Pregnancy FAQs

Pregnancy Test Kits.. How they works

2010-11-04T04:19:00.000-07:00

To support the ongoing pregnancy every Pregnant Women produces a hormone called hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin). The pregnancy test kits work by detecting this hCG in the urine of the pregnant women. Usually hCG appears in the urine of pregnant women after 20-24 days from the day of her last menstrual period. The level of hCG rapidly increases (almost doubles every 72hrs) till the third month of pregnancy and then maintains a steady state.

Now coming to the question how pregnancy test kits detect hCG.

The pregnancy test kits will have a chromatographic paper enclosed inside a plastic case and you can see the chromatographic paper from the upper side. The Chromatographic paper will be impregnated with hCG and anti hCG (a substance against hCG) at the point marked as ‘C’ and only with anti hCG at the point marked as ‘T’. C stands for “Control” and T stands for “Test”.

Am I Pregnant?

There will a sample well where urine drops has to be poured and the urine will blot through out the chromatographic paper

Now the principle is

hCG + anti hCG + water = color

Let us take an example that a woman is not pregnant and she wants to check whether she is pregnant. She will put her urine in the sample well and the urine will blot through the chromatographic paper and it will cross both the “control” as well as the “Test” bands.

Now apply the principle here

Since the women is not pregnant her urine will not have hCG

At the Control area which is already impregnates with hCG +anti hCG a color band will appear because of the water from the urine but at the test area which is having only anti hCG no color will appear

so What happens at Control Band is?

hCG +anti hCG +water (from urine) = color.

This is basically to ensure that the pregnancy test kit is working.

and What happens at Test Band is?

Anti hCG + water (from urine) = no color

Since the woman is not pregnant her urine will not have hCG. There will be only one pink colored band appearing at the control area and the test band will not be colored.

Let us assume that the woman is pregnant and her urine will have hCG now.

Applying the principle

At Control Band

hCG (already impregnated) + hCG (from urine) + anti hCG + water (from urine) = color

At Test Band

hCG (from urine) + anti hCG + water (from urine) = color

Now two colored bands can be seen at both Control and Test areas.

This means the test is positive. Congrats you are pregnant and it's time for you to consult a Doctor.

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Pregnancy and Bleeding

2010-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

There are many different reasons that a woman may have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Some women can continue to have light periods or spotting during pregnancy, especially during the first few months. A pregnancy test would probably help to ease your mind. A visit to your practitioner may also be in order, either for early pregnancy care or to find out the reasons for your symptoms. Here is a comprehensive list of the many possible causes.

Early Pregnancy and Implantation Bleeding

Are you experiencing first trimester bleeding? It's estimated that 25% of all women have bleeding in early pregnancy. One possible cause of this bleeding is implantation bleeding.

What is Implantation Bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is lighter than menstrual bleeding, and consists of pink or brown colored blood. Implantation bleeding occurs when the trophoblast, or tissue that surrounds the egg, attaches to the endometrium and slowly eats its way into the lining. As it does so, it eats through the mother's blood vessels, forming blood lakes within itself. When these blood lakes form near the surface of the trophoblast, they often cause implantation bleeding.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Remember, the difference between period and implantation bleeding is the amount; implantation bleeding is considerably lighter than menstrual bleeding. Menses and implantation bleeding should be different enough so that you can tell. Here are some frequently asked questions about spotting:

When does implantation bleeding occur?

Usually 5-12 days after ovulation, so just around the time that you would be getting your period. Bleeding during ovulation is something different.

What does implantation bleeding look like?

Implantation bleeding signs are a light pink or brown colored spotting.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

The duration varies for each woman.

Miscarriage

Bleeding while pregnant doesn't mean that miscarriage is certain, but it can occur. About half of the women who bleed do not have miscarriages. Miscarriage can occur at any time during the first half of pregnancy. Most occur during the first 12 weeks. Miscarriage occurs in about 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies. If you think you have passed fetal tissue, take it to the doctor's office so it can be examined.

Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. They are often the body's way of dealing with a pregnancy that was not normal. There is no proof that exercise or sex causes miscarriage.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Another problem that may cause pain and bleeding in early pregnancy is ectopic pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs in a fallopian tube, it may burst. Ectopic pregnancies are much less common than miscarriages. They occur in about one in 60 pregnancies.

Molar Pregnancy

A rare cause of early bleeding is molar pregnancy. It is also called gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) or simply a "mole." It is the growth of abnormal tissue instead of an embryo.

Late Pregnancy

The causes of bleeding in the second half of pregnancy differ from those in early pregnancy. Common conditions that cause minor bleeding include an inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix.

Placental Abruption

The placenta may detach from the uterine wall before or during labor. This may cause vaginal bleeding. Only 1 percent of pregnant women have experienceplacental abruption. It usually occurs during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Stomach pain often occurs, even if there is no obvious bleeding.

Placenta Previa

When the placenta lies low in the uterus, it may partly or completely cover the cervix. This is called placenta previa. It may cause vaginal bleeding. Placenta previa is serious and requires prompt care.

Labor

Late in pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of labor. A plug that covers the opening of the uterus during pregnancy is passed just before or at the start of labor. A small amount of mucus and blood is passed from the cervix. This is called "bloody show." It is common. It is not a problem if it happens within a few weeks of your due date.

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Preconception Tips

2010-08-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Preconception Prep for Moms

Ready to board that cute little pas senger on the mother ship? Here are some preconception steps you can take to make sure that ship is in shape.

Get a preconception checkup.

You don't have to choose a prenatal practitioner yet but it would be a good idea to see your regular gynecologist for a thorough physical examination. An exam will pick up any medical problems that need to be corrected beforehand or that will need to be monitored during pregnancy. Plus, your doctor will be able to steer you away from medications that are to be avoided in pregnancy (or preconception), make sure your immunizations are up to date, and talk to you about your weight, your diet, your drinking and other lifestyle habits, and similar preconception issues.

Start looking for a prenatal practitioner.

It's easier to start looking for an obstetrician or midwife now, when the pregnancy meter's not already running, than when that first prenatal checkup is hanging over your head. If you're going to stick with your regular ob-gyn, then you've got a head start. Otherwise, ask around, scout around, and take your time in picking the practitioner who's right for you. Then schedule an interview and a pre-pregnancy examination.

Smile for the dentist.

A visit to the dentist before you get pregnant is almost as important as a visit to the doctor. That's because your future pregnancy can affect your mouth—and your mouth can possibly affect your future pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can actually aggravate gum and tooth problems, making a mess of a mouth that's not well taken care of to begin with. What's more, research shows that gum disease may be associated with some pregnancy complications. So before you get busy making a baby, get busy getting your mouth into shape. Be sure, too, to have any necessary work, including X-rays, fillings, and dental surgery, completed now so that it won't have to be done during pregnancy.

Check your family tree.

Get the health history on both sides of the family tree (yours and your spouse's). It's especially important to find out if there's a history of any medical issues and genetic or chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, or fragile X syndrome.

Take a look at your pregnancy history.

If you've had a previous pregnancy with any complications or one that ended with a premature delivery or late pregnancy loss, or if you've had multiple miscarriages, talk to your practitioner about any measures that can be taken to head off a repeat.

Seek genetic screening, if necessary.

Also ask your practitioner about being tested for any genetic disease common to your ethnic background: cystic fibrosis if either of you is Caucasian; Tay-Sachs disease if either of you is of Jewish-European (Ashkenazi), French Canadian, or Louisiana Cajun descent; sickle cell trait if you are of African descent; one of the thalassemias if you are of Greek, Italian, Southeast Asian, or Filipino origin.

Previous obstetrical difficulties (such as two or more miscarriages, a stillbirth, a long period of infertility, or a child with a birth defect) or being married to a cousin or other blood relative are also reasons to seek genetic counseling.

Pregnancy FAQs

2010-08-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

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Pregnancy FAQs

2010-08-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
First Trimester Bleeding
What is Pre-eclamsia
Amniocentesis is..what?
Tell me about Breech Babies.
Pregnancy and Autism
Pregnancy and Bleeding

Pregnancy FAQs

2010-08-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
How a Baby Is Delivered by Caesarian Section
How and Why a Baby Is Delivered by Forceps
How Twins Are Delivered
How and Why an Episiotomy Is Performed
How the Uterus Contracts
How Labor Is Induced
What Happens in Early Labor
Pain relief in Labour
What is Premature Labor
Assessing the Baby
Assessing the Mother

Vagnismus FAQS

2010-07-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ectopic Pregnancy

2010-04-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

It's a pregnancy that develops outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. That is why it is also known as a tubal pregnancy. It happens in about two of every 100 pregnancies in

India

As the pregnancy grows, it causes pain and bleeding and, if not recognized, the tube can rupture, causing internal bleeding. This is a medical emergency and can be fatal. The pregnancy itself never survives -- it can't be moved to the womb and has to be removed.

