Happy Safe Pregnancy, Tips

Natural Remedies Can Aid Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, And Baby Care

2009-03-03T01:29:00.002-08:00

Since their ancient origins, natural and organic remedies are making new strides every day to help improve the various aspects of the journey for mother and baby from conception to the nursery.

The First Trimester:

You have checked it out, and now you are sure you are an expectant mom. You may be able to avoid some of the digestive disturbances that may show up during pregnancy, like nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) with a safe alternative to the over the counter and prescription medications that many people fear might have side-effects as well as adverse effects on the development of your unborn child.

The Second Trimester:

For many woman worries about things like stretch marks and the effects of pregnancy on the body enter the picture. Now natural oils and other natural and organic products can help soften the skin and underlying tissue and prevent or reduce the formation stretch marks.

The Third Trimester:

The last month before your due date is approaching, you are both looking forward to holding your baby, and at the same time you are feeling nervous about labor and birth.

You may find help for these feelings in the natural herbal remedies passed down through the generations, by mothers and midwives that cared for women during pregnancy and giving birth.

Recovery from childbirth:

The "postpartum period" is the term given to the 6 weeks following delivery. With a vaginal delivery you may be up after a few days, but it will take several weeks to complete the healing process. With a Caesarean birth it will take longer to heal due to the surgery. Pregnancy and childbirth have put a strain on you mentally and physically, and here again there are natural remedies to help return you to your pre-pregnancy state.

Your Baby:

Your newborn can also profit from natural remedies for cradle cap, teething, diaper rash, and many other items such as organic bedding and a natural all around nursery.

Natural and organic remedies have been gaining a new respect lately, as practitioners of traditional medicine begin to recognize the ability of hundreds of thousands of herbs and other natural products that have the capabilities to enhance comfort, health, Mental Attitude, Appearance, and Performance.
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About The Author
Joe Rote has spent 18 years in the health field, and is the webmaster of http://www.aa1info.com/momandbaby.htm that will point you to high quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency.

Copyright 2007 Joe Rote

This article may be freely distributed if the resource box stays attached and no part of the article changed without permission

The Symptoms of Pregnancy With Twins

2009-03-03T01:29:00.001-08:00

If your pregnancy symptoms are earlier and more pronounced than you'd normally expect, you may be carrying a twin pregnancy. However, only a health professional can tell for sure.

1. You just feel that you are carrying more than one baby. Some mothers of twins (or higher order multiples) say that they knew right from the start that they were carrying more than one baby.

2. You experience more nausea and/or morning sickness. If you are having more than one baby, you may have an elevated hCG level (hCG is a pregnancy related hormone). This hormone is the one associated with morning sickness.

3. Other typical pregnancy symptoms may be exaggerated. Many women -- but not all -- who are pregnant with twins have more intense pregnancy symptoms, probably related to the extra hormones circulating through their system. You may find that your breasts are extremely tender, you have to urinate frequently, you are hungry all the time and you are always very tired.

4. A higher than average weight gain in the first 16 weeks may be your first clue that you're carrying more than one baby. Good weight gain in early twin pregnancy is associated with a favourable outcome.

With each additional fetus a woman carries, the range of weight gain will increase. For example, a woman who starts a pregnancy in a healthy weight range might expect her weight gain to be as follows:

One fetus, 11 kg (24 lb) to 16 kg (35 lb)
Twins, 16 kg (35 lb) to 20 kg (44 lb)
Triplets, 20 kg (44 lb) to 23 kg (51 lb)
Quads, 23 kg (51 lb) to 25 kg (55 lb)

5. Your uterus seems large for gestational age. If your last menstrual period indicates an eight-week gestation, your uterus may feel more like 10 to 12 weeks to your obstetrician. This may prompt a request for an ultrasound examination.

6. You are told that you have elevated levels of AFP. AFP is one of the chemicals tested to screen for Down’s syndrome and spina bifida abnormalities. AFP levels are higher in twin pregnancies.

7. Your health care provider hears two fetal heartbeats. Two separate heartbeats can be distinguishable with a Doppler in your care provider's office from around 18 weeks. At around 28 weeks, it may be possible to differentiate two fetal heads and multiple small parts when doing an abdominal exam.

8. You have a positive ultrasound. If you believe you are pregnant with twins, an ultrasound can be performed quite early in pregnancy. With a skilled ultrasonographer, two gestational sacs, two embryos and two distinct fetal heartbeats can be seen six weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. Many twins have been diagnosed as early as five weeks -- when you're just one week late for your menstrual period.

9. In later pregnancy, you may experience difficulty catching your breath, swelling (oedema) of the hands and legs, an unusual rate of weight gain and abdominal enlargement and excessive fetal movement. Anaemia or low iron (decreased haemoglobin) is also common with twin and multiple pregnancies.

10. There is considerable disagreement among medical professionals as to whether a woman carrying twins is more likely to feel movement earlier. But many mothers do claim that those early flutters and flips were their first clue that they might be having more than one.
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About The Author
David A Viniker MD FRCOG is a London Consultant in OB/GYN who strongly supports patient choice. You are welcome to visit his websites which explain the pros and cons of the various options for women’s health, pregnancy and childbirth:
http://www.obstetric-health.com
http://www.2womenshealth.com

The Early Signs of Pregnancy

2009-03-03T01:26:00.001-08:00

One of the early signs of pregnancy is morning sickness. Sometimes nausea is made worse by fatigue, temperature fluxuations, certain smells and even the sight of food. Morning sickness may even be accompanied by vomiting. The truth is while nausea is one of the early signs of pregnancy and labeled "morning sickness" it may not strike a pregnant woman just in the mornings. Morning sickness and all its discomfort can occur at any time . . . even in the middle of the night. While morning sickness is one of the early signs of pregnancy that generally goes away after the first trimester, there are women who experience morning sickness during their entire pregnancies. Smells, certain foods and other things may cause nausea in a pregnant woman at any time during her pregnancy.

Morning sickness is said to be brought on by changes in a pregnant woman's hormones. The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is relatively high during the first few months of pregnancy. HCG, changes in estrogen levels and even changes in blood glucose levels can bring about morning sickness. One way to combat a drop in blood glucose is for pregnant women to always keep food in their stomachs. While eating may be the last thing on a woman's mind if morning sickness is one of her early signs of pregnancy, an empty stomach can make nausea worse.

Eating small snacks throughout the day can go far in helping a woman to combat nausea. Pregnant women who suffer from nausea can usually tolerate eating small snacks. This is usually easier for a woman that trying to consume two or three large meals each day. Pregnant women are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. This can help to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can occur if a woman is having a lot of vomiting with her morning sickness.

While nausea and morning sickness is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, it can be very frightening. If a pregnant woman has many episodes of vomiting and it is causing her to lose weight she should notify her OB/GYN. There are occasions when a pregnant mother may have to be put on intravenous fluids or given medication. It is important to note that a doctor will be able to determine if a pregnant woman is experiencing normal morning sickness or if she has an underlying medical condition that is causing her to vomit and lose weight. Other causes of nausea and vomiting could include peptic ulcer disease, gall bladder disease, appendicitis, hepatitis, infections, kidney insufficiency and more. If you are pregnant and you think you are experiencing more than just a dose of morning sickness that accompanies the early signs of pregnancy, you should consult your doctor immediately.

In addition to nausea, other early signs of pregnancy can include changes in breast sensitivity. Many women report that their breasts become very tender and feel full and heavy. Spotting very early in the first few weeks of pregnancy is also fairly common. However, this spotting should be reported to your doctor. Normal spotting will generally be accompanied with a yellow colored mucous. Lack of energy and fatigue is also one of the common early signs of pregnancy as well as frequent urination. Energy levels generally return during the second trimester only to fall again during the third trimester. Many women report they feel the need to frequently urinate throughout their entire pregnancies, while others report this as just a problem during the first and third trimesters.
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About The Author
Shalene Chamings
I am a mother of four beautiful girls who greatly enjoys motherhood.
http://www.anewbornbaby.com/blog/

Genital Herpes With Special Reference To Pregnancy

2009-03-03T01:24:00.000-08:00

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). The anxiety for a pregnant woman is that she may transfer the virus to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth with potentially severe consequences. In this article measures to avoid such disaster are discussed.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 are common infections worldwide. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the cause of most genital herpes and is almost always sexually transmitted whereas the type 1 virus is more commonly associated with sores around the mouth. There is no exclusivity with some ulcers around the mouth being caused by the type 2 virus and some genital infections being related to the type 1 virus. These are probably related to oral sex.

Herpes simplex infections can be diagnosed by visual inspection by a doctor. Swabs from the affected area can be taken and the virus cultured in the laboratory. When a person contracts infection, the immune system produces antibodies that can be measured in the serum (blood with its cells removed).

In the USA one adult in five has antibodies to type 2 herpes. The number of people who have been diagnosed with the condition rose from 10% to 14% between 1988 and 1999. Seroprevalence of HSV-1 decreased from 62.0% in 1988-1994 to 57.7% in 1999-2004, a relative decrease of 6.9%.

Herpes infections may be primary, secondary, recurrent or asymptomatic with viral shedding. In a primary infection, the infection is apparent but there are as yet no antibodies to either HSV-1 or HSV-2 at the time of the outbreak indicating no prior exposure. Typically, lesions appear 2-14 days after contact. Without antiviral therapy, the lesions last for 20 days. Viral shedding lasts 12 days, with the highest rates of shedding occurring before symptoms develop and during the first half of the outbreak. Viral shedding ceases before complete resolution of the lesion. Antibody response occurs 3-4 weeks after the primary infection and is life-long. However, unlike protective antibodies to other viruses, antibodies to HSV do not prevent local recurrences. The symptoms associated with local recurrences tend to be milder than those occurring with primary disease.

