Question 1

Issues with incontinence?

Accepted Answer

Activate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to the core. The Vitality Plus™ Seat activates powerful and intense contractions with Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS). Target these deep muscles increasing muscle volume and activating the regenerative potential necessary for patients’ recovery and wellbeing. Engage key muscles which can only be activated with powerful FMS technology to restore pelvic floor function and control. Get your freedom back with Freedom+™. Milestones’ team is trained to facilitate treatment using the FREEDOM+™ Vitality PlusTM Seat.

Question 2

What is hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary alternative medicine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicine)in which hypnosis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnosis)is used to create a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility during which positive suggestions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suggestion)(words) and guided imagery (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guided_imagery)are used to help individuals deal with a variety of concerns and issues.

“Hypnosis” is natural brain state in which people experience increased attention, concentration, and suggestibility. It is a state of self-absorption where time seems distorted. While hypnosis is often described as a sleep-like state, it is better expressed as a state of relaxation coupled with focused attention,(https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attention-2795009) heightened suggestibility, creativity, and vivid fantasies.

While there are many myths and misconceptions, hypnosis is a very real process that can be used as a therapeutic tool. Hypnosis has been shown to have medical and therapeutic benefits, most notably in the reduction of pain and anxiety. More and more evidence is being built around the benefits of using the mind’s capacity to explore its beliefs and even change perception of the senses for better health and wellbeing. In Europe and the USA, many hospitals use hypnosis before treatments and procedures to help patients reduce pain and anxiety non pharmacologically.

Question 3

Who is the best candidate for hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is interested in making changes to their life can benefit from hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Anyone with an open mind regarding this alternative modality.

While many people think that they cannot be hypnotized, research has shown that many people are more hypnotizable than they believe. Everyone making the inner decision to experience hypnosis will experience it in some ways. Research suggests that people who can become easily absorbed in fantasies, books, movies are much more responsive to hypnosis.

Question 4

Who should not do hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with unstable mental health or neurological condition, schizophrenia, pathological personalities, psychosis (including substance induced), senility, dementia, brain trauma, cognitive deficiencies, epilepsy, narcolepsy, bi-polar, uncontrolled clinical depression, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, and/or currently taking medications/substances that cause drowsiness. If unsure about using hypnosis and hypnotherapy, please consult your health care provider.

Question 5

FAQs and myths about hypnosis

Accepted Answer

• While amnesia may occur in very rare cases, people generally remember everything that transpired while they were hypnotized. However, hypnosis can have a significant effect on memory.(https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-memory-2795006) Posthypnotic amnesia can lead an individual to forget certain things that occurred before or during hypnosis. However, this effect is generally limited and temporary.
 • While hypnosis can be used to enhance memory, the effects have been dramatically exaggerated in popular media. Research has found that hypnosis does not lead to significant memory enhancement or accuracy, and hypnosis can actually result in false or distorted memories.(https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-false-memory-2795193)
 • Despite stories about people being hypnotized without their consent, hypnosis does require ongoing voluntary participation on the part of the patient. Hypnosis should feel      right at all times.
 • While people often feel that their actions under hypnosis seem to occur without the influence of their will,  a hypnotist cannot make you perform actions that are against your wishes.
 • While hypnosis can be used to enhance performance, it cannot make people stronger or more athletic than their existing physical capabilities.

Question 6

What is Genetic Counselling?

Accepted Answer

A genetic counsellor is a health care professional can give you information regarding you and your baby. With information from your personal and family health history, they can determine what the chances are that you or your baby could have a genetic condition. Based on this information, the genetic counsellor can help you decide whether a genetic testing might be right for you and your pregnancy.

Question 7

Indications for Genetic Counselling

Accepted Answer

• Non-invasive prenatal testing
 • Family or maternal history of a genetic condition
 • Previous pregnancy or previous child affected with a genetic condition
 • Carrier screening
 •  First trimester risk assessment discussion
 • Soft markers 
 • Recurrent miscarriages

Question 8

What tests can be ordered through genetic counselling services?