When is it likely to happen?

An ectopic is most commonly found between the fourth and tenth week of pregnancy -- usually from weeks five to seven.

Why does it happen?

The fertilised egg normally spends four to five days travelling down the tube from the ovary to the womb where it implants and begins to develop. The most common reason for an ectopic pregnancy is when the fallopian tube has been damaged, and this causes a blockage or narrowing which prevents the egg from reaching its destination. Instead, it implants in the wall of the tube.

In a few cases, the egg implants in an ovary, in the cervix, directly in the abdomen, or even in an earlier c-section scar. In rare cases, a woman may have a normal pregnancy in her uterus and an ectopic pregnancy at the same time. This is called a heterotopic pregnancy and it's more likely to happen if you've had fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilisation.

Who is at risk?

An ectopic pregnancy can happen to any woman, but there are circumstances, which make it more likely. These might include:

Þ If you've had pelvic inflammatory disease (which is most often caused by the sexually transmitted infection chlamydiaor or gonorrhoea) as this can cause damage and scarring to the fallopian tubes. Some experts believe that up to half of all ectopic pregnancies are related to the chlamydia infection. Experts also believe that if chlamydia has affected your fallopian tubes then your risk of an ectopic pregnancy is much increased.

Þ If you have tubal endometriosis. You may be more at risk because this increases the risk of scarring.

Þ If you've had any abdominal surgery, including an appendix removal or a caesarian section.

Þ If you have a contraceptive coil fitted. While this will prevent a pregnancy in the womb, it's less effective at preventing one in the tube.

Þ If you are taking the contraceptive mini-pill. This has been associated with a slightly higher rate of ectopic pregnancy.

Þ If you've had a previous ectopic pregnancy.

Þ If you are over 35.

Am I Pregnant?

What are the symptoms?

Þ One-sided pain in the lower abdomen that is severe and persistent is the most common symptom. Many women describe it as an intense stabbing pain. Any woman who experiences this and who could possibly be pregnant should see a doctor.

Þ Collapse, preceded by feeling faint, dizziness, diarrhoea, vomiting and/or pain.

Þ Vaginal bleeding. You might not know that you're pregnant and mistake this for a period, but the blood is usually different from a normal period - often dark and watery.

Þ Shoulder-tip pain. This can happen if there is internal bleeding which irritates other internal body organs, such as the diaphragm.

Þ Pain in the lower back

Þ Pain when having a wee or opening your bowels.

What should I do?

If you have any of these symptoms, go to hospital right away. You're likely to be referred for an ultrasound examination and a sensitive pregnancy test (unless the tube has ruptured, in which case you'll go straight to surgery).

The scan may be done using an intravaginal probe, as the pregnancy may not show up using an abdominal scan. You might also have a blood hormone test if the scan isn't conclusive.

How is it treated?

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected you will probably be taken to theatre for a laparoscopic examination (where a narrow viewing instrument is put into your abdomen through a tiny cut) to inspect your tubes. If an ectopic is discovered, the surgeon can remove this using the laparoscope to cut the tube and remove the pregnancy, leaving the tube intact.

If the tube has ruptured, sometimes abdominal surgery is needed rather than laparoscopic surgery (although not always) to remove the pregnancy and tubal damage. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be needed to replace lost blood.

In some hospitals the drug methotrexate, which terminates the pregnancy, can be used instead of surgery. This treatment is most effective in very early pregnancy and it can be used where there is no bleeding and the tube has not ruptured. The pregnancy is lost and reabsorbed by the mother, who will then experience bleeding for a couple of weeks. Methotrexate may also be used if the ectopic is picked up very early on and the levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG are still fairly low.

However, do let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding an older child or if you have certain health conditions. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe the medicine and would look at other options, which may include surgery.

Note: If your blood is Rh-negative, you'll need a shot of Rh immunoglobulin after being treated for an ectopic pregnancy (unless the baby's father is also Rh negative).

Will it affect my fertility?

The answer to this is yes, possibly.

If your fallopian tubes are undamaged after an ectopic pregnancy, then your chances of conceiving again remain the same. If one of the tubes ruptured or was badly damaged, your chances of conceiving again are reduced. Up to ten per cent of women may become infertile after an ectopic.

Some 65 per cent of women will conceive again within 18 months of an ectopic, but if both your fallopian tubes were damaged or ruptured, you may need to think about IVF treatment.

What are the chances of having another ectopic?

There's about a 10 per cent risk of having another one. However, the risk is difficult to generalise about because of the differences in individual circumstances and the extent of the damage that takes place. That means that your overall chances of having a normal pregnancy next time around are still high.

You should arrange for a follow up appointment and ask for clear advice about your own future pregnancies from a consultant obstetrician.

There is little you can do to prevent an ectopic pregnancy from happening in the future, although if your ectopic has been caused by a current chlamydia infection you can have a course of antibiotics to clear it up and reduce further damage to your tubes.

When you do become pregnant again, see your doctor as soon as you can as you would be referred to an early pregnancy unit for a scan to check that your pregnancy is developing in the right place.

How long should I wait before trying for another?

Normally women who've had a laparoscopy are advised to wait three to four months before trying to conceive again. If you have had abdominal surgery, it's best to wait for six months to allow scarring to heal.

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Love making during Pregnancy

2010-01-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

It is absolutely safe to make love during pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, you can keep doing it right until your waters break. However, it is important to note that in women with a history of premature delivery, sex during the last few weeks can induce pre-term labour.

You need to check with your doctor before having sex if you:

• Have a history of miscarriages;

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

• Have a problem, such as placenta praevia or any breakthrough bleeding in early pregnancy. Your doctor may then advise you not to have sexual intercourse until you complete 14 weeks.

• Undergone fertility treatment or are above 35 years old. (In some women, the hormonal changes may lead to an increased sex drive. Others may be completely averse to the idea of making love.)

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

• If you or your husband has a sexually transmitted disease, such as genital herpes.

In any other circumstances, there is no physical reason why you and your husband cannot make love throughout your pregnancy.

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Using Microwave oven during Pregnancy

2010-01-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

The risk of getting exposed to radiation during pregnancy while using a microwave oven is minimal (unless of course the oven is leaking radiation rays). While microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation to cook and heat, there is no substantive research that firmly establishes the harmful effects of these rays on a pregnant mother. In fact, microwave energy is less powerful than the energy emitted in X-rays.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Most health professionals, however, believe that it is good to take precautions. Avoid using a microwave that is defective. Do not use a microwave that is really old or has (even) a slightly broken door. Such machines are hazards not just if you're pregnant, but even otherwise. If you suspect that your microwave oven is leaking, get it checked immediately. To self test a possible leak, you can put your hand by the door to feel an air leakage. You can also tape a rectangular piece of paper horizontally across the door and the oven; if it is fluttering you will know there is a leakage.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Most of the current models of microwave ovens for domestic use are shielded to reduce radiation levels to the minimum level. Moreover, operating ovens usually do not leak and even if they do, it will be really slight. However, remember if your oven is leaking and you cannot replace it, it is best to not use it.

Use a microwave oven with care. You will be able to lessen its damages and also use it for longer without any harmful effects on your health.

• Check for the ISI mark or the BIS accreditation.

• Refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual on how to operate the microwave oven.

• Do not use the microwave if the door does not close firmly or is damaged.

• Do not use the microwave if it continues to operate even with the door open.

• Avoid heating liquid in the oven for an excessive period of time.

• As an added precaution, don't stand directly against an oven (and don't allow children to do this) while it is operating.

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Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

2010-01-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

Yes. Traveling on a scooter or another two-wheeler is as safe as traveling in any other vehicle. Having said that, a two-wheeler is "friskier" than a four-wheeler and slightly less reliable as you need to balance it. But whatever vehicle you drive, the two main hazards of being on the road are usually unruly traffic and bumpy roads. And you may want to avoid these not only when you are on a scooter, but also if you drive a car. So, if you are pregnant and have to be on the road on a two-wheeler for a couple of kilometers every day, it is advisable to take a few precautions.

In the first trimester, consult your gynecologist before taking to the road. In case of many mothers, the gynecologist may advise to keep away from all kinds of travel stress for the first three months (at least).

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

If you are in your first trimester and your gynecologist hasn’t asked you to stop traveling, you may still want to keep a few things in mind:

Always wear a helmet and a high visibility jacket.
Avoid traveling during peak hours.
Avoid bumpy roads and lanes.
Travel by a road you know well.
Try to take a route that has a hospital or an OPD clinic. If you feel unwell while driving, you can quickly stop by one of these and get immediate care.
If you are riding the pillion, keep reminding the driver to go slow and avoid bumps.
Avoid being on the road for long hours.
Do not drive or ride on a day you are feeling dizzy or unwell.
Avoid being on the road on a rainy day. Two-wheelers are frisky vehicles and can be difficult to manoeuvre during the rains or even after them, when the roads are muddy and slippery and traffic is choked.
Avoid being out in the mid-afternoon sun in the summer. You are more likely to feel dizzy and dehydrated during this time of the day.
In the winter, avoid being out in the evening or late in the night. It is not safe to drive in fog or extreme cold weather.