The lesions of a primary infection begin as tender vesicles (blisters), which may burst to become ulcers. The vagina is commonly inflamed and the cervix is involved in 80% of patients. Pre-existing HSV-1 antibodies can alleviate clinical manifestations of subsequently acquired HSV-2. More than 75% of patients with primary genital HSV infection are asymptomatic. Asymptomatic primary HSV infections in pregnant women at term are responsible for most neonatal (newborn) HSV infections.

Symptoms associated with primary infections may be local and constitutional. Local symptoms include intense pain, dysuria (pain passing urine), itching, vaginal discharge, and lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph glands). Constitutional symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, malaise, and myalgia (aching muscles).

A non-primary first episode infection is a first genital HSV outbreak in a woman who has HSV type 1 antibodies. Because of the partial protection of the pre-existing antibodies, these women tend to have fewer and shorter systemic symptoms. The duration of lesions is shorter, averaging 15 days, and viral shedding lasts for approximately 7 days.

A recurrent infection is defined as a genital HSV outbreak in a woman with type 2 antibodies. Recurrent HSV outbreaks may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Lesions typically last for 9 days, and viral shedding lasts for approximately 4 days. The viral load tends to be lower in recurrent outbreaks than with primary lesions, and shedding tends to occur during the prodrome (pre-symptomatic phase) and early stage of the clinical outbreak.

Primary infections in pregnancy are over diagnosed. Correct classification of gestational genital herpes infections can only be accomplished when clinical evaluation is combined with viral isolation and serologic testing using a type-specific assay. Most severe first clinical episodes of genital herpes infections among women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are not primary infections and are not commonly associated with perinatal morbidity.

Most herpes affected babies acquire the virus at the time of delivery. Just 5% of all cases of neonatal (newborn) HSV infection result from transplacental transmission during pregnancy. In this regard, it is one of the TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex) infections, which are associated with microcephaly (small head), microphthalmia (small eyes), intracranial (within the brain) calcifications, and chorioretinitis (inflammation in the eyes). The acquisition of genital herpes during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous miscarriage, prematurity and congenital and neonatal herpes.

Neonatal herpes is a severe systemic (involving all the body) viral infection with a high morbidity (illness) and mortality. Neonatal herpes can cause skin, eye or mouth infections, damage to the central nervous system and other internal organs and mental retardation. It is relatively uncommon in the UK with an incidence of 1.65 per 100 000 live births annually, which compares to 11 per 100, 000 deliveries in the USA.

Neonatal herpes may be caused by herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), as either viral type can cause genital herpes. The risks are greatest when a woman acquires a primary infection during late pregnancy, so that the baby is delivered before the development of protective maternal antibodies. All women should be asked at their first antenatal visit if they or their partner have ever had genital herpes. Female partners of men with genital herpes, who themselves give no history of genital herpes, should be advised about reducing their risk of acquiring this infection.

Women who report a history of genital herpes can be reassured that, in the event of an HSV recurrence during pregnancy, the risk of transmission to the neonate is extremely small, even if genital lesions are present at delivery. Women with no history of genital herpes may reduce their risk of acquiring herpes during pregnancy by avoiding sexual intercourse at times when their partner has an HSV recurrence. The impact of this intervention is limited because sexual transmission of HSV commonly results from sexual contact during periods of asymptomatic viral shedding.

Aciclovir is well tolerated in late pregnancy and there is no clinical or laboratory evidence of maternal or fetal toxicity. Aciclovir has been used extensively in pregnancy and it appears to be safe. The use of intravenous aciclovir may reduce the risk of neonatal herpes by minimising maternal viraemia and reducing exposure of the fetus to HSV for women who develop first episode genital herpes within six weeks of delivery. A randomised controlled trial for women with recurrent herpes was unable to demonstrate that acyclovir in late pregnancy significantly reduces the number of caesarean sections. The conclusion was that there is little evidence to suggest that acyclovir should be used for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes infection during pregnancy.

Where first-episode genital herpes lesions are present at the time of delivery and the baby is delivered vaginally, the risk of neonatal herpes is about 40%. The risk of transmission is associated with duration of rupture of the membranes, the risk increasing considerably after the membranes had been ruptured for more than four hours.

Caesarean section is recommended for all women presenting with first-episode genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery, but is not indicated for women who develop first episode genital herpes lesions earlier in the pregnancy. If the first episode of genital herpes lesions within six weeks of the expected date of delivery or onset of preterm labour, elective caesarean section may be considered at term, or as indicated, and the paediatricians should be informed.

In the 1980s, it was common practice to take swabs for viral cultures weekly from women with a history of genital herpes during the last six weeks of pregnancy and if the results were positive delivery would be by elective caesarean section. This practice is no longer recommended as it has been demonstrated that antenatal swabbing did not predict the shedding of virus at the onset of labour.

For women presenting with recurrent genital herpes lesions at the onset of labour, the risks to the baby of neonatal herpes are negligible with two major studies showing no transmission to the baby. In one study, one baby in 34 with active recurrent herpes was affected. The practice of caesarean delivery for women with a history of genital herpes lesions that recur at delivery would result in more than 1580 excess caesarean deliveries being performed for every poor neonatal outcome prevented at a cost per neonatal herpes case averted of $2.5 million at 1993 rates. Furthermore, there could well be more maternal deaths by this practice than newborn babies saved. In Holland, caesarean sections have not been routinely performed for this indication since 1987 and there has been no increase in the reported incidence of neonatal herpes.
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About The Author
David A Viniker MD FRCOG is a London Consultant in OB/GYN who strongly supports patient choice. You are welcome to visit his websites which explain the pros and cons of the various options for women’s health, pregnancy and childbirth: http://www.2womenshealth.com http://www.obstetric-health.com

Do You Have A Pregnancy Calendar?

2009-03-03T01:22:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of a pregnancy calendar? A pregnancy calendar is simply a record of all the changes a woman and her baby will go through during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Many expectant parents spend countless hours going over the pregnancy calendar so they can monitor what is going on inside the mother's body at any given moment. While the changes the mother is going through are very evident by the changes in her body outwardly, the changes the baby is going inside the mother's womb are not evident. That is why having a pregnancy calendar is so useful. Expectant parents can look at a pregnancy calendar to know what stage of development their unborn baby is in at any given week. Here is a general rundown on what you find on a pregnancy calendar.

Week 1-4: Conception occurs and the egg is fertilized.

Week 5-8: Your baby's heart has begun to beat by the 6th week. You baby has arms and legs have started to develop by week 8.

Week 9-12: By the 10th week your baby will be moving around inside of your womb. You probably do not feel it, but he or she is moving.

Week 13-16: During the 13-14th week a doctor may be able to determine the sex of your baby through an ultrasound. Your baby's heartbeat can also be heard during this time. Your baby's bones begin to harden during this time and you may begin to notice it when he or she moves around in your womb. Babies at this age can suck his or her thumb.

Week 17-20: Your baby's organs are developing and the sex of your baby can positively be identified. Your baby's body starts to be covered with fine hair.

Week 21-24: Your baby will start to deposit fat on his or her body so that he or she can deal with changes in temperature during and after birth.

Week 24-28: Your baby is able to hear sounds and can sense darkness and lightness. This is the time when the baby's movements start to lesson because the uterus is becoming crowded.

Week 29-32: Your baby's eyes begin to move. The size of your baby's head is starting to catch up with the size of his or her body. Your baby's brain is growing very fast. All major organs are developed by the 32nd week, except the lungs.

Week 33-36: Your baby starts to open and close his or her eyes during this stage. Your baby's fingernails start to grow long.

Week 37-40: Your baby's lungs start to get ready for birth. You can go into labor at anytime during this stage.

These are just the highlights of what you would see on a pregnancy calendar. If you are pregnant, you are encouraged to get a pregnancy calendar of your own to chart your baby's development. These calendars can be as simple or as detailed as you would like them to be. You can even locate pregnancy calendars that have room for you to write important details down for each week. This is a great way for you to monitor yourself and your baby. Pregnancy calendars are a great thing to have for a keepsake that you can give to your child when he or she is grown along with their baby book.
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About The Author
Shalene Chamings
I am a mother of four beautiful girls who greatly enjoys motherhood.
http://www.anewbornbaby.com/blog/

Pregnancy and Smoking and First Trimester Dangers

2009-03-03T01:20:00.000-08:00

Did you know that if women quit smoking when they were pregnant that infant deaths could be reduced by up to 10 percent? Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester are not words that go together. The good news is that no can report that a woman who has smoked prior to her pregnancy is putting her baby at risk. However, smoking during pregnancy is very hazardous to an unborn baby.

Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester have been linked to 100,000+ miscarriages and 5,500+ infant deaths per year. Smoking also puts an expectant mother at risk for complications such as vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of the membranes, early delivery and more. Evidence is showing that a pregnant mother who smokes may have a baby who has a low birth weight. Low birth weight and being born too small is a major cause of infant illness and perinatal death.

If you are pregnant and a smoker you should know that the best time to quit is during the first trimester. Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester are not words that go together. Here are some tips that will help you get started on breaking the smoking habit.

Find out what motivates you to smoke. Is it the stimulation? Maybe you do it to relax? Do you use smoking as a way to relieve tension and stress? Maybe you smoke simply out of habit? Are you even aware of when you light up a cigarette or do you find yourself smoking out of habit? If you are able to find out what motivates you to smoke you can find a substitute to replace the smoking.

Find something that will motivate you to quit smoking. This is very easy for a pregnant woman. Your motivation is to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Find a method that will help you to quit smoking. Talk with your OB/GYN and find a way that you can quit together. Many expectant mothers chose to quit smoking cold turkey. Others wean themselves off of cigarettes during the first trimester simply because smoking makes them feel ill.

