help give him or her a sponge bath.
* Help nurses and staff with activities like changing his or her diaper.
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