In the late second and third trimesters, you will be bigger and may find it difficult to manage your weight on a two-wheeler while you handle the controls, balance and steer to avoid road hazards, lift over speed-breakers and bumps, and negotiate turns. Therefore, it is a good idea to begin planning your mode of travel to work right in the early days of pregnancy. Here are a few ideas:

Travel with friends or neighbours who go to work in the same area as you. This way you can avoid riding a two-wheeler every day.
Find out the easiest and quickest bus route to work. In the later months of pregnancy when you are too big to ride your two-wheeler, you can travel by bus.
If you work near to your home, and you are planning to walk every day, ensure that you walk with a friend or a colleague. You will have help if you suddenly feel unwell on your way.
And finally, check with your office if you can work from home for a few days a week.

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Are computers safe during Pregnancy

2010-01-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Many pregnant women, or their friends and relatives, worry about this. Some people have heard that using a computer screen increases the risk of miscarriage or causes developmental problems in the baby. Others worry that compared to watching television, we usually sit much closer to a computer screen and for longer periods of time. So the theory goes that while TVs are safe, computer screens may not be.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Safety concerns about computer screens (also known as VDUs or VDTs) have been around since the late 1970s when research was published which seemed to show a link between the use of VDUs and both miscarriage and birth defects. There were also reports of clusters of miscarriages in women working in offices in the US and Canada. In the Civil Service in the UK it was found that significantly more miscarriages were reported by women who worked with VDUs (36%) compared to those who didn't (16%). But it turns out these studies were flawed. When they were repeated they did not produce the same results. The North American miscarriage clusters may simply have been coincidental and did not conclusively prove a link, while the study of civil servants was flawed because it relied on people accurately remembering details of their VDU use some time afterwards.

Later studies were larger and much better designed. These studies failed to find a connection between the use of VDUs and miscarriage and/or birth defects. The fact that these bigger, more reliable studies all produced the same findings suggests that the original studies were indeed flawed and had raised fears about a problem where there wasn't one.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Recent reviews have reached the same conclusion: that there is no association between VDU use and miscarriage and birth defects. So, for some time now, women have been advised that VDUs are safe to use in pregnancy and that there is no need to use any protective screening devices. The "non-ionising" electromagnetic radiation emitted by computer screens is much milder than the "ionising" radiation from sources such as x-rays, radiation therapy machines and CT scans, which are known to be harmful to a developing baby. In addition, modern flat-screen VDUs emit lower levels of non-ionising radiation than traditional computer screens.

Although it is impossible to prove that VDU use in pregnancy is 100 per cent safe, there is a wealth of research in this area which has failed to find evidence of harm. So you can be confident that using a computer screen is safe in pregnancy.

Whether you are pregnant or not, make sure you look after your general health and comfort when working with a VDU:

• Take regular breaks, and make sure you get up and move around - 10 minutes in each hour is the usual recommendation but you may need to increase breaks during pregnancy.

• Adjust your chair and VDU so that your posture is good: forearms are approximately horizontal, wrists are straight, eyes the same height as the top of the VDU, back is well supported and feet flat on the floor or against a footrest.

• Arrange your keyboard, screen, mouse and documents (use a holder if necessary) so that you avoid glare and don't have to make awkward movements. You might also want to use an additional anti-glare screen, if that's more comfortable for you..

• Have an eye test - if you wear contact lenses you may find that they become less comfortable during pregnancy, as water retention can affect the shape of the eyeball. Consider wearing anti-glare glasses for on-screen work.

• Take extra care if you work night shifts or irregular work hours.

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Will timing the intercourse to get pregnant stress on your love making

2010-01-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

For many couples who are trying to conceive, physically intrusive tests and investigations mean that they can never think quite the same way again about the most intimate aspects of their bodies.

In addition, many couples use temperature charts or ovulation predictor kits, which predict ovulation by measuring the surge of luteinising hormone (LH) or oestrogen just before ovulation, to help time intercourse. Sex can then become a weary chore, undertaken when the date is right, even if both partners' libido has evaporated.

Preconception Tips

Unfortunately, if they are not successful in conceiving, sex becomes associated with failed procreation month after month. This negative cycle is well known by fertility experts. According to The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: "Timing intercourse to coincide with ovulation causes stress and is not recommended." Stress of any kind can have all sorts of negative effects on your relationship, including knocking your sex drive and decreasing how often you have sex, which is not going to help you.

Am I Pregnant?

Ironically, studies also show that the continued use of temperature charts and ovulation predictor kits does not improve your chances of getting pregnant naturally in the first place. Charts can provide other sorts of useful information about the length of your cycle and how regularly you ovulate but when it comes to timing intercourse, you may find that your fertility specialist advises you to steer clear of them.

Instead, some experts advise focusing on making love during your non-fertile times, when the emphasis cannot be on baby making. You're only fertile a couple of days each month, so you can use the rest of the time to enjoy each other sensually and sexually. Do some of the things you used to enjoy with each other physically, whether that means long lingering French kissing, massage, or an impromptu "roll in the hay". Why not spend time rekindling your romance by arranging a candle-lit dinner or a weekend break. All these things may bring some of the closeness back into your relationship.

Most couples actively trying for a baby and having regular sex will become pregnant within one year. The emphasis is on regular because having sex every two to three days throughout your cycle will ensure that a supply of sperm is in the right place whenever you ovulate. Simply knowing this and allowing yourself to stop focusing on your "fertile window" may bring some of the spontaneity and joy back into your physical relationship.

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Getting pregnant and timing intercourse

2010-01-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

When is the best time to have intercourse if we're trying to conceive?

Ideally you need to have intercourse as near as possible to the time you ovulate (when the egg is released from the ovary). Sperm can live inside you for up to seven days, but the egg is around for only 12 to 24 hours. To increase the likelihood of conception, you would ideally have intercourse one or two days prior to ovulation. That way, there is likely to be a healthy supply of sperm waiting in your fallopian tubes when an egg is released.

Preconception Tips

So that's the ideal, but it's not essential to restrict sex to a day or two before the time you think you'll ovulate. One study of the timing of intercourse in 221 women who were trying to conceive found that the 192 women who got pregnant had had sex at some point in the six days leading up to ovulation, as estimated by urine tests. The majority conceived as a result of intercourse in the day or two before ovulation. But six per cent were identified as having conceived as the result of intercourse three or more days before the day of ovulation.

FAQs on getting pregnant

Exactly when a woman ovulates in any given cycle isn't always easy to predict. It depends in part on the length of your menstrual cycle, although recent research has shown that the "window" of ovulation can vary more than was once thought, even when your menstrual cycles are regular. This is one of the reasons why fertility experts recommend having sex every two to three days throughout your cycle, rather than focusing your efforts on the days when you think you're about to ovulate.

How do I know when I'm ovulating?

Some women are very aware of when they ovulate. Other women don't notice any changes at all. If you're thinking about getting pregnant, get in touch with your body by looking out for the natural signs that you're approaching ovulation. These may start about three weeks before you expect your next period and include:

• Increased vaginal discharge that takes on a wetter, egg-white quality as you approach ovulation

• Increased libido

• Slight feelings of discomfort on one side of your middle abdomen

If my periods are irregular, will it be harder for me to get pregnant?

The more irregular your periods are, the more difficult it is to predict ovulation. However, if you are ovulating then as long as you are having intercourse two or three times a week, you will be having sex at the right time.

Pregnancy Test Kits.. How they works

What else can I try?

Many experts feel that for most couples having sex two or three times a week is the most effective way of maximising your chances. It's certainly worth trying for at least a few months before looking at other ways to detect ovulation.

If you do not become pregnant after, say, six months of actively trying (particularly if you are over 35 years of age), it's worth talking to your doctor. He or she may well suggest that you track your cycle for a few months to identify how regular your periods are and when and if you are ovulating. Your doctor can also give you advice about your health and what you can do to increase your chances of conceiving.

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Increasing the chances of getting Pregnant

2010-01-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

The simple, and recommended, way to boost your chances is to have unprotected sex every few days throughout your cycle. This ensures a supply of sperm where you need it when you ovulate. Having a healthy diet and lifestyle will help, as will keeping your stress levels low.

Pre Pregnancy Fitness

If your lifestyle makes it difficult to have regular sex (because of work trips away or the demands of existing children), you may want to pinpoint your fertile window. Women with an irregular cycle may also prefer to take some control over their baby-making. (If you're on a cycle of assisted conception treatment, your doctor may have asked you to detect ovulation as part of the process.) An easy and accurate way to do this is by using urine-based ovulation predictor kits, which you can buy from pharmacies and, sometimes more cheaply by buying in larger numbers, online.