If you like smoking because it keeps your hands busy, try to do something else with your hands. You can suck on a lollipop, play with a pencil, knit, play a musical instrument, paint your fingernails and more.

If you smoke for the oral gratification, find something to replace it. This can include chewing on gum, veggies, popcorn, or simply placing a toothpick in your mouth.

If you smoke because it stimulates you, why not walk instead? Walking can give you an energy boost and help clear your head when you are feeling tired.

If you simply smoke because it is a habit, try to develop a new habit to take its place. Every time you feel like smoking you can go brush your teeth or go to a certain area in your home to relax and listen to music. If you smoke in certain situations or when you eat or drink certain foods, avoid those situations, foods and drinks for a while.

Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester are simply words that do not fit together. Not only do they sound strange on paper, but they are dangerous words to put together in life. Remember, if you can get past the first few days of withdrawal they will be worth it. Not only will your baby be healthier, but you will be healthier.
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About The Author
Shalene Chamings
I am a mother of four beautiful girls who greatly enjoys motherhood.
http://www.anewbornbaby.com/blog/

Pregnancy Due Date Brings On Bills With Due Dates, Be Ready

2009-03-03T01:18:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like the joy of motherhood or parenthood. The birthing of a new life into the world is a wonderfully joyous occasion. That being said, lets get to the heart of the matter.

With a new infant come new bills and new expenses. Medical bills, formula, baby clothes, diapers, cribs, blankets, strollers, car seats, day care, school supplies, toys etc. and that is just the beginning. Unless your baby is born at home and you are somehow fortunate enough to have a special nanny with money , extra expenditures are in your future. Many women are single mothers. Some are unemployed and some are just not making enough money to afford the expense of motherhood. So many expenditures accompany the birth of a child that many mothers are required to leave their children in day care for long periods of time just so they can go to a second or third job.

This lack of necessary funding is widespread to say the least. With teen pregnancy and unemployment being two of the significant contributors to this trend, children having to do without and parents having to struggle is common. I am a single mother. says Janice Augusta, It is difficult to pay for the necessary items that my daughter needs on my current salary. This toolbar really helps to have a way to fill the gap between paychecks. I am sold. The most common strategy utilized to lessen the effects of single parenthood, and lower income parenthood is to get a second or third job. This method is a tiresome one and deprives the parent of treasured bonding and teaching time with the child. Not to mention the parents potentially not experiencing the irreplaceable firsts of the childs life such as first steps, first words etc.

Many times, job related issues take far too much away from parent child relationships. Nine out ten mothers polled would choose to spend more time with their children rather than work. 5out of 10 admitted taking more time off from work for their child than they had available as vacation days. In an effort to overcome the discrepancy between what they want to do and what they need to do, many mothers have turned to the internet to earn additional money . There are multiple online means to earn money. However, many dont provide much income for the amount of work required. Other detractors from some services is that they cost money to join and use.

One method that mothers are using in increasing numbers is the free Baby Names It Toolbar" at the dot com of the same name. The internet is riddle with errors, and the Baby Names It Toolbar allows mothers and fathers to earn money to pay for their childrens needs by finding and reporting the errors they notice online. With an average price being paid for locating and reporting errors hovering around $2.00 per valid reported error, it is extremely easy to see why it is an attractive method of making ends meet.

Most web surfers are put off by errors on websites and web documents anyway. They just seam to interrupt the natural flow of a document. Did you see that? I wrote seam instead of seem in the sentence just before this one. Most people see errors like that but never report them. This has led to an internet with substantially lower standards than the average document.

Now reporting an error like the seam instead of seem error above, can be money in a young mothers pocket

There are trillions of errors on the internet. Errors such as misspelled words, incorrect punctuation, poor grammar, missing graphics, broken links and many more types of errors are just waiting for someone to report them and at an average price of $2.00 per find, it is relatively easy for moms and dads to make a difference in their financial situations. Now, with the help of the Baby Names It Toolbar errors on websites are worth money to the person that reports them. Help clean up the internet.
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About The Author
John Reed a father with 15 years business experience, has had the opportunity to use and review multiple online businesses. You can read more about moms and dad's making ends meet in the internet age by visiting http://www.babynamesittoolbar.com

Parabens And Pregnancy - Should You Be Concerned?

2009-03-03T01:16:00.000-08:00

Parabens have been used as preservatives since the early 1920s, and are utilised in preventing the growth of bacteria. They are used in a wide range of consumer products, especially in cosmetics, including skin care products, shampoos and conditioners, facial and body cosmetics, sun screens, underarm products and soaps.

Just have a look in your bathroom cabinet and see how many products contain ingredients such as methyl-, propyl-, butyl- or ethyl-paraben or ingredients such as p-hydroxynenzoate (PHB) esters. Parabens have been widely accepted and used because they are effective preservatives, are inexpensive and are rapidly excreted from the body.

However, more recent studies, including ones in Japan and the UK have shown that parabens are oestrogenic, meaning they mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body, and may even contribute to problems including male fertility and an increased risk of breast cancer, because they are believed to be acting like hormones and disrupting the body's immune system.

For pregnant women, in particular, this raises issues with the type of make-up or skin lotions that they use because of the long exposure time on the skin, and the fact that anything that you put on your skin will get under the skin and potentially reach the fetus.

However, little scientific information exists on whether the use of products with low levels of parabens over many years results in an accumulation of parabens in body tissues and whether there are or are not any health issues associated with the use of consumer products including parabens.

A study first published in 2004 (Darbre, in the Journal of Applied Toxicology) detected parabens in breast tumours. However, the study was inconclusive failing to answer many of the questions raised. By way of example, this study did not demonstrate that parabens caused cancer, or even that they were harmful. In fact, the study did not review the possible levels of parabens in normal tissue.

But although parabens are not yet proven to be a danger to health, at a time when you are pregnant do you want to take any risk that is avoidable? Would you really be prepared to take that chance unless you were 100% certain that there were no harmful effects?

For many women, the answer is no and so they are changing their skin care regimes and choice of cosmetics to products that do not contain parabens as preservatives. This is often a decision made on the grounds that 'avoidance is the best strategy'. While the scientific jury is still out on the safety or otherwise of parabens, who can argue with that philosophy? The best advice is to be aware of the issue, carefully read the list of ingredients on any product that you put on your skin, look at the alternatives that are available, and then make an informed choice.

There are many now many specialist retailers online who stock a wide range of products for pregnant women that do not contain parabens and you should shop around to find which would be most suitable for you.
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About The Author
Andrew Smith is a Director of MumsTheWord, a leading supplier of Natural & Organic Baby Care Products and pre conception safe products http://www.mumstheword.com

Depression and Pregnancy-What Is the Connection?

2009-03-03T01:15:00.000-08:00

At one time, doctors believed that the hormones associated with pregnancy were a good protection against depression. In more recent years, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, affecting 10-20% of all women - the same proportion that women as whole suffer without adding pregnancy into the equation. With figures like that and with the added concern that depression can factor into the health of the baby, it is important to know something about how depression and pregnancy are connected.

First, it's important to recognize what depression is and what the symptoms are.

Depression is a mood disorder that may have both biological and behavioral roots. Although healthy women frequently experience some of the following symptoms during a pregnancy, depression is usually diagnosed when the patient experiences three or more of the following symptoms in the space of two weeks:

* A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore
* Feeling blue, sad, or "empty" for most of the day, every day
* Difficulty concentrating
* Extreme irritability, agitation, or excessive crying
* Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
* Extreme or never-ending fatigue
* A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all

If a woman experiences three or more of these, she may be suffering from clinical depression and should report the symptoms to her doctor.

Depression is a serious disorder, and is more than just having "the blues." Untreated depression can interfere with a woman's ability to care for her self during pregnancy, and can push a woman to neglect vital personal care, thus hurting her unborn child. In extreme cases, the condition can also put her at risk for suicide, and for abuse of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Depression may also interfere with the ability to bond with the child, and can also increase the risk for having an episode of depression after delivery (postpartum depression). In addition, recent studies have shown the possibility of links between depression in the mother and such serious conditions as premature delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous miscarriage, and gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia.

Doctors feel that there are several major causes which can contribute to a depression during pregnancy. Having an existing history of clinical depression or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a severe type of premenstrual syndrome or PMS) is paramount among these, as a predisposition to the disorder can increase the chance that pregnancy and its attendant stresses will bring on an episode. Age at time of pregnancy is also a factor -- the younger the woman is, the higher the risk of depression.

There are also environmental factors to consider. If the woman is living alone, without the support of a partner, and has limited social support; if there are already multiple children in the family, or there is a history of marital conflict and ambivalence about the pregnancy, there is a greatly increased risk of a significant clinical depression.

If a pregnant woman believes that she is experiencing depression, she should seek medical advice immediately. This is not a condition that will simply go away; treatment to avoid the serious consequences listed above is vital.

Fortunately, there are many ways to treat depression during pregnancy. One of the most important is for the woman to take a step back and realize that she may not have to do everything she did before the pregnancy. If a social network and supportive partner are available, much of the self-imposed stress of trying to maintain a normal, pre-pregnancy routine can be alleviated by doing less while others take up the slack. If these resources are not available, psychotherapy is an effective way to help the patient get at root causes of feelings of helplessness and low self-worth, thus allowing her to cope better.

Self care is critical - developing good sleeping habits, regular diet and exercise routines and the like are also effective treatments. Medications are also available, but as with any drugs taken during pregnancy, there are risks that must be considered. Some antidepressants have been associated with serious side effects for the baby; any use of these drugs should be discussed carefully with a trained doctor so that risks are balanced against the benefits. Keeping in mind that depression is a serious illness; there are times when the benefits of treating a depressive episode with drugs outweigh the possible downside.