Accepted Answer

1. NIPT for chromosome aneuploidies, microdeletions, autosomal recessive and de novo conditions
2. First trimester screen
3. Carrier screening for increased risk populations (Ashkenazi Jewish, Woodlands Cree, African, Asian and certain French Canadian regions) 
4. Carrier screening for rare conditions
5. NIPT for paternity testing

Question 9

Practical info on appointments and tests

Accepted Answer

When you meet a genetic counselling, they may ask questions about your personal and family history for you and your partner. Usually, the meeting will take 30-60 minutes. You may want to have your partner with you.  If you decide to have genetic testing, you will have a blood test at our clinic too.

Question 10

First trimester screen

Accepted Answer

During the first trimester of pregnancy, screening tests for birth defects may be done. These tests look for possible problems with your baby. The tests may be called first-trimester screening, combined first-trimester screening, or the combined screening.

The screening tests show the chance of your baby having certain birth defects such as Down syndrome (https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=std120885&lang=en-ca#std120885-sec)or trisomy 18.(https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=bg1006&lang=en-ca#bg1006-sec)

First-trimester screening tests include:
 • Blood tests
    • These measure the level of two substances in the blood called pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (beta-hCG). PAPP-A is a protein in the blood. Beta-hCG is a hormone made by the placenta.(https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=stp1633&lang=en-ca#stp1633-sec) In some areas, other blood tests may be used.
 • Nuchal translucency test
    • This test uses ultrasound to measure the thickness of the skin at the back of your baby's neck. An increase in the thickness can be an early sign of Down syndrome.

(From Alberta.ca (www.alberta.ca)website)

Question 11

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing

Accepted Answer

Non-Invasive prenatal testing is a blood test that can determine the risk for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 with a detection rate of 97-99%. In additional, it can tell you if the baby is a boy of girl.

Question 12

Inheritable/familial conditions screening and testing

Accepted Answer

We are all carriers of genetic conditions. But if you and your partner are carriers of the same condition, your baby could be at risk. There is carrier screening for about 300 known genetic conditions. Some examples of genetic conditions include Fragile X syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy and Cystic Fibrosis. Carrier screening can be done before you are having children or while you are pregnant.

Link to website that offers carrier screening

Question 13

Pre-conception consults

Accepted Answer

Some couples are trying to decide if they will want to try and have children or not. If they would like to undergo carrier screening, or if they have a medical or family history of a genetic condition, this may play a role in their decision making. If this information would help you make your decision, you can be referred to our clinic for genetic counselling.

Question 14

Possible outcomes

Accepted Answer

Most individuals that undergo genetic screening will have a reassuring result, however if the results are concerning, we will talk with you about what this may mean for you and your family.

Question 15

Inclusivity and medical trauma sensitivity training

Accepted Answer

We recognize that our clients come from a beautifully diverse background in terms of ethnicity, gender, medical issues and body sizes. In addition, some have been impacted by medical trauma.

Our staff were hired as we found them naturally empathic, non-judgmental, genuine and empowering. However, we also undergo ongoing inclusivity and medical trauma sensitivity training.

Question 16

Why do I need to fast for my abdomen ultrasound test?

Accepted Answer

Fasting minimizes air and food in the digestive system which can obstruct the organ visibility and contract the gallbladder. Fasting means no food or drinks for 10 hours prior to the exam. This includes gum, candy, smoking and vaping. Please note - you CAN drink water and take your medications as needed.

Question 17

Why do I need to fill my bladder for my pelvic and/or KUB ultrasound test?

Accepted Answer

A full bladder helps to visualize the pelvic organs more clearly. It acts as a window, allowing sound waves to pass through and create better images. Sometimes the doctor asks us to answer certain questions about the bladder that you wouldn't be able to see if it's empty.

Question 18

How long will my ultrasound take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of the exam will vary between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific body part being examined.

Question 19

Will I be getting my results at the end of my exam?

Accepted Answer

No. The radiologist will review your images and send the finalized results to your healthcare provider. Additionally, your results will be available on your My Alberta Health account within 3-5 business days. If your healthcare provider has requested that the results be sent urgently, the report will be finalized and sent on the same day as quickly as possible.

Question 20

Can I bring a companion into my ultrasound exam?

Accepted Answer

Companions are not permitted in the ultrasound room, unless they are designated translators or support persons assisting patients with mobility needs. For safety reasons, unaccompanied children are not permitted to attend your appointment. Thank you for your understanding.

We are a Pregnancy Ultrasound & Wellness Clinic located in Edmonton, AB

Genetic Counselling

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