What is vaginismus?

A more time-consuming but cheaper way of working out when you are likely to be ovulating is to track your basal body temperature (BBT) and cervical mucus (CM) using a BBT or fertility thermometer.

Using this method, you have to chart your cycle every day, first thing in the morning, for a few months. Then you can recognise your pattern and have a better chance of predicting your most fertile days. Most women see a spike in their temperature, signalling that they've ovulated, and notice that their mucus looks and feels like raw egg white at around the same time. When the two coincide, it tells you that you have ovulated.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Provided you have a regular cycle, you can work out the days in future cycles when you're more likely to conceive and so make sure that you have sex at least once at those times until, hopefully, you conceive.

Preconception Tips

Whether your approach to baby-making is to make love regularly and see what happens or to focus on your fertile window, we wish you luck!

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Walking and Pregnancy

2010-01-01T06:05:00.001-08:00

Walking during pregnancy is one of the simplest and easiest ways to maintain your fitness levels and help promote a fast and easy labor. While walking won't guarantee a quick labor, it will help improve your endurance and help you recover much more quickly from the trials and tribulations of birth. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women engage in some form of regular exercise. If you haven't exercised prior to becoming pregnant, you might consider walking during pregnancy the best form of exercise available.

Tips for Walking Efficiently

Walking during pregnancy is not only good for your body but also good for your soul. Just getting out and enjoying some fresh air will do wonders for your spirit and your mood during pregnancy. While a casual stroll will help lift your spirits, a vigorous walking routine is what you'll need to engage in to provide maximal health benefits. Here are some tips for maximizing your walking regiment and promoting your health and fitness during pregnancy.

Maintain good posture when walking. You don't want to casually stroll down the street with your shoulders humped over or lean over your child's stroller when walking. This will not help improve your health and may even contribute to back pain. When walking during pregnancy you should make a point to stand tall, you can practice at home by standing in front of a mirror. Relax your abdomen then pull your abdomen and shoulders back. Some women find wearing a maternity belt during pregnancy helps correct their posture, relieve back pain and improve their posture when walking. If you don't have a maternity belt you can easily acquire one online or at a local maternity store.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Look forward while walking. You don't want to focus on the ground or look from here to there. You should look ahead a few feet in front of you. This will also help promote good posture and prevent you from accidentally walking into something (lets face it, we are all a little clumsier when pregnant).
Walk quickly. You don't need to run and you don't need to job to reap the health benefits of walking. That said, you'll get a lot more out of your exercise routine if you walk at a swift pace. You can actually keep track of your heart rate while walking. You'll want to walk at a pace that is vigorous enough to get you breathing but not so fast you can't carry on a conversation. Most doctors recommend keeping your heart beat around 140 BPM while exercising during pregnancy.
Stretch. You should stretch both before and after walking during pregnancy. During pregnancy our muscles and ligaments are more relaxed than normal thanks to circulating relaxin in the body, a hormone that helps prepare our bodies for labor and delivery.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

This handy little hormone can however also increase our risk for injury during pregnancy and make us feel a bit sorer than usual. Start your exercise routine slowly so you can monitor for soreness. You may find walking too quickly initially results in pelvic or hip soreness. Take things easy and work up to a more vigorous pace. Stretching before and after any physical activity may help improve your flexibility and cut back on any soreness you experience.

Pregnancy and Swelling

If you find you are having trouble getting motivated during pregnancy consider teaming up with a friend. Find another mother who is pregnant or a neighbor that has children and needs to go for a walk. The two of you will become best of friends and help keep each other motivated during and after your pregnancy.

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Breast Changes in Pregnancy

2009-12-31T05:57:00.000-08:00

The human body goes through many remarkable changes during pregnancy. Your uterus grows several times its normal size, you gain weight, your skin changes and your breasts often change during pregnancy. Of all these changes women are often most intrigued by the changes that occur in their breasts during pregnancy.

Early Breast Changes in Pregnancy

In early pregnancy most women experience sore breasts. This is common as early as the first few weeks after conception. Many women notice their nipples feel sore or tingly while others notice their breasts seem swollen or enlarged. Some women liken the changes to those that occur right before menstruation, only more dramatic. Breast tenderness is actually an early sign of pregnancy. Most women will start noticing breast tenderness roughly four to six weeks into their pregnancy. Typically this sensation lasts throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.

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Later Breast Changes during Pregnancy

Many women's breasts grow larger throughout their pregnancy. Some women will grow a cup size or more during pregnancy, especially with their first child. You may be disappointed to find your breasts do not change as much during subsequent pregnancies as they do during your first pregnancy.

Itching is common side effects as your breasts grow and adapt, preparing to provide your newborn baby with milk after delivery. Some women will also develop fine white stretch marks in their breasts. Usually a high quality moisturizer is enough to help reduce itching and reduce the appearance of stretch marks that occur in the breasts during pregnancy.

Anywhere from six to eight weeks into your pregnancy you may also notice your nipples appear larger and the veins in your breasts appear more prominent. This is common as the volume of blood circulating in the body increases throughout the pregnancy. Other women develop small bumps around their areolas called Montgomery's tubercles. While these are always present they become much more apparent during pregnancy.

Some women's breasts begin leaking colostrum or premilk late in the second or early in the third trimester. Consider yourself lucky if this doesn't happen and don't worry about it. If your breasts do leak you can easily remedy the problem by using a nursing pad.

Supporting Your Breasts during Pregnancy

You will find your comfort greatly increased by wearing supportive bras during pregnancy. Under the wire bras tend to chafe a bit more and may contribute to clogged milk ducts. If you can look for a bra that doesn't require wiring. You will find that wearing a 'sleep' bra helps your breasts remain comfortable at night, when they tend to feel sore and uncomfortable. Many women prefer a sports style bra during and after pregnancy.

Some women find maternity bras the most comfortable during pregnancy. You'll want to look for a supportive bra that will allow a little room for growth, as your breasts will likely grow even larger when your milk comes in during the first few days after pregnancy.

If you plan to exercise during pregnancy you'll also want a strong and supportive exercise bra, particularly if your breasts have grown a cup size or two. Some women resort to wearing two bras to reduce their discomfort while exercising. Most women will survive on two or three bras during pregnancy and thereafter. You may find you need to have a couple of different sizes handy as your breasts grow, change and develop during and after your pregnancy.

Most women find their breasts return to their pre-pregnancy size and sometimes a bit smaller after pregnancy. This is perfectly normal and a common side effect of pregnancy, not breastfeeding. It is pregnancy rather than breastfeeding that actually causes all of these changes to occur in the breasts.

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Weight gain in Pregnancy

2009-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

The amount of weight a woman will gain during pregnancy depends on a number of factors, including their height and pre-pregnancy weight. Women who are carrying twins, triplets or more will be encouraged to gain more weight than women who are carrying a single baby. In general, most women will gain between 15-35 pounds during their pregnancy. The amount you gain will depend on whether you are under, over or normal weight prior to conception.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides the following guidelines during pregnancy:

Approximately 34 pound gain for underweight women
25 to 35 pounds for normal weight women
15-20 pounds for overweight women

How much weight you gain will depend on a number of factors including your health, the number of babies you are carrying and your pre-pregnancy weight.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Women who are carrying twins will gain more weight than women who are carrying a singleton, as much as 45-50 pounds depending on their pre-pregnancy weight.

Pregnancy Weight Distribution

Where does all this weight go?

Baby - At birth your baby may weigh between 6-7.5 pounds.
Uterus - The uterus expands during pregnancy and may weigh 2 pounds.
Placenta - The placenta, vital for nourishing your baby, generally weighs 1.5 pounds.
Breasts - Breast tissue often grows during pregnancy, and may weigh up to 1.5 to 2 pounds.
Blood Volume - Your blood volume will increase during pregnancy up to 4 pounds.
Fluid - Your body will retain some fluid during pregnancy, as much as 4 pounds!
Amniotic Fluid - The fluid surrounding your baby will weigh approximately 2 pounds.
Maternal Fat Stores and Nutrients - You will also gain about 7 pounds of weight that can be attributed to maternal fat and nutrient stores as well as muscle development.

Most women will add on some fat to store for the baby, which is vital to support energy and breastfeeding. These pounds generally come off relatively easily after birth, so don't waste time stressing out about them during your pregnancy! Pregnancy is not the time to diet!

Weight Gain during Pregnancy: A Synopsis

Each time you visit your doctor for a prenatal visit, your doctor will probably assess your weight gain. Excessive weight gain between any two visits might be an early warning sign for serious conditions, including pre-eclampsia, which can cause unusually high levels of edema in the body.

While it is important that you gain weight during your pregnancy, you want to avoid gaining too much weight by eating an unhealthy diet. Too much weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to a condition called gestational diabetes, which can be harmful for both mom and her unborn fetus.