As with any medical condition that occurs during a pregnancy, depression requires a skilled diagnosis and treatment by a trusted specialist. Women who are at risk for depression or who are experiencing the symptoms owe it to themselves to address the problem as soon as possible.
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About The Author
Craig Smith is a freelance writer who writes about mental health topics including http://www.CareLink-svs.org Community Support Services * Depression Anxiety Treatment

Pregnancy And Various Kinds Of Ovarian Cysts

2009-03-03T01:12:00.000-08:00

One woman described how she'd had two miscarriages already. The first one was at 21 weeks, the second was at eight weeks. And she found out during her second pregnancy that she had a dermoid cyst on her right ovary. And she writes in that we consulted a doctor that said it wasn’t the cause of my miscarriage, and can I still try getting pregnant? It was almost a year passed since I had my second miscarriage, and I'm trying to get pregnant, but what I just observed with myself now is I can't get pregnant as easily now like before, any advice?

First of all, the first advice is she had two miscarriages, miscarriages are extremely common. Twenty percent of all pregnancies miscarry before 12 weeks, it's nature's way of ridding vaginetic products. The miscarriage at 21 weeks was rather unusual. I'm assuming that this was something that was looked into, and probably was not a cause of anything that would repeat itself. The dermoid cyst on her right ovary, well if she knows she had a dermoid cyst on the right ovary, that must have been removed.

We were probably given part of the information because no doctor's going to leave a dermoid cyst. As far as her so-called - her concerns about infertility since that dermoid cyst, pregnancy is not as easy as one thinks. Pregnancy - the average couple who have intercourse the average number of times, which is 2.5 times per week will conceive 90 percent of the time in one year, in two years 95 percent. But you still have ten percent that are not going to conceive in one year. So one year of lack of conception is not an infertility concern in my mind. So my advice is just continue trying, don’t worry about the cyst, and hopefully pregnancy number three will be absolutely normal.

Let's see, there was something else here. Oh, there is an increasing number of women - since we mentioned some drugs, we should mention Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is an anti-breast cancer drug, the most commonly used. Women are often on it five years, very effective. The good news is Tamoxifen works, being an anti-estrogen effect on the breast, it stops the estrogen receptors.

Because breast tumors many times have - they like estrogen. So this particular anti-cancer drug works by blocking estrogen. But it has some good news too, it has a positive estrogen effect on bone and on the heart. And we know that estrogen can be good for bone growth, that's why many women are given estrogens after menopause. And it can be good on bone growth and prevent heart disease. The one problem with women on this particular drug though is that it causes in some cases a slight increase in uterus cancers, because it has the positive estrogen effect on the uterus.

And it can in some cases increase any cysts that are there. But to my knowledge there is no evidence that it can cause ovary cancers. So we have some effects from this powerful anti-breast cancer drug that are positive, no ovary bad effects except it can cause an increased size in the cysts. And these would be managed like any other cysts.

I think one thing here is - one woman writes in and she says is surgery a must for a cyst measuring 20 centimeters? 20 centimeters is huge. Greater than 10 centimeters is huge. The answer is unequivocally 20-centimeter cyst is in risk of torsion, it should be operated upon, no questions asked. And we don’t know the age of this woman, but the odds are most likely in her favor because it's a cyst. And the other one here is -

I have one question I think is very good. Is a hysterectomy the best option for an ovary cyst on a 68-year-old woman, any other options? I'm going to answer that because I'm from the school of thought that says if you're going in for a hysterectomy in the menopausal years, I believe those ovaries should come out. Now this is Doctor Christopher Freville’s philosophy, many colleagues agree with me, some do not. But the ovary has very little function after menopause. At menopause it doesn’t have any except it can serve as a place for bad tumors and bad cysts to grow.

So if for some reason one has to have a hysterectomy at the menopausal time in life, my strong recommendation would be discussed with your doctor should the ovaries come out. Because unfortunately, ovary cancers, which are not really the topic of this discussion, often don’t show up and have symptoms until they're somewhat progressed. That's something I wanted to throw in there.

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About The Author
Hillary Templeton gives advice to women of all types of ovarian cysts on her website. Click here for more information on ruptured ovarian cysts http://www.ovariancystshelp.com

Learn About Facts of Pregnancy Through Books

2009-03-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

Once the parents come to know that they are expecting, the real hunt for finding good pregnancy books and pregnancy videos comes into picture. A pregnant woman may wish to find out everything connected with pregnancy, the changes that occur in her body and the things she needs to watch out for during her pregnancy. The partner would also try to know all he can so as to take care of her wife and the coming child’s development.

Pregnancy is the most beautiful part of every woman’s life and thus everyone around looks for what is required during the pregnancy period. What kind of diet the expecting mother should take, exercises for relaxing during pregnancy, precautions to be taken, wee by week pregnancy calendars are the major concerns that everybody tries to find out. Good birth guides, infant books, toddler books and pregnancy books are available in the market that can have a whole lot of information

Good pregnancy books are the best guides for demonstrating pregnancy week by week and make you understand the development of baby inside the womb clearly. A picture speaks more than a million words and thus pregnancy videos, DVDs are the best options to look what is going inside a woman’s body and methods to handle complication during pregnancy.

There are books describing every stage of pregnancy and step by step procedures, occurrences and changes that take place in the course of a pregnancy. Other books deal in diet plans that should be made during pregnancy. Then there are books on exercises that make women feel good and keep them away from hypertensions. Books for best baby names and pregnancy calendars are much of interest to other members of the family who anxiously wait for the coming bundle of joys. A woman who is pregnant for the first time is keener to know about how not to add weight during pregnancy and there are books and videos available that explain every aspect and changes that could be taken care of during pregnancy.

All questions coming in minds of a woman or her spouse are answered in the pages of these pregnancy books. Every imaginable topic is explained in the books and videos to make your pregnancy a beautiful journey of life to experience.

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About the Author:

Pregnancybooksandvideos provides good pregnancy books, pregnancy gifts and pregnancy videos online guiding the expecting parents through various facts of pregnancy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/learn-about-facts-of-pregnancy-through-books-609909.html

Early Pregnancy Symptom - How to Detect Pregnancy by yourself

2009-03-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy calls for one of the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life being accompanied by each early pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy symptoms have always been a source of joy as well as often anxieties. Many women are unaware of early pregnancy symptoms and what development each symptom indicates. Moreover, to start planning for a family with your new baby, you must be knowledgeable about pregnancy symptoms and to what extent they are normal. If you observe the signs of pregnancy to increase and decrease abnormally, you must consult with your physician.

Therefore, pregnant women need to be familiar with all the probable early pregnancy symptoms. She also needs to know the difference between pregnancy and non-pregnancy symptoms. The period, intensity and the sequence of arrival of pregnancy symptoms largely vary from one woman to another. So, before you start fretting over absence of a particular symptom that your friend or sister might have undergone at your stage, get facts on each early pregnancy symptom from this article.

How Your Body Tells That You Are Pregnant

During pregnancy, women undergo many changes. Drastic hormonal changes in body are because of the physical and psychological changes a woman undergoes during pregnancy. This hormonal change takes place to support the development of the fetus inside. All women tend to experience some common symptoms in the early trimester of the pregnancy period. Each early pregnancy symptom appears in the same manner, but slight differences can be expected. Now let us discuss about pregnancy symptoms and how to identify them –

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is also known as vaginal spotting. This is a very common early pregnancy symptom and takes place when the fertilized egg gets attached to uterus walls. In following ways you will get to differentiate implantation bleeding from common vaginal bleeding -

It appears approximately five days after fertilization
Color of this vaginal discharge appears to be light unlike dark bleeding of menstruation.
An increase in discharge will also signal you about pregnancy.
Many women also experience slight cramping pain during implantation bleeding.
If you happen to experience similar symptoms within a week of conceiving, consider a home pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.

Frequent Urination

Increased frequency in urination is a significant early pregnancy symptom. Stretch in ligaments and hormonal changes may lead pregnant women rush to loo. As your uterus enlarges to accommodate development of the fetus, it starts occupying spaces of bladder and pushes it, which is why you may feel a surge of urine now and then.

Tender, Sore Breasts

Another very important early pregnancy symptom is tenderness and painful breasts. After conceiving, you will notice your breasts to enlarge accompanied by a feeling of tenderness due to the hormonal changes in body.

High Temperature

If you notice that your basal body temperature is increasing after conception, then you know you are pregnant. When your body temperature remains high for a number of days even if you are not having menstruation, it is an early pregnancy symptom.

Missed Periods

A missed period id considered one of the surest pregnancy symptoms to be felt at the earliest stage. However, it may arrive before or after any other early pregnancy symptom and extensively vary in women.

Fatigue and Weakness

Pregnancy brings enormous feeling of exhaustion. When you tend to feel fatigue and dizziness with any other symptom, you need to contact an expert. As per medical experts, fainting is a common early pregnancy symptom. Along with exhaustion, you might feel sickness in different time of the day with discomforts of nausea. Though pregnant women may feel at any time or throughout the day, this early pregnancy symptom is known as ‘morning sickness’.

Before you consult your gynecologist, you need to prepare a proper and detailed pregnancy journal mentioning each early pregnancy symptom to help him or her detect pregnancy accurately.

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About the Author:

An early pregnancy symptoms, while on one hand brings joy it breeds anxiety too. However, mere presence of pregnancy symptoms does not confirm pregnancy. Therefore, when you start witnessing signs of pregnancy, maintain a pregnancy journal and visit you doctor for a pregnancy test and for further instructions. Early Pregnancy Symptom has more information on signs to detect early pregnancy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/early-pregnancy-symptom-how-to-detect-pregnancy-by-yourself-181365.html

Safe Pregnancy and Motherhood

2009-03-02T22:38:00.000-08:00

Introduction

Most often in a developing country, each minute of every day, a woman dies from complications related to pregnancy. For all women who die, 30 to 50 percent of women suffer from injury, infection, or other complication. Almost 15% complications of these are life-threatening and require immediate obstetric care. Hence, safe motherhood can be achieved by providing high-quality maternal health services to all women during pregnancy, childbirth, and during the postpartum period.

