H-Focus Medical Laboratory

15/01/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Rosie Spagnoletti, Ramona Marin, Tammy Pillow

14/01/2026

IVF: How Eggs and S***m Are Fertilized

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that helps couples achieve pregnancy when natural conception is difficult. Here’s a simple breakdown of how fertilization happens during IVF:

1️⃣ Egg Collection
The woman receives medications to help her ovaries produce multiple mature eggs. These eggs are then carefully collected by a specialist.

2️⃣ S***m Collection
A semen sample is provided by the male partner (or donor). The healthiest and most active s***m cells are selected in the laboratory.

3️⃣ Fertilization in the Lab
Fertilization can happen in two main ways:

Conventional IVF: Eggs and s***m are placed together in a special dish, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic S***m Injection): A single healthy s***m is directly injected into an egg to increase the chance of fertilization.

4️⃣ Embryo Development
Once fertilized, the egg becomes an embryo and is monitored for a few days as it grows and develops.

5️⃣ Embryo Transfer
A healthy embryo is gently placed into the woman’s uterus, where it may implant and develop into a pregnancy.

IVF combines medical expertise and advanced laboratory techniques to give hope to individuals and couples on their fertility journey.

📍 H-Focus Medical Laboratory
📞 0700 225 4365 | 0700 CAL HFML
🌐 www.hfocusmedical.com

13/01/2026

13/01/2026

Can We Talk About Constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive condition that occurs when bowel movements become infrequent (fewer than three times a week) or when stools are hard, dry, lumpy, and difficult or painful to pass. It happens when stool moves too slowly through the large intestine (colon), causing excessive water absorption, which makes the stool hard and dry.

Common Causes of Constipation

Dietary Factors:
Low intake of dietary fiber (from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and inadequate fluid consumption can contribute to constipation.

Physical Inactivity:
Lack of regular exercise can slow bowel movement and reduce intestinal activity.

Ignoring the Urge to Go:
Frequently delaying bowel movements can lead to harder stools over time.

Medications:
Some drugs, especially opioid pain relievers and certain supplements, may cause constipation as a side effect.

Common Symptoms

Fewer than three bowel movements per week

Straining or pain during bowel movements

Hard, dry, or lumpy stools

A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying

Abdominal discomfort, bloating, or cramps

Treatment and Prevention

Most cases of constipation can be managed with healthy lifestyle changes:

Increase Fiber Intake:
Gradually include more high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains to improve stool consistency.

Stay Well Hydrated:
Drink adequate water and non-caffeinated fluids daily.

Exercise Regularly:
Physical activity helps stimulate bowel function.

Create a Routine:
Try to visit the toilet at the same time each day, especially 15–45 minutes after meals.

Improve Toilet Posture:
Raising your knees above your hips using a small footstool can make bowel movements easier.

Use Medications Cautiously:
Fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives may help temporarily, but medical advice is recommended before regular use.

If constipation is persistent, severe, or associated with symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, please seek medical attention promptly.

📞 H-FOCUS MEDICAL LABORATORY
📱 0700 225 4365 | 0700 CAL HFML
🌐 www.hfocusmedical.com

13/01/2026

12/01/2026

Types of Fetal Malpresentation
— Understanding positions that may affect labour and delivery

During pregnancy, the ideal position for a baby before birth is cephalic presentation—head down, facing the mother’s back. When the baby presents in any other position, it is called fetal malpresentation. These positions can influence the mode and safety of delivery, which is why early detection through antenatal care and scans is important.

Common Types of Fetal Malpresentation

1. Breech Presentation
The baby’s buttocks or feet are positioned to come out first.

Frank breech: Buttocks first, legs extended upward

Complete breech: Buttocks first, legs folded

Footling breech: One or both feet come first

2. Transverse Lie
The baby lies sideways across the uterus. The shoulder may present first, making vaginal delivery unsafe without medical intervention.

3. Oblique Lie
The baby is positioned diagonally in the uterus. This position is unstable and may change but can become problematic during labour.

4. Face Presentation
The baby’s head is extended backward, with the face leading. This may prolong labour and requires close monitoring.

5. Brow Presentation
The baby’s forehead presents first. It is a rare position and often difficult for vaginal delivery if it persists.

Why Fetal Malpresentation Matters

Fetal malpresentation can increase the risk of:

Prolonged or obstructed labour

Birth injuries

Need for assisted delivery or caesarean section

Early diagnosis through ultrasound scans and proper antenatal follow-up helps doctors plan the safest delivery approach for both mother and baby.

Our Advice

Regular antenatal visits and timely scans are essential for identifying fetal position early and managing it effectively.

📍 H-Focus Medical Laboratory
📞 0700 225 4365 | 0700 CAL HFML
🌐 www.hfocusmedical.com

Accurate diagnostics. Trusted results. Caring for every stage of life.