Healthy diet in Pregnancy

Other considerations with regard to weight gain may also be your height and health prior to pregnancy. Women carrying twins will generally be encouraged to gain even more weight than their singleton counterparts.

Most women will generally gain 1 pound per month during the first trimester, half a pound per week during the second trimester and 1 pound per week during the third trimester, though this too varies from woman to woman.

Some women gain more during their second trimester for example, than all other trimesters combined. The important thing to remember is that it is vital to eat a well balanced diet with foods from each of the four food groups.

To help monitor your weight during pregnancy, keep in mind that most women will be consuming between 2,100 to 2,700 calories per day.

A well balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates will ensure that you are feeding your baby the best nutrients available during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is definitely not a time to diet. If you are overly concerned about gaining weight, talk with your practitioner and seek out some support.

Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

Remember that it is important for you and your baby to remain healthy during pregnancy, and that means that you will have to gain some weight during the course of your pregnancy!

The best thing you can do for yourself is remember that every woman is unique and different. Most women find that they start losing weight very swiftly after pregnancy.

Try not to compare yourself with others and remember that every pound you add is a pound that will help your baby grow and develop safely in your womb!

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Healthy diet in Pregnancy

2009-12-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

Take the mystery out of healthy eating and learn what it takes to ensure the health and well being of your unborn child! There is a wealth of information available today that offers tips for eating well during pregnancy. Sometimes it almost seems as if there is too much advice available. Fortunately there is hope; you can eat healthy and nutritiously during your pregnancy if you follow a healthy pregnancy diet.

Eating well can be a challenge, given the tremendous cravings you might be having mingled with morning sickness you might be feeling, particularly during the first trimester. However it is vital that you do everything possible to ensure your baby's health and well being, and that includes eating a healthy diet.

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Key Success Factors for Healthy Eating

So what exactly do you need to know to eat a healthy and well balanced diet during pregnancy?

Here are the critical components or key success factors of a healthy pregnancy diet:

Consume 200-300 additional calories per day during the second and third trimesters. It is not vital that you have these extra calories during the first trimester, particularly if you are nauseous or have severe morning sickness. 300 calories does not amount to much, and certainly does not equate to eating for two! You can gain the extra calories from a snack.

Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods. During your pregnancy it is best that you eat as many foods as possible in their natural state. This includes whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, meats and other products that don't have added sugar and other chemicals which may be harmful to your developing baby.

Take a multivitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid and 30 mg of iron. You can generally purchase an over the counter prenatal supplement with adequate supplies of vitamins and nutrients to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional requirements during pregnancy.

Eat an adequate amount of protein. Protein rich foods include beans, meat and tofu. You should be trying to eat at least three servings a day. Adequate protein consumption will not only ensure that you have a strong reserve of energy for the day, it will also help your baby's tissues develop.

Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

Eat calcium rich foods at least three times per day. You should be getting at least 1200 mg of calcium every day. Calcium can be found in many foods including dairy products and fortified juices such as orange juice. Calcium is critical particularly during the third trimester when your baby's bones are developing.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Tips for Eating Well During Each Month of Pregnancy

As your belly expands you may find it easier to eat several “mini-meals” during the day instead of three large meals. This will improve your digestion and also prevent excessive heartburn during pregnancy.

Consider breaking your three meals into six smaller meals per day. Also stock your refrigerator with lots of healthy and nutritious snacks, so you are less tempted to grab for something that is full of sugar and empty calories in a moment of hunger.

Healthy eating is also as important as fitness and exercise during pregnancy. If given the opportunity, you should engage in some sort of light physical activity as well during your pregnancy, which will not only improve your mood but prepare your body for labor.

How Labor Is Induced

When combined with a healthy pregnancy diet, adequate fitness and exercise will help you feel and look your best throughout your pregnancy!

Pregnancy nutrition is easy when you are armed with the knowledge and power necessary to make smart choices!

Remember that everything you put into your mouth goes into the mouth of your little one. Thus, it is vital you do everything in your power to ensure that you get adequate nutrition during pregnancy!

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Food Craving and Pregnancy

2009-12-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

Most women will experience food cravings at some point or another during pregnancy. In fact as many as half of all women will crave some type of cuisine or unusual food product during pregnancy. The most popular cravings include sweet and salty foods, while other women report craving spicy or fatty foods. Why all the cravings?

Causes of Food Cravings during Pregnancy

There are many reasons that women experience food cravings during pregnancy. Perhaps the simplest explanation is your body is working twenty four hours a day seven days a week to grow a healthy baby. Some cravings are simply the result of your body's needs for additional calories during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Morning Sickness

Other cravings may signal nutritional deficiencies. Some women for example, even vegetarians, might experience unusual cravings for steak and red meat during pregnancy. This could simply be a sign that their bodies need more iron to help support their growing baby. Many women will crave food they will loath or wouldn't dream of touching when not pregnant.

Many women describe their pregnancy cravings as overpowering. While scientists haven't yet established why cravings are so strong among pregnant women, they certainly acknowledge that food cravings during pregnancy are the norm rather than the exception to the rule.

Pregnancy and Back pain

Dealing With Cravings during Pregnancy

Many women find it simpler to give in to their pregnancy related cravings. This doesn't suggest you have to overindulge (say eat a whole chocolate cake). But, if you are carving sweet foods, why not indulge a little and enjoy a small treat? Typically this is the best way to deal with cravings. There is nothing wrong in most cases with indulging even bizarre cravings (pickles and ice cream for example). Hormones can do many interesting and wonderful things to the body, but also produce some rather bizarre food cravings. Just don't expect your partner to jump on the bandwagon and join you when you start eating foods that are out of the ordinary.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Occasionally women experience weird cravings that signal they are deficient in certain nutrients. Very rarely women have strange cravings for substances that are bad including dirt or other undesirable substances. This condition, often referred to in the medical community as "pica" usually signifies that someone is deficient in iron. Substantial cravings for ice may be a sign of an iron deficiency. Still other women may experience chocolate cravings which may be normal or a sign that women need more B vitamins. Still other patients desire large quantities of protein. Fortunately protein is very good for pregnant women and in most cases there is nothing wrong with indulging your cravings.

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If however you find you are craving clay or dirt (pica) consult with your doctor. Other common strange cravings among women with this disorder include coffee grounds, plaster, toothpaste, paint chips or other unusual substances. Your doctor can test you for a condition called iron deficiency anemia, and may recommend additional supplementation to help relieve your cravings. Whatever you do don't indulge in these weird cravings. Your body will not benefit by eating laundry starch or paint chips! Quite the opposite!

Remember, by and large most cravings are harmless and easily cured by a little attention to one's diet and occasional indulgence. There is no reason to deprive you after all during pregnancy.

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Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

2009-12-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

Learn what foods to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy to ensure a happy, healthy environment for your unborn baby!

As a concerned parent, you want to do everything possible to ensure the well being and safety of your baby. Thus, it is vital that you eat a well balanced diet in order to ensure that your child is given every opportunity to grow and develop normally, right from the start!

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Keep in mind that while your caloric needs increase slightly during pregnancy (to the tune of about 300 calories, or the amount of calories in a cup of yogurt and 1/2 a bagel), pregnancy is not a license to eat everything in sight!

Moderation is critical to the health and well being of your baby. Remember during your pregnancy that everything that goes into your mouth will also reach your baby at some point.

Because of this, it is vital that you eat foods that are nutrient dense and safe.

There are several foods that may pose a potential risk to your unborn fetus.

It is important that you recognize the potential dangers of certain food products and avoid them during your pregnancy.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Foods to Avoid

There are several foods that may pose a risk to your baby. These include:

Raw Meat: You may have been a fan of a good 'beef carpaccio' or round of sushi before pregnancy, but be sure to avoid raw or undercooked meat at all costs during your pregnancy. 'Rare' is simply not an option while pregnant. Why? Rare meats may contain bacteria, toxoplasmosis and Salmonella, all of which are harmful to your unborn baby.

You are twice as likely to experience food poisoning while pregnant, so be sure to ask for your meat prepared well.

Deli Meats: A sandwich is harmless right? Wrong! Prepared meats, such as those available at a deli counter, including hot dogs or turkey, beef and chicken preparations, should not be consumed unless you re-heat them until steaming. Why?

These preparations may be contaminated with a substance called Listeria. These bacteria can harm your baby severely, and may even cause miscarriage or result in a stillborn delivery. Listeria is nothing to joke about, thus it is vital that you avoid the deli counter while pregnant.

Imported Soft Cheeses: Like deli meat, imported unpasteurized cheeses including blue cheese, feta, Brie or camembert should be avoided. These may also contain Listeria.

However, soft cheeses that are made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat. It is important to check out the label. If you are not sure whether or not a product is pasteurized, you should in general avoid it.

Undercooked eggs: Raw eggs or undercooked eggs have the potential to contain Salmonella. Raw eggs are often included in many commercial products including Egg Nog and some forms of Caesar salad dressing.