Maternal mortality

Most of the maternal mortality is due to following major medical causes:

1. Severe bleeding (hemorrhage);

2. Infection;

3. Unsafe abortion complications;

4. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; and

5. Obstructed labor.

Warning signs during pregnancy:

1. Failure to gain weight (at least 6 kilograms should be gained during pregnancy)

2. Anemia or paleness inside the eyelids (healthy eyelids are red or pink)

3. Unusual swelling of legs, arms or face

4. Movement of fetus being either very little or not at all.

Therefore, a pregnant woman needs to be checked at a clinic or health facility at least four times during every pregnancy. It is also important to seek the advice of a skilled birth attendant (such as a doctor, nurse or midwife), about where the baby should be born. A pregnant woman should also be properly educated so that she can take care of herself and her baby.

Still, a pregnant woman is susceptible to all those possible diseases which a normal human being can encounter. Hence, if there is any disorder during pregnancy, the situation can be best managed under the guidance of good physician.

Considering the above facts, in Ayurveda, Kashyap samhita has given two full chapters on this subject. Harita samhita has enlisted emaciation, nausea, vomiting, edema, fever, anorexia, diarrhea and discoloration etc. According to Sushruta samhita, pregnant women are prone to facial paralysis. Similarly Charaka samhita and Vagbhata also have suggested that the pressure caused by growing fetus increases in cases of piles and edema.

According to Charaka (C. 1000 B.C.), pregnant woman should be treated with soft, sweet, cold drugs, dietetics and gentle pleasing behaviour. She should not be given emetics and purgatives.

Exercise and use of pungent drugs should be avoided (Charaka Sutra sthan 25/40).

According to Harita(10-12th Cent. A.D.), unripe fruit of Bilva (Aegle marmelos Corr.) mixed with curd and sugar is always beneficial.

There are certain diseases whose treatment at the initial stage itself prevents them from becoming major disorders at a later stage. Treatments of such diseases are mentioned below:

Line of treatment in different gestational month:

During fourth month of pregnancy: In this, if woman suffers from any disease of vata, retention of urine, pain etc. then castor oil with milk should be given (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

During fifth month: Evacuative enema and nutritive enema containing sour, salty drug and sweet substance should be given (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

During sixth month: In case of lymphadenitis, furunculous, inflammation, abscess, use of cauterization and surgery should be done (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

During seventh month: If there is protuberant flesh then its suppression should be done with help of surgery or cauterization (Kashyap khil sthan, 10).

General disorder during pregnancy and their management:

1. Vomiting:

The vomiting related to pregnancy is classified as simple vomiting of pregnancy (milder type) and Hyperemesis gravidarum(severe type). Slight vomiting is common in early pregnancy (about 50%). It may however, occur at any time in day, generally occurs in morning. It does not produce any impairment of health or restrict the normal activities of women and gets disappeared with or without treatment by 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.

It could be managed by avoiding fatty and spicy foods. Patient is advised to take plenty of fluids (2.5l in 24hr.) and fruit juices.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe type of vomiting of pregnancy which has got deleterious effect on the health of the mother in day to day activities. The etiology is obscure but the following are the known facts:

-It is mostly limited to first trimester.

-It is most common in first pregnancy.

-It has got a familial history.

-It has more prevalence in hydatidiform mole and multiple pregnancies.

-It is more common in vata vaigunya, non-fulfillment of dauhrida stage (i.e. non fulfillment of desired substance by mother during pregnancy)

Management:

To correct the fluids, electrolytes and other metabolic disturbance.

Nutritional support with Vit.B1, B6, Vit.C and Vit.B12.

Nursing care: sympathetic but firm handling of the patient is essential.

Some useful drugs:

Paste of Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum Linn.) mixed with rice water and sugar should be given (Yogratnakar, Stri rog chikitsa sthan).

Flour of parched barley mixed with decoction of Sunthi (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and Bilva (Aegle marmelos Corr.) (Yogratnakar, Stri rog chikitsa sthan ).

.2. Pre-eclamptic toxemia: It is a multi system disorder of unknown etiology characterized by development of hypertension to the extent of 140/90mm Hg or more with proteinuria after the 20th week. It may appear even before 20th week as in case of hydatidiform mole and acute poly hydramnios.

Demonstration of pitting edema over the ankles after 12hr. bed rest, rapid gain in weight of more than 1lb a week or more than 5lb a month of pregnancy may be earliest evidence of pre-Eclampsia.

There is increased association of pre-eclampsia with primigravida, family history, placental abnormalities, genetic disorder and thrombophilias.

Management: As long as the etiology is obscure the treatment is mostly empirical and symptomatic. Diet should contain adequate amount of protein (about 100gm). Usual salt intake and fluids is not restricted. Total calories approximate 1600 cal/day.

In favorable cases, there is fall of blood pressure and weight with subsidence of edema. Urinary output increases with diminishing proteinuria, if previously present.

In unfavorable cases, the definitive treatment of pre-eclampsia is termination pregnancy through which mother could be saved.

3. Eclampsia:

Pre-eclampsia when complicated with convulsion and /or coma is called as eclampsia. The causes of cerebral irritation leading to convulsion are not clear. The irritation may be provoked by anoxia (spasm of the cerebral vessels following hypertension). Cerebral edema may also contribute to cerebral irritation, arrhythmia which increases following anoxia / edema.

Management:

Patient should be placed in a railed cot in an isolated room.

Anticonvulsant and sedative regime should be used.

4. Fever:

Fever to pregnant women is most troublesome disease and fetus also suffers due to transfer of heat of fever from the mother. If fever occurs before 4th month then patient should be advised to fast for one day, followed by use of drinkables free from fat and salt. She should take only rice gruel followed by cereals with soups and no medicine should be given. Lekhan karma (the measures which makes the body light) could be used if it occurs after 4th month (Kashyap khil sthan,10).

In taruna jwara (recent fever), massage with oil, nasal drops and sternutatory drugs (causing sneezing) should be avoided as they influence the fetus by making it stiff or immobile (Kashyap, khil sthan 10/18).

Similarly emesis produces fetal abnormalities, abortion and other serious disorders (Charka, siddhi sthan 2/9).

General treatment:

Decoction of Chandan (Santalum album Linn.), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus R.Br.), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa Roxb.) & mardvika (Vitis vinifera Linn.) mixed with sugar should be given. (Yogratnakar, Stri rog chikitsa sthan).

Hriberadi decoction prescribed for diarrhea is also beneficial (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

5. Diarrhea during pregnancy:

Dietetic abnormalities, use of ripened fruits and polluted water, fear, grief etc. psychological trauma, emaciation and due to doshas or other body disease can cause diarrhea to anybody. However during pregnancy presence of least abnormalities may produce diarrhea.

Management:

Digestive drugs should be prescribed when diarrhea has sufficient quantity of mucous in feces and constipation drug should be prescribed incase feces do not contain mucous.

Kalyanakawaleha and Hriberadi decoction is beneficial in all types of diarrhea (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

6. Epilepsy:

In this, incidence of fetal malformation and still birth increases. The malformation includes- cleft lips/palate, mental retardation, cardiac abnormalities, limb defect. There is chance of neonatal hemorrhage. There is also a risk of developing epilepsy to the offspring of an epileptic mother.

Management:

-Vit.K 10mg a day orally is to be given in the last two weeks of pregnancy.

-Juice of lemon mixed with vid and rock salt.

-Decoction of agnimantha (Premna mucronata Roxb.)

-Soups of meat of quail mixed with fat.

7. Jaundice:

When the serum bilirubin level exceeds 2mg % (normal being .2-.8mg %), visible yellow staining of the tissue appear. Its overall incidence in India is 1-4% per 1000 deliveries.

It may be due to severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, acute fatty liver (acute yellow atrophy of the liver), severe hyperemesis gravidarum, intra hepatic cholestasis is the second most common cause of jaundice in pregnancy, the first one being the viral infection.

Management:

-Decoction of prsniparni (Uraria picta Desv.), bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) and vasa (Adhatoda vasica Nees) should be given (Yogratnakar, stri rog chikitsa sthan).

-Use of pippali (Piper longum Linn.) and root of ankotha (Alangium salvifolium Linn.f.) mixed with juice of horse dung and curd of buffalo’s milk is beneficial (Kashyap, chikitsa sthan. 2/6).

8. Heart pain:

In 32nd week of pregnancy the pressure on heart is highest and with time it goes on increasing. In such cases, the patient needs special care.

We may use powdered pippali (Piper longum Linn.) with paste of patra (Digitalis purpurea Linn.), coca ( Coffea arabica Linn.) and priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.) mixed with juice of lemon(Citrus medica Linn.). (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

9. Tuberculosis:

The incidence ranges between 1-2% among the hospital deliveries in the tropics, and is predominantly confined to the under privileged sectors of society. Incidence of T.B. is also rising worldwide with the rising prevalence of HIV infected patients, positive family histories etc. Alcohol addiction and intravenous drug abuse are also responsible for this.

Management:

- An electuary made with maricha (Piper nigrum Linn.), bharngi (Clerodendrum serratum Linn.), and pippali (Piper longum Linn.) mixed with lemon juice should be given (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

- If it is associated with trauma then use of an electuary made with madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.), sankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois.), jiva (Leptadenia reticulate W. & A.), sugar and honey should be used (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

- Pippalyadi leha is also useful (Kashyap, khil sthan.10).