Be sure to check out the labels before you consume any of these products. Signs of salmonella food poisoning may include: fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

When indulging in eggs during your pregnancy, keep the following in mind:
Keep eggs always refrigerated until cooked.
Do not use cracked eggs.
Wash all utensils after contact with raw eggs.
Eat eggs immediately after cooking.
Foods containing eggs should be refrigerated.
Do not eat dishes that contain Hollandaise Sauce or Caesar Salads which uses raw eggs.
Fish: While eating fish can be beneficial during your pregnancy, there are certain types of fish that you should avoid. These include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, excess tuna and tile fish, as all of these contain high levels of mercury, which can affect your unborn child's nervous system.

Generally it is safe to eat 12 ounces of other fish including salmon and tilapia, which are full of nutritious benefits. Canned tuna should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury contamination.

Caffeine: While a small amount of caffeine (1 small cup a day) may provide a much needed lift for pregnant moms, in general caffeine should be avoided during pregnancy. High amounts of caffeine consumption have been linked with birth defects and increased risks of miscarriage.

Remember that caffeine is present in many every day food items including chocolate, tea and soda. To play it safe you should avoid caffeine entirely during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the likelihood of miscarriage. Daily caffeine intake of more than four to seven cups of coffee a day appears to double the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.

Alcohol: Alcohol is harmful to your baby's development. Alcohol will cross the placenta and affect your baby, so every time you drink when you are pregnant your baby does to.

If you are pregnant and have been drinking alcohol, stop now! There is no determined level of alcohol consumption that is considered safe during pregnancy. Daily consumption of alcohol in early pregnancy might lead to a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome.

It is important during pregnancy to learn which foods are safe to eat and which foods you should avoid. By doing so you will provide the best possible environment for your baby to grow and develop in.

A healthy pregnancy depends on a healthy diet. For the best possible health benefits, talk to your health care provider about a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals from fresh food sources.

With a bit of planning and encouragement, you can learn to plan wonderful, tasty meals that will satisfy your cravings and benefit the health of your unborn child as well.

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Body Image during Pregnancy

2009-12-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is filled with multiple challenges including emotional and physical changes that can impact a woman's self esteem and body image. How you perceive your body image during pregnancy is just as important as the way you perceive your role as mother, wife, partner and person. Unfortunately society has become so obsessed with body image, particularly that of thin and underweight images of beauty that many pregnant women develop unhealthy body images during pregnancy. The world would benefit significantly from more images in the media of the glory and beauty that surrounds and encompasses pregnant women.

The good news is you can learn to love and appreciate the changes in your body during pregnancy. Body image during pregnancy is merely a matter of perception. The key is adopting the right perception throughout your pregnancy.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Learning To Love Your Pregnant Body

Pregnant women are among the most beautiful women on earth. In ancient societies man viewed pregnant women as the ultimate sign of fertility. A pregnant woman represented all that is wonderful and bountiful about life. Why then do pregnant women today have so much disdain for their body image during pregnancy?

In today's weight obsessed society it is often easy for women to fall into the trap of feeling negative about their body image during pregnancy. Self esteem and respect during pregnancy however are as much the result of a woman's feelings toward herself as they are the way her body looks.
Here are some tips that will help you develop a positive body image during your pregnancy:
Remember that you are carrying the miracle of life within you. No matter how much weight you gain, whether you have acne or not and regardless of the stretch marks pregnancy brings, your body is changing in a remarkable way because you are helping nurture and welcome a new life into the world.
No matter what you think of your body, your baby absolutely adores you. Your baby is nestled deep inside your warm womb. Nothing could make a person happier than that close, intense feeling.
Your body is changing to provide your baby the support he or she needs to grow into a healthy newborn. If your body wasn't capable of changing and expanding there is no way you could support the life within.
Pregnancy weight gain is a normal and natural process. Your weight gain is as much the result of your increasing metabolism and caloric needs as it is your expanding uterus. As you put on weight you help shield your baby from disease and provide a warm and nurturing home.
Exercise during pregnancy can help improve your body image and help you feel better about your changing shape.
Most women's breasts grow and expand in addition to their bellies. Enjoy this newfound fertility symptom and revel in your womanly shape.
Most women give off a unique glow during pregnancy. This is the one time in life people will remark on your beauty regardless of how much effort you put into your appearance.
During your pregnancy you should take some time to pamper yourself and your growing body. You can invest in a pedicure or take time out for a relaxing massage. You should also indulge yourself in one or two outfits you really love that make you feel spectacular. Show off your figure while you can. You'd be surprised in the grand scheme of things how quickly pregnancy passes. Before you know it you'll be longing for the days when your body was ripe with life and love!

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Pregnancy FAQs

2009-12-25T23:49:00.000-08:00

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Smoking and Pregnancy

2009-12-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

The nicotine in cigarettes makes your blood vessels constrict, so fewer nutrients and less oxygen can reach your baby. This can slow down your little one’s growth and development, and it can put you at risk for delivering a stillborn baby (a baby that dies in the womb) and miscarriage.

If you are pregnant, the sooner you quit smoking, the better off you and your baby will be. After you kick the habit, your baby’s growth will soon return to normal. Quitting smoking early in your pregnancy lowers your risk of having a low birth weight baby.

For women trying to get pregnant, keep in mind that smoking can increase your risk of being infertile by 30 percent. It also delays conception, so it may be harder for you to become pregnant.

During pregnancy, smokers have an increased risk of serious pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption (when your placenta separates away from your uterine lining), preterm premature rupture of membranes (your water breaks before your due date or the onset of real labor occurs), and placenta previa (your placenta grows in the lowest part of your uterus).

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Smoking when pregnant has also been linked to 30 percent of low birth weight infants, 10 percent of premature babies, and 5 percent of infant deaths.

According to the 2005 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey, an estimated 14 percent of American women smoke during pregnancy.

Smoking can also harm your child after he or she is born. Secondhand smoke increases your baby’s risk of dying from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). When your child gets older, he or she is at higher risk of developing asthma, respiratory problems, bronchitis, ear infections, and pneumonia.

Since the infants of smoking mothers are more likely to have low birth weights and be born premature, they can face seriously lifelong health issues. These can include mental retardation and learning problems.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

If you are pregnant, it is vital that you try to quit smoking. If quitting completely is too difficult, limiting your daily cigarette intake can help.

Surrounding yourself in a positive environment can also help you quit. Smokers who have the support of friends and family are more likely to succeed.

Remember to talk to your doctor about your wish to quit. They can give you information about smoking cessation programs and other methods that will help you quit.

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Heartburn and Pregnancy

2009-12-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

Many women complain of heartburn during pregnancy. Heartburn during pregnancy is in fact one of the most common side effects of pregnancy. You may experience heartburn as a burning sensation in your throat or chest. Other women experience heartburn as a large lump like feeling in their throat or upper chest. Either way, heartburn is uncomfortable and best avoided or prevented if possible during pregnancy. Fortunately there are a number of simple steps you can take to minimize your heartburn woes during pregnancy.

Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Many different causes result in heartburn during pregnancy. One of the primary reasons women develop heartburn during pregnancy is hormonal variations. Hormones, particularly progesterone, can relax the valve that normally prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. This can result in irritation and heartburn.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

The simplest way to do this is to break your three large meals down into six smaller ones. That way you'll be eating during pregnancy roughly every 3 hours. This will help curb hunger pangs. What you don't want to do is eat a full size meal six times every day, as you will be getting much more than the recommended 300 extra calories every day. Think about 1/2 the size of your ordinary meal. Most women will get roughly 400 calories at each sitting, though this will vary from woman to woman depending on your individual body composition, activity level and caloric needs.

Indigestion and heartburn also are common during the third trimester. This typically results when the growing size of your uterus places increasing pressure on your intestines and stomach. This can promote stomach acids passing into the esophagus and therefore heartburn.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Treating Heartburn During Pregnancy

While you can't adjust your hormone levels or stop your uterus from growing while pregnant, there are some simple measures you can take to help reduce heartburn and in some cases prevent it altogether. Here are some tips for minimizing the discomforts of heartburn during pregnancy:

Eat several small meals during the day instead of three large ones. This will help reduce the pressure on your stomach and help ease the digestion process.
Avoid foods that are spicy or overly fatty, as this can contribute to heartburn in pregnancy.

Always eat at least one hour before laying down at night. Laying down shortly after eating will contribute to heartburn. Some women find they feel best if they allow at least two hours between eating and laying down, whether for a nap or for bedtime.
Eat plenty of yogurt or try some milk if you experience frequent heartburn. These foods can help reduce heartburn symptoms.
Avoid drinking lots of fluids during meals, which can distend your stomach and contribute to heartburn.
Try chewing some gum after meals, which may help neutralize stomach acids and reduce heartburn.
Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages that can also contribute to heartburn.
Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or that pinch at the waist. This can also contribute to heartburn.
Avoid spices and hot sauces as well as certain condiments including ketchup or mustard.
Avoid tomato and tomato based products including marinara sauce, which for some may contribute to heartburn.
Try mixing some honey with your milk, which can also ease the burn and discomfort of heartburn.
Try over the counter antacids such as Tums to relieve severe heartburn. Check in with your healthcare provider first. Most antacids are considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy, but you should always check the label and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

If none of these measures helps relieve your heartburn, check in with your doctor. They may be able to prescribe something stronger to relieve your discomfort. Some women who have heartburn problems before pregnancy might find their symptoms particularly difficult during pregnancy and may require more aggressive treatment.

Of course the most important thing to remember is as with all pregnancy side effects, this too will pass. In fact you should realize an abrupt improvement in your symptoms soon after delivery.

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Pregnancy and Back pain

2009-12-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

Almost all pregnant women at one point or another will suffer from back pain in pregnancy. Some will experience more pregnancy back pain than others.

Backache in early pregnancy is caused by hormones and a woman's shifting center of gravity. When pregnant your hormones prepare you for childbirth by loosening up the ligaments that attach the pelvic bones to your spine. Many women feel backache in early pregnancy while walking, standing or bending. As your uterus continues to grow and push upwards, it will also weaken your abdominal muscles and change your posture, which can put added strain on your back. When at rest you could use pregnancy pillows to support that aching body. Many women feel sharp backache during pregnancy up and down their back, legs and buttocks during pregnancy. This back pain during pregnancy often results when the baby's head presses on the pelvic bones, which subsequently press on sciatic nerves. This may cause legs to feel weak or numb as well.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Treating Low Back Pain in Pregnancy

Fortunately there are many things you can do to help alleviate some of the low back pain in early pregnancy you might be feeling during pregnancy.

Resting and soaking in a warm bath often help alleviate a back that is sore and aching. It is not a good idea however to sit in a hot tub. Immersion in water hotter than 102F can be dangerous for your baby. Hot and cold packs applied directly to the affected area are safe and can help relax strained muscles and ligaments with pregnancy back pain.

Some women are kept up at night by back pain or back ache during pregnancy. If this is the case you might be more comfortable if you try sleeping on your side with a pregnancy pillow propped up between your legs. The Snoozer pregnancy pillows and body pillows are made for side sleeping. The Snoozer pregnancy pillow is shaped perfectly to place your head on and between your knees at the same time.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Avoiding Back Pain in Pregnancy

Of course, it would be best if you could avoid backache during pregnancy all together. Though there are no guarantees, there are some things you can do to avoid worsening back pain during pregnancy.

Exercise to prevent low back pain in early pregnancy - Starting an exercise program early in pregnancy can help strengthen and stretch the muscles in your back and legs. Swimming is an excellent exercise for women at all stages of pregnancy and helps strengthen the lower back. In addition the buoyancy of the water may help alleviate the strain you are experiencing in pregnancy back pain, joints and ligaments. Pregnancy pillows will also help to alleviate that lower back strain.
Sit up Straight to avoid back pain with pregnancy - If you find yourself sitting at a computer terminal or sitting in general for long periods of time, make an effort to keep your feet slightly raised off the floor. Take frequent breaks to get up and walk around which will help stretch your muscles and ligament and relieve back pain during pregnancy.
Wear Comfortable Shoes to avoid back pain - For most pregnant women, comfortable shoes are those that are low profile. High heels are not recommended, particularly if you want to avoid unnecessary back pain in pregnancy. When you get home take those shoes off and snuggle with your pregnancy pillow.
Bend from the Knees if you want to avoid back pain - If you have to lift objects, bend from your knees and not your waist. This will help prevent injury.

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Pregnancy and Morning Sickness

2009-12-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Though morning sickness doesn't always come hand in hand with pregnancy, approximately half of all women who are pregnant will experience morning sickness. The term morning sickness is actually a misnomer. Feelings of nausea, heartburn and even vomiting can strike at any time during the day.

What causes morning sickness? There are many theories. Some believe that the changing hormone levels in a woman's body result in nausea and a general sense of malaise. There are other researchers that have suggested that morning sickness is a protective mechanism that prevents the mother from ingesting potential harmful items such as teratogens or abortifacients.

For most women morning sickness disappears shortly after the first trimester, or at about 13 weeks.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Coping With Morning Sickness

If you have morning sickness, fortunately there are many things you can do to cope. Here are some time tested remedies that help relieve some of the symptoms of morning sickness:

Eat several small meals per day instead of three large ones.
Have some crackers and soda or water by the bed and try eating a few before you rise in the morning. An empty stomach often results in more nausea.
Drink lots of fluids. Some women find carbonated water flavored with lemon to be quite soothing.
Try some ginger or ginger ale, which is well known for alleviating nausea.
Eat foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates.
Avoid fatty or spicy foods, which are more likely to cause nausea.
Get plenty of rest and take prenatal vitamins. If your vitamins make you nauseous, try taking them with meals.
Avoid strong odors or smells that can induce nausea.
Avoid lying down immediately after eating.

Hyperemisis- When Morning Sickness Gets Serious

Occasionally morning sickness can turn into a serious condition that poses a risk to you and your baby.

Some women have a combined lack of appetite and experience excessive vomiting. This can result in malnourishment and dehydration, and may require a brief hospital stay.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Doctors will sometimes diagnose a woman with a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) or severe morning sickness. This form of severe morning sickness usually only affects less than 1 percent of pregnant women. It is characterized by persistent and extreme nausea and vomiting, where the affected individual might vomit as much as 10-30 times per day.

A woman with HG may also lose 10 to 20 percent of her body weight and experience electrolyte imbalances due to the extreme vomiting. Dehydration and liver damage can occur.

For most women hyperemesis gravidarum becomes less severe as the pregnancy progresses, much like typical morning sickness. Treatment usually involves intravenous fluid hydration.

Some women with the condition will also receive anti-emetic drugs to help with nausea and stop the vomiting.

Morning sickness is a common ailment of pregnancy that often gets better over time. Occasionally a woman might experience some mild morning sickness for the duration of their pregnancy. Fortunately there are a number of things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness.

If you are concerned that you might have a more severe form of morning sickness or are vomiting several times per day for an extended period of time, be sure to consult with your health care provider for advice.

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Pregnancy and Urination

2009-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

The closer you are to your due date the more frequent and greater the urge is to urinate. Urinary frequency is among the most common pregnancy-related complaints, followed closely by leaking or loss of urine with stress (coughing, etc.).

Early in pregnancy your uterus grows and moves forward to a position directly over the bladder. This new position causes the uterus to apply pressure on the bladder, giving you the sensation that your bladder is full. This sensation causes you to urinate more frequently. Your bladder may be nearly empty but due to the pressure from the uterus it still feels full.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

The urge to urinate will become less frequent as your pregnancy progresses, then, as your due date gets closer the urge will return. Although this consistent urge to urinate is perfectly normal, there are some things you need to watch out for. Contact your doctor if any of these occur, as they may be signs of a urinary tract infection:

Pain when you urinate
Feeling like you must urinate right away
Blood in your urine
Fever
Back pain

Toward the end of your pregnancy the fetus will drop down into the pelvis (an action known as lightening) and rest its head against your bladder. During this time the urge to urinate is even stronger than earlier in your pregnancy. You may also start losing urine as your baby's head bounces on your bladder. Your trips to the bathroom at night will now be very frequent.

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to relieve frequent urination. You might try to decrease coffee, tea, and cola (caffeine drinks) which stimulate urination.

If leaking or loss of urine is troubling you, you can always work on your Kegel exercises which strengthen the muscles surrounding the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). This will not rid you completely of leaks, but if done correctly, will help. To do Kegel exercises, simply squeeze the muscles you use to stop peeing. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Try doing this 10-20 times, about 3 times a day. If you don't notice a difference, you can always wear a light pad or panty liner for protection from urine.

Don’t stop drinking fluids before bed time. It is important to you and your baby that you keep your fluid intake up.

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Unplanned Pregnancy

2009-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

When you first realize you are pregnant you can be overwhelmed with emotion. Your emotions may range from excitement to ambivalence or distress. This pregnancy may be at a time when you may or may not be ready to raise a child or it may be at a time that you have been looking forward to for years.

However, if you are facing a reality of an unplanned pregnancy, you will need some information to help you with your decision about what to do next. Is adoption or termination of pregnancy (abortion) right for you? You are now faced with difficult choices that can be a life changing decision.

"How to make these difficult decisions?"

Your decision will be based on several factors and may be influenced by your medical health, personal values, beliefs, and your current life situations. First, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor to confirm that you are pregnant and how many weeks the pregnancy has progressed.

Am I Pregnant?