10. Anemia:

It is the most common hematological disorder that may occur during pregnancy. According to standard laid down by WHO, anemia in pregnancy is present when the hemoglobin concentration in the peripheral blood is 11gm/100ml or less. During pregnancy, plasma volume expand (maximum around 32nd week) resulting hemoglobin dilution, which result in fall of hemoglobin concentration.

Due to anemia pre-eclampsia, recurrent infections, heart failure at 30-32 week of pregnancy and preterm labor may happen.

General treatment:

1. A realistic balance diet rich in protein and vitamin is prescribed.

2. To improve the appetite and facilitate digestion, some drugs could be given, such as use of powder of pippali, pippalimula (root of Piper longum Linn.), mustak (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) with sweetened milk or honey. (Kashyap, Chitiksa sthan. 2/13)

3. Effective therapy to cure disease contributing to the cause of anemia.

Special therapy: The principal is to raise the hemoglobin level to normal as far as possible. Thereafter an attempt is made to restore the iron reserve, before the patient goes in labor.

11. Acute pain in abdomen:

Some amount of abdominal pain is common during pregnancy. In approximately 80% of women who are pregnant, back pain is present. The etiology of pain is probably related to a combination of mechanical, metabolic, circulatory, and psychosomatic and social contributing factors. The fact that one-third of the patients who experience pain starting during the first trimester when mechanical forces are not a significant force, highly indicates that the most probably cause is due to a change in hormonal influence. Patients are instructed to avoid excessive weight gain; exercise to strengthen the back muscles, maintain correct posture and wear sensible shoes (not high heels).

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful aspects of womanhood. Each pregnancy, each child born, is a special opportunity for a woman to discover within herself great strength and flexibility. She can discover her great power yet her ability to surrender, her great compassion yet a detachment, most importantly, her greatest capacity to love.

In conclusion, considering all the disorders and their management mentioned above, it can be advocated that if the fetus and the pregnant woman are taken care of during each of the nine months, we can not only control all the possible disorders but can also help both mother and her child to live a healthy and happy life.

Reference:

1. Charaka Samhita: Charak Samhita of Agnivesh, Elaborate by Charak, redacted by Drdhabala (vol.-1), Edited with ”Vaidyamanorama”, Hindi Commentry Along with Special Deliberation etc. by Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla and Prof. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Forward by Acharya Priy Vrata Sharma, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, (2002).

2. Dutta D.C.: Text book of Obstetrics, 6th Edi., New Central Book Agency (P) LTD., Calcutta, (2004).

3. Tewari PV: Ayurveda Prasutitantra Evam Striroga, (Part 1) PrasutiTantra (Obstetrics), by Prof. (Km.) Premvati Tewari, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi (2003).

4. Tewari PV: Kashyap Samhita, (1 Ed.), Chaukhambha Viswabharati Prakashan, Varanasi (1996).

5. Harita Samhita: Harit Samhita,”Hari” Hindi Commentry by Pandit HariharPrasad Tripathi, Chaukhambha Krishndas academy, Varanasi (2005).

6 Sushruta samhita: Susruta Samhita of Maharsi Susruta, Edited with Ayurveda-Tattva-Sandipika, Hindi Commentary, Scientific Analysis, Notes etc, by Kaviraja AmbikaDutta Shastri, A.M.S.(Part-1) Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, (2004).

7 Yogratnakar : Yogaratnakara with ”Vidyotini” Hindi Commentry by Vaidya Laksmipati Sastri, Edited by Bhisagratna Brahmasankar Sastri, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi (2008).

8. Kashyap samhita: The Kashyap samhita or (Vrddhajivakiya Tantra), by Vrddha Jivaka, Revised by Vatsya, With Sanskrit Introduction, By Nepal Rajaguru ”Pandit Hemaraja Sarma”, with The ”Vidyotini” Hindi Commentary and Hindi Translation of Sanskrit Introduction by Ayurvedalankar, ”Sri Satyapala Bhisagacharya”, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi (2008).

9. Vaghbata: A. Astanga Hrdayam of Srimad Vagbhata, Edited with ”Nirmala” Hindi Commentary, along with special delibration etc. By Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi (2007).

B. Astanga Samgraha with Hindi Commentary (Vol.1) by Kaviraj Atrideva Gupta Vidyalankar, Bhishagratna. Foreword by Rajvaidya Pandit Sri NandaKishor Sharma, Bhishagacarya, Chowkhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi (2005).

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About the Author:

1.BAMS from Rajasthan University,Jaipur.

2.NDDY from Delhi.

3.Presently working as a Medical Officer.

Also, presented various papers in National and International seminar.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/safe-pregnancy-and-motherhood-704804.html

Watch Out for These Pregnancy Complications and Maintain a Healthy Pregnancy!

2009-03-02T22:34:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is a precious time and a life-changing event. It is really a warm experience between mother and baby that should be cherished all the time. However, a condition may develop to make your pregnancy a high risk, which is commonly known as pregnancy complication.

Pregnancy complication is a condition that can threat you and developing baby during pregnancy. Remember that pregnancy complications can develop at any point of time throughout your pregnancy, which can ruin your very joyful time. It can also develop after the childbirth.

These complications can develop from several factors: chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension), sexual transmitted diseases (syphilis, chlamydia), abnormalities of sperm/ovum, amniotic fluid, and placenta and infections that cause from virus, bacteria and parasites.

The possible pregnancy complications that can harm you and your developing fetus are as follows:

Gestational diabetes: It is the most common pregnancy complication that develops during pregnancy. It is found that two to seven percent of pregnant women develop this condition. This condition when left untreated can lead to increased risk of fetal death as well as thyroid problems.

It generally develops during second trimester of pregnancy. It can be treated by insulin supplementation to manage blood glucose levels.

Amniotic fluid complications: It is a pregnancy complication that results from a very high (polyhydramnios) or very low (oligohydramnios) amniotic fluid levels in the membranes surrounding the fetus.

Excessive amniotic fluid places pressure on your uterus causing pre-term delivery. It also puts pressure on your diaphragm, which leads to breathing problems. Oligohydramnios leads to poor fetal growth, post-term delivery, birth defects such as urinary tract abnormalities, etc.

Placental complications: The pregnancy complications of placenta are placental abruption and placental previa.

Premature detachment of a normally situated placenta is placental abruption where the exact cause for this condition is unknown. The detachment may be partial or complete.

Placental previa is the condition where the placenta is located in lower segment of the uterus, partially or completely covering the opening of the cervix. It leads to severe bleeding during second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The exact cause of placental previa is not known.

Preeclampsia/high blood pressure: Preeclampsia means the development of hypertension with edema or proteinuria or both during pregnancy. It generally occurs after twenty weeks of gestation. It is also called toxemia.

Ectopic pregnancy: It is a pregnancy complication where the development of fetus takes place outside the uterus or within the fallopian tubes. It can also be called as tubal pregnancy.

Rh Factor: If the mother is Rh negative and her partner Rh positive, the combination results in a baby with Rh positive. In this condition, when the blood transfers from mother to the child, the red blood cells will break down leading to anemia.

Miscarriage: Miscarriage is an unintentional or sudden loss of pregnancy. This type of pregnancy complication develops mostly due to age, gene factors, malnutrition, environmental hazards, hormonal problems, etc.

So, maintain a healthy pregnancy with proper prenatal care throughout pregnancy in order to avoid the occurrence of these pregnancy complications. Visit Pregnancy Blog
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About the Author:

The Pregnancy blog helps you learn everything you need to know about Pregnancy. Know more about prenatal care, various pregnancy issues, pregnancy tools, etc. Visit http://www.thepregnancyzone.com/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/watch-out-for-these-pregnancy-complications-and-maintain-a-healthy-pregnancy-362397.html

Early Pregnancy Symptom - How to Detect Pregnancy by yourself

2009-03-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/early-pregnancy-symptom-how-to-detect-pregnancy-by-yourself-181365.html

Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Ruminants

2009-03-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN ruminants

1 Introduction

Rectal palptation in small ruminants is of little value due to the size of the pelvis. (Wani, 1981). The caudal artery monitoring, bloatment, non-return to oestrus, udder development and other tests tried have had little success, (Wani & Sahni,1980). The more recent interest in early pregnancy 3. diagnosis of small ruminants is of academic and economic importance (Mellado,2003). A highly valued zygote or embryo when transferred to a less valued surrogate mother (recipient) needs to be closely monitored and the early detection of conception helps in repeated use of baren females. Proper management of pregnant animals also prevents embryonic losses. The method applied should be safe to both offspring and dam and needs to be cheap and easily applied. A review of various methods and techniques used for early pregnancy diagnosis in small ruminants. (sheep and goats) is presented.

.2 Early Signs of Pregnancy

2.1. Maintenance of a functional corpus luteum

It was evident that conception prolongs the life of the CL and prolongation and maintenance of a functional CL is triggered by the developing conceptus. These signals ensure the maintenance of the structural integrity of the CL. Corpus luteum produces progesterone, which maintains the uterine endometrium in a state permitting embryonic development, implantation and foetal-placental development (wani,1984b) . The formation and regression of the corpus luteum (CL) in Muzzaffarinagri ewes and Jamunapari goats was monitored at 3 days intervals for an entire oestruous cycle. Laparotomy and laparoscopic methods were used in these experiments.

The Endometrium undergoes tissue remodeling. This change in Extra cellular Matrix (ECM ) components is needed for successful implantation. Cytokinens 8,18 and 19 have been detected in the caprine endometrium during early pregnancy using immunofluorescence. Thus the presence of these cytokinen at approximately day 15 post conception is indicative of pregnancy in goats.

The implantation process in goats starts around day 18 post mating. During this phase intense type I collagen staining was detected throughout the uterine caruncular and intracaruncular stroma. For embryonic trophoblastic adhesions with endometrium, local control of protease activity is suggested. (Guillomot, 1999).