Once your doctor has confirmed that you are pregnant and the length of your pregnancy, you will have many questions. At this visit, take the time to discuss your questions with your doctor including the following:

Do you have any medical problems that propose a risk to the fetus?
Did the doctor notice any signs that something could be wrong with the pregnancy?
Are there limitations to your options based on the number of weeks of your pregnancy?
What will the choice you make now mean for you later in life?

The decisions that you make now about your unplanned pregnancy will be with you for your entire life. You may not want to make your decision by yourself, so seek help and consultation. Talk with your partner, family and friends about your feelings. Look to doctors, family planning clinics and counselors for professional help as well.

If your decision is to continue your pregnancy and raise a child, you will want to start prenatal care as soon as you can. The earlier you start your prenatal care, the healthier your baby will be.

If you want to deliver your baby, but you have determined that you do not want to raise a baby, adoption may be a good choice for you.

However, if you do not decide to continue with your pregnancy, the earlier you seek medical help to have an abortion performed, the safer the procedure.

As you are making your decision regarding your unplanned pregnancy, you will have many questions. Some to consider are:

How are you going to care for your newborn? Do you have partner and family support to share the responsibility of a baby? Will you be able to hire part-time or even full-time nanny help?
Babies are a 24 hour a day responsibility requiring a lot of work. Do you have the emotional and physical stamina to manage this parenting role?
Are you able to financially handle the cost of raising a child? Things to consider are childcare, medical care, diapers, clothes, food and education. Data shows the average American will spend a few hundred thousand dollars to raise a baby from infancy to adulthood.
Will you be able to accept how being a parent will change your lifestyle? Parenting will have effects on your relationships, social life and career.

Adoption the Option

If, after considering parenthood, you have determined that you do not want to raise a baby, adoption may be a good choice for you. You may have concerns about the ability to provide and care for your baby or you may want to give your child a better life than you could at this time. The decision of adoption is a very difficult choice. In making this decision, be sure the choice is your own and not a decision based upon pressure from your peers. Before you make the decision of adoption, ponder the following questions:

Can you be a mother or are you just "not ready"?
Can you manage the feelings and emotions of giving up your baby?
What about your partner? Is he supportive about adoption?

Adoption is permanent and should not be taken lightly or considered quickly. Give yourself plenty of time to make your decision. Talk with your partner, family and friends about the possibility of having your baby placed for adoption. Ask for their thoughts and feelings, but remember, the ultimate decision is yours.

If you decide to go through the adoption process, be prepared for the involved legal paperwork and the emotions it brings when creating the adoption plan. The first thing you need to do to start the adoption process is to contact an adoption agency or adoption lawyer.

Your lawyer will then help you develop an adoption plan. An adoption plan allows you to influence various stages of the adoption process. Designing an adoption plan allows you to determine many aspects of the baby’s adoption process. You can choose to select the adoptive parents, determine if you want contact with them, choose to have the adopting parents at the baby’s birth and define if you want to see your baby after it is born.

After your adoption plan is finished, the next step is to let your lawyer know when you are in early labor and going to the hospital. After your baby is born, you and the baby's birth father will sign the final papers and your baby will leave the hospital with its new parents.

There are three different types of adoption: open, semi-open and closed. When creating your adoption plan you will have to choose the adoption type. Let us help explain the difference between the three types:

In an open adoption the agreement between you and the adoptive parents allows you to meet and share names and addresses.

The semi-open adoption allows meetings between you and the adoptive parents before the paperwork is signed. But once everything is finalized no more contact is allowed.

A closed adoption does not allow any exchange of identity or other information between you and the adopting parents.

After you deliver and give your baby up for adoption, you will need support. Leaving the hospital without your baby will be emotionally difficult. You will be able to get help and support from your physician, adoption agency, family members and friends.

Abortion.... ??

If your decision is to not continue your pregnancy, your physician may perform an abortion ("induced abortion"). An abortion is usually performed before week 12 of pregnancy. The longer you wait to make your decision and have an induced abortion, the more complications and risks are associated with it. Therefore, your decision should be made as early as possible.

Induced abortions are done either by surgery or by medication. Your doctor will explain to you the risks and benefits with each type.

The known risk of having an abortion is less than the risk for giving birth to the baby. However, having an abortion, as with all surgeries, has risks. Death has even been associated with the procedure. The earlier you have an abortion, the less chance there is for complications. Having a therapeutic abortion surgery does not decrease your chance of getting pregnant in the future.

Having an abortion is a physical and emotional experience. You will need support during this time of hormonal and emotional changes. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Whether you keep and raise your baby, give it up for adoption, or have an abortion, these decisions can be made easier if you ask for help early during your unplanned pregnancy.

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Pregnancy and Bleeding - III

2009-12-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

The causes of bleeding in the second half of pregnancy differ from those in the first half. Common problems that cause light bleeding include an inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix. These may be treated with medication.

Heavy bleeding usually involves a problem with theplacenta. The two most common causes at this time are placental abruption and placenta previa. Preterm labor also can cause such bleeding.

Late bleeding may pose a threat to the health of the woman or the fetus. It may require treatment in a hospital or delivery.

Placental Abruption

The placenta is attached to the uterine wall. It may detach from the wall before or during labor. This may cause vaginal bleeding. It often causes pain, even if bleeding is light or not seen.

When the placenta becomes detached, the fetus may get less oxygen. This can pose a danger.

Only 1% of pregnant women have this problem. It usually occurs in the last 12 weeks before birth. Those at high risk include women who

have already had children
are older than 35 years
have had abruption before
have sickle cell anemia

Placental abruption has been linked to

high blood pressure
injuries to the abdomen
cocaine use
smoking

Placental abruption is serious. It poses a risk to the woman and the fetus. Prompt care is needed.

Placenta Previa

When the placenta lies low in the uterus, it may cover the cervix. That means it partly or completely blocks the opening. This is called placenta previa. It may cause vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding often occurs without pain.

Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 200 women. It is more common in those who

have had more than one child
have had a cesarean birth
have had surgery on the uterus
are carrying twins or triplets

Like placental abruption, placenta previa is a serious condition that needs to be treated quickly.

Labor

Late in pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of labor. A mucus plug that covers the opening of the uterus is passed just before or at the start of labor. A small amount of mucus and blood is passed from the cervix. This is called “bloody show.” It is common. It is not a problem if it happens within 3 weeks of your due date. If it happens earlier, you may be going into preterm labor. You should contact your doctor right away.

Other signs of preterm labor are

vaginal discharge
change in type of discharge (watery, mucus, or bloody)
increase in amount of discharge
pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen
low, dull backache
stomach cramps, with or without diarrhea
regular contractions or uterine tightening

Taking Action

Call your doctor immediately if you have bleeding in late pregnancy. You may need to be admitted to the hospital to find its cause. Ultrasound may be advised. You may have to stay in the hospital for a few weeks. A blood transfusion may be needed.

Conditions that cause bleeding in late pregnancy pose a risk to both mother and fetus. If the risk is serious it may require early delivery, sometimes by cesarean birth.

Finally...

For many women, bleeding while they are pregnant is a minor annoyance. It may need no treatment. For other women, bleeding can be a sign of a serious problem. You should tell your doctor right away if you have bleeding at any point—early or late. Your health and that of your baby may depend on getting prompt treatment.

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Pregnancy FAQs

Pregnancy Test Kits.. How they works

Pregnancy and Bleeding

Preconception Tips

Pregnancy FAQs

Pregnancy FAQs

1 2 3 4 5 6 7First Trimester BleedingWhat is Pre-eclamsiaAmniocentesis is..what?Tell me about Breech Babies.Pregnancy and AutismPregnancy and Bleeding

Pregnancy FAQs

Vagnismus FAQS

Ectopic Pregnancy

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

When is it likely to happen?

Why does it happen?

Who is at risk?

What are the symptoms?

What should I do?

How is it treated?

Will it affect my fertility?

What are the chances of having another ectopic?

How long should I wait before trying for another?

Love making during Pregnancy

Using Microwave oven during Pregnancy

Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Are computers safe during Pregnancy

Will timing the intercourse to get pregnant stress on your love making

Getting pregnant and timing intercourse

When is the best time to have intercourse if we're trying to conceive?

How do I know when I'm ovulating?

What else can I try?

Many experts feel that for most couples having sex two or three times a week is the most effective way of maximising your chances. It's certainly worth trying for at least a few months before looking at other ways to detect ovulation.

Increasing the chances of getting Pregnant

Walking and Pregnancy

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

Weight gain in Pregnancy

Healthy diet in Pregnancy

Food Craving and Pregnancy

Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

Body Image during Pregnancy

Pregnancy FAQs

Smoking and Pregnancy

Heartburn and Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Back pain

Pregnancy and Morning Sickness

Pregnancy and Urination

Unplanned Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Bleeding - III

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
First Trimester Bleeding
What is Pre-eclamsia
Amniocentesis is..what?
Tell me about Breech Babies.
Pregnancy and Autism
Pregnancy and Bleeding