The earliest signs of pregnancy is the non-regression of the cyclic CL, which can be observed by the following methods:

i. Laparoscopy and Laparotomy approximately day 18-25 post mating. (Wani, 1982, 1988, 1984b,Wani & Buchoo, 1990, Wani & Buchoo, 1993, Cuellar et al, 1990, Wani et al, 2003).

ii. Serum Progesterone values higher than 1 ng/ml e.g 2 to 3 ng/ml. (Wani, 1989; Shreif, 1997, Boscas et al, 2003, Al-Merestani et al, 1999, Zarkawiet et al, 1999). Diagnosis of Pregnancy accurately (100%) predicted on the basis of serum progesterone P4 values around 17-19 days post mating .

iii. Pregnancy associated ovine glycoproteins recorded approximately post mating indicate pregnancy in sheep. (Karen et al, 2003; Verberckmoes, et al, 2004) or secretion of 17 & 22-24 K Da proteins on day 17 post mating in the caprine conceptus. (Guillomot et al, 1998).

iv. Non-return to oestrus (Mellado, 2003)

Some of the other early pregnancy signs detected by various methods are set out in Table 1.

3 Non-rejection of early conceptus

Progesterone maintains the uterine endometrium in a state which allows for embryonic development, implantation and foetal placental development. Details of foetomaternal relationships have been described (Mufti, 1997, Mufti et al, 2000)and are shown illustrated in Fig 1to 5. The presence of an early conceptus prolongs the life of corpus- luteum. These pregnancy signals are secreted as proteins. (Heap et al, 1990). Some of these proteins have been identified as ovine Trophablast protein I (OTP-1) in sheep which prevents the release of PGF2 alpha and thus helps in the maintenance of the corpus luteum. In cyclic ewes (non-pregnant) PGF2 alpha pulses are released in response to oxytocin with receptors being in the endometrium. The earliest signal of pregnancy is detected by a marked reduction in the endometrial oxytocin receptor numbers. The OTP-1 may inhibit synthesis of endometrial receptors for oestrogen and oxytocin. This possibly prevents luteolysis and maintains the dominance of theuterus by progesterone which is pre-requisite for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. (Bretzlaft and Romano, 2001; Wani, 1996; Ala cam et al, 1988).

The expression of progesterone receptors (PR) in the caprine uterus markedly increases during the peri-implantation period and estrogen –(ER) receptors do not increase in relation to PR, thus signaling the non-rejection of the early conceptus. (Flores et al, 2001). Progesterone in milk too can be found during early fertilization and conception (Cough et al, 1989).

Caprine H-type I antigen expression is unregulated during peri-implantation and progesterone P4 level stimulate it. It may be a useful marker to signal uterine preparations for receiving and retaining pregnancy in goats. (Powell et al, 2000). The caprine pregnancy related glycoprotein (Ca PAG) may help the conceptus to develop and is found around 18-19 day post mating . (Garbayo et al 2000). Endometrial tissue the undergoes remodeling to retain the conceptus in gravid small ruminant females. (Guillomot, 1999)

The dephosphorylated state of caprine uterine myocin in early pregnancy may help the conceptus to grow. Changes in the expression of native myocin, myosin heavy chains (MHCS) and myosin light chains (MLCS) were observed. (Kumar and Katoch, 1997).

For the development of the blastocyst, a proper uterine environment is essential. Besides the maintenance of the corpus luteum, production and availability of progesterone, the non-rejection of conceptus (blastocyst) is another critical feature of this period. The embryo produces interferons (embryo-IFN). This embryo IFN is homologous with - interfersons ( ? –IFN) and Ovine Trophoblast Interferons (OTI) of early pregnancy.

Purified OTP and recombinant OTP (r-oTP) produced in yeast exhibit antiviral activity and these r-OTP and OTP inhibit the release of endometrial PGF2 ? . This helps in the non-regression of the CL and indirectly maintains the early conceptus. Intra uterine r-OTP administered at a dose of 340 µg/ day for a week maintained the C.L in cyclic ewes for a month or so of . The inter- oestruos interval in 80% of the ewes was about a month or more. This dose r-OTP was as a effective as 14-16 day old conceptus. OTP was found to be immunosuppressive in several in-vitro and in-vivo assays. An assay on phytohaemagglutinin A revealed both OTP and r-OTP to be immunosuppressive. This was further verified by the inhibitory activity of r-OTP in Graft Versus Host Reaction. (GVH assays). Trophoblast interferons play a strategic role in the prevention of early pregnancy loss as it inhibits CD + blastogenesis. The role of CD + cells and as helper T lymphocytes and delayed+ Type hyper sensitivity mediators (DTHS) would explain this immuno- suppressive rate of OTP. (ILeri et al, 1996; Karen et al, 2003; Wani, 1996).

3.4 Oestrogen: – Pregesterone ratio (E:P ratio)

The role of oxytocin in inducing uterine PGF2 alpha was discussed earlier. However, the release of PGF2 under the action of oxytocin depends on or is controlled by progesterone and oestradiol. It was further indicated that ewes with a high E:P ratio may generate stronger luteolytic signals. It was demonstrated that low progesterone and high oestradiol combination record the largest and sustained increase in PGF2 alpha following oxytocin injection. Trophoblast interferons act locally to suppress the uterine oxytocin receptors in sheep.(Karen et al, 2003 ).

5 Maternal recognition of pregnancy

The maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep and cattle is centered around the production by the trophoblast of type I x interferon (tINF). This tIFN then suppresses uterine oxytocin receptor concentrations (OTr). The oxytocin receptor (OTr) occupancy is associated with oxytocin induced PGF2 alpha release. OTr inhibition may represent the principal antiluteolytic mechanism of tIFN and secretion of the conceptus secretory proteins or bovine recombinant IFN to the uterus reduces OTr. Concentrations in intact and ovarectionized steroid treated ewes . A relationship between the conceptus secretory proteins and the metabolic products and those in the peripheral blood of the dam exists. ( Mufti; 1996; Mufti et al, 2000). There are conflicting reports making the action of oestradiol on oxytocin receptor concentration. (Powell et al, 2000). Trophoblastic cells contain interferon on day 14-17 after mating. During maternal recognition of pregnancy goat interferon was detected on day 18 post mating, its absence signifies pregnancy maintenance has been taken over by the corpus luteum. Thus a very thin line exists between maternal recognition of pregnancy and its maintenance or sustenance by the CL. (Gillomot et al, 1998).

6 The Reliability Pregnancy tests

Various methods used for correctly predicting pregnancy in sheep and goats during gestation have been summarized in Table 2. The accuracy varies from 70 to100% with different ultrasonic equipment. Different models as well as principles involved have been extensively reviewed (Wani, 1991; Wani et al,1998) and other methods of pregnancy detection during this stage e.g serum progesterone determination, vaginal cytology, laparotomy, estrone sulphate are summarized (Table-2). Various techniques were also evaluated in assessing mid-gestation. The various pregnancy signs as quoted by

various researchers using ultrasonography are summarized in Table 3. Of late certain anatomical features in the live, developing conceptus in vivo have been reported. This is reviewed and a summary is presented (Table 4). Various live foetal measurements like Biparietal diameter, Amniotic vesicle diameter, foetal radius and Tibia lengths are reviewed and shown (Table 5). Various pregnancy related images, histological sections and morphology of endometeruim have recently be published (Wani et al 2007, 2006 abc) where images are presented 6-15

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Multiple Pregnancy

2009-03-02T22:19:00.000-08:00

1 Introduction
Multiple pregnancy poses particular problems for women, their infants, and for their caregivers. Women are likely to experience the common, unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, such as heartburn, backache, hemorrhoids, difficulty walking, and tiredness to a greater degree than women with a singleton pregnancy. They are more likely to suffer from anemia, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, and operative delivery. The increased risks to the babies include congenital malformations, monochorionicity (both babies sharing one placenta), poor fetal growth, preterm birth, and perinatal death. For the survivors, in the long term there is a greater risk of cerebral palsy.

2 Prenatal care
A wide range of options for regular antenatal attendance are practised, ranging from modified shared care between obstetrician and general practitioner to weekly visits from the 20th week of gestation onwards. There is no evidence to suggest that one pattern of prenatal care is better than another, because this important research question has never been properly addressed. Regular prenatal visits permit screening for hypertension and pre-eclampsia by careful determination of blood pressure, and, if elevated, checking for proteinuria. Care for women with a multiple pregnancy who develop hypertension may be particularly important, and should follow current treatment recommendations.

2.1 Advice and support
Women with a multiple pregnancy need advice and support from caregivers to help them deal with the particular problems of multiple pregnancy and with the common, unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, such as hemorrhoids, heartburn, and backache (see Chapter 13). They may be especially anxious about the pregnancy, the birth, and their ability to cope with the practical and financial demands of more than one new baby. Assisting women to find support, such as a special antenatal class for women with a multiple pregnancy or referring them to a multiple-birth support group, may help.

2.2 Nutrition
Fetal demands for iron and folate are increased in multiple pregnancy and anemia is reported more frequently than in singleton pregnancies. Routine iron and folate supplementation is often advised from the beginning of the second trimester, although this has not been shown to improve the clinical outcome of the pregnancy.

2.3 Ultrasound
If routine ultrasonography is not carried out, an ultrasound examination is indicated when multiple pregnancy is suspected. Routine early ultrasonography results in earlier detection of multiple pregnancies, the detection of mono-amniotic pregnancies (with greater risk), and the detection of some unsuspected congenital abnormalities. Earlier detection of multiple pregnancy has not been shown to improve fetal outcome.
The risk of neural tube defects, cardiac anomalies, and bowel atresias, have all been reported to be increased in twin pregnancies. Conjoined twins and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence are rare anomalies that are found exclusively in multiple pregnancies. Early diagnosis of fetal anomaly enables appropriate counseling as to the care options available.

The prediction of amnionicity (number of amniotic sacs) and chorionicity (separate or joined placentas) by first-trimester ultrasound is possible, though its accuracy and the relevance to pregnancy outcome remains to be determined. In theory at least, knowledge of amnionicity and chorionicity may be helpful in a number of ways, such as in the differentiation of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome from a twin pregnancy complicated by intra-uterine growth restriction, in management after a single fetal death, or where one of the twins has a major congenital malformation and selective termination is considered.
If twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome develops, several therapeutic options have been advocated. These include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, repeated therapeutic amniocenteses, and techniques that interrupt the pathological placental circulation. The results of controlled trials of these therapies are awaited, although there has been minimal evidence to date that any of these improve infant outcome.
Poor fetal growth of one or more babies is a risk in a multiple pregnancy. No adequately controlled data are available on the value of regular ultrasound or umbilical artery Doppler for assessing fetal growth and well-being in multiple pregnancy.

3 Preterm birth
Preterm birth presents the greatest threat to infant survival. Counseling as to the signs and symptoms of preterm labor with advice to present to the hospital if they occur, together with a written information sheet, may be of value, although this approach has not been subjected to a controlled evaluation.
Prediction of preterm birth is difficult. Cervical assessment by digital examination or by ultrasonography has been reported to provide useful prediction of the risk of preterm birth.
How frequent these assessments should be made is uncertain, and whether they are more beneficial than harmful is unknown.
Cervical fibronectin may prove to be useful in predicting which women will give birth preterm, although the main strength lies in its negative predictive value. Whether the measurement of fibronectin will be useful clinically to improve pregnancy outcome remains to be established by controlled trials.
Several prenatal treatments have been used in attempts to reduce the risk of preterm birth and its sequelae in women with multiple pregnancy. These include cervical cerclage, beta-mimetic agents, home uterine-activity monitoring, and hospitalization for bed rest. All have been evaluated by controlled trials but, to date, none have proven to be of value in reducing the risk of preterm birth.

3.1 Cervical cerclage
In normal pregnancy, the uterine cervix is thought to assume a sphincter-like function to retain the contents of the uterus. A congenital or traumatically-acquired weakness of the cervix, or the unusual physiological circumstance of multiple pregnancy, are factors that may render the cervix incapable of performing this function as efficiently as usual.
The data available from controlled trials of cervical cerclage in twin pregnancy are too few to be clinically useful. They are compatible with both a large beneficial effect and with a large adverse effect of the operation. Cervical cerclage does affect other aspects of clinical care and carries some specific risks. It should not be adopted specifically for twin pregnancy outside the context of further controlled trials of sufficient size and quality.

3.2 Prophylactic betamimetic agents
Trials have been conducted with a number of oral betamimetic agents, including isoxuprine, ritodrine, salbutamol, and terbutaline, in various doses, for the prevention of preterm labor in women with multiple pregnancy. In spite of the diversity of agents and the varying doses used, the results are consistent. No beneficial effect of prophylactic betamimetic administration has been detected on preterm birth, low birthweight, or perinatal mortality. Although prophylactic betamimetic agents have not succeeded in postponing delivery or in improving fetal growth, the four trials that provide information on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome suggest that the frequency of this adverse outcome may be significantly reduced. No such effect has been found with prophylactic betamimetics in singleton pregnancies, and it might be a chance finding.
In the light of the theoretical dangers of chronic fetal exposure to betamimetic agents, prophylactic administration of these drugs should only be considered in the context of well-controlled clinical trials.

3.3 Home uterine-activity monitoring
Trials of home uterine-activity monitoring in multiple pregnancy have been small, and not enough detail is available to evaluate the potential sources of bias. There are suggestions that babies born to mothers using home uterine-activity monitoring for twin pregnancy may be less likely to weigh less than 1500 g, or to be admitted to a special care nursery. Because of the high potential for bias, these data must be viewed with caution. Home uterine-activity monitoring, if adopted at all, should not be adopted outside the context of adequately controlled trials.

3.4 Hospitalization in multiple pregnancy
Prolonged bed rest in multiple pregnancy, with the aim of increasing the duration of gestation, improving fetal growth, and decreasing perinatal mortality, has been advocated for many years. The general considerations about the use of bed rest (see Chapter 14), apply equally strongly to its use in multiple pregnancy, as the practice is not innocuous.
Hospitalization and bed-rest in multiple pregnancy was introduced into clinical practice without adequate evaluation and the policy has still not been fully evaluated. Only recently have a few trials been conducted and further controlled evaluations are necessary to clarify the effects of this intervention. More information is available from twin than from higher multiple pregnancies.
There is some suggestion from these trials that routine hospitalization of women with twin pregnancies may result in a decreased risk of maternal hypertension, but a positive impact on more relevant outcomes has been negligible. Indeed the data suggest that routine hospitalization may have adverse effects. The risk of very preterm birth (less than 34 weeks gestation) and very low-birthweight babies was increased by routine hospitalization in these trials. No differences have been detected in the incidence of depressed Apgar score, admission to special care nurseries, or perinatal mortality.
Some obstetricians have suggested that hospitalization for bed rest in twin pregnancies should be applied only for women deemed to be at higher than average risk of preterm birth. Although this more conservative advice is possibly justified, there is remarkably little good evidence to support it. Only one such selective policy has been evaluated in a randomized trial. Comparison between the hospitalized and control groups of women with early cervical dilatation failed to show any benefits on the risk of preterm birth, perinatal mortality, fetal growth, or other neonatal outcomes. There is no basis for widespread adoption of the policy.
Only one trial of bed-rest in triplet pregnancies has been published. The results of this trial suggest that a number of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, perinatal death, and low birthweight, can be reduced by routine hospitalization of women with a triplet pregnancy. The trial was small; the findings were compatible with chance; and further research is required.

4 Delivery
Virtually no data from controlled trials are available to help determine the choice between vaginal birth and cesarean section for women with multiple pregnancy. A single trial has assessed the effect of cesarean section for delivery when the second twin was in a non-vertex presentation. As would be expected, maternal febrile morbidity and need for general anesthesia was increased with cesarean section. No offsetting advantages in terms of decreased fetal or neonatal morbidity or mortality were found.

5 Conclusions
Additional support may be needed to help women with the emotional, practical, and financial demands of pregnancy and planning for more than one baby.
Routine early ultrasonography results in early diagnosis, detection of fetal abnormalities, and can determine amnionicity and chorionicity. Whether this improves the outcome for the mother or infant is unknown. Regular antenatal attendance permits screening for hypertension. Iron or folate supplementation may help to prevent anemia.
Prediction of preterm birth is difficult and the role of cervical assessment and clinical use of fibronectin remains to be evaluated by controlled trials. Therapies that aim to reduce the risk of preterm birth have not been shown to be effective.
There is currently no sound evidence to support the practice of routine bed-rest in hospital for women with a twin pregnancy; indeed the evidence suggests that this may be harmful. Whether or not such a policy would be justified in women at higher risk of preterm labor, such as those with triplet pregnancy or with early cervical dilatation, remains to be established.
The use of cervical cerclage, oral betamimetics, or home uterine-monitoring, for women with multiple pregnancy cannot be justified outside the context of adequately controlled trials. The indications for cesarean delivery with multiple pregnancy have not been established.

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Fatigue in Early Pregnancy, Can be Normal or it May be a Sign You are Nutritionally Depleted

2009-03-02T22:15:00.001-08:00

Is it normal to have fatigue in early pregnancy? Read on to discover why fatigue in early pregnancy happens and what you can do to make sure you are not nutritionally depleted.

Pregnancy is an amazing event in a woman’s life. No matter how long or how hard we study pregnancy we will never fully understand why women get so many very early pregnancy symptoms such as pregnancy fatigue.

From the moment of conception, the developing fetus needs lots of vitamins and minerals to ensure normal cell and organ growth and to prevent congenital abnormalities. As the developing fetus grows it also grows a living organ called the placenta, that allows vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, oxygen, nutrients, hormones and blood to cross from the mother’s blood supply to the developing fetus.

Mothers are givers by nature and during pregnancy they unconditionally and continuously give all their reserve nutrients to their offspring in an attempt to grow a healthy baby. Under normal pregnancy this is be a huge physical drain on the mother’s physical energy level and this is why pregnant women are given pre-natal vitamins.

Prior pregnancy many men and women are depleted in vitamins and minerals because of our lifestyles and the food we eat. Vitamins and minerals are essential in building healthy cells and organs. Many miscarriages are caused by abnormal eggs and sperms due to the lack of adequate vitamins and minerals in the cells prior to conception.

A body lacking vitamins and minerals is in a depleted state which can cause physical disease, irritability, depression and fatigue. The stress of pregnancy on top of this depletion results in a lot of pregnancy fatigue.

Pregnant women need more sleep than normal as when they sleep there is less physical stress on the mother’s body. Therefore sleep gives the mother a better chance of adjusting to all the demands of pregnancy.

It is very important as soon as you know you are pregnant to take vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid (600-micrograms) as folic acid helps prevent congenital abnormalities. If you are not already supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals, then purchase some until you have an appointment with your health care provider.

Better still, if you are planning to get pregnant, start supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals to make your body more nutritionally sound, reduce miscarriage risk and reduce the degree of fatigue during early pregnancy.

OK I have spoken a lot about vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and you may be wondering how could you be nutritionally depleted or even be tired if you already supplement. Well the truth is most people supplement with vitamins only and they supplement with a pill delivery system which has a very poor absorption rate. The best way to supplement is a liquid delivery system which has about a 95% absorption rate. Vitamins alone are not good enough, the body needs minerals for optimal health and minerals are necessary to absorb vitamins. For information about a high quality vitamin, mineral and antioxidant product view

http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at

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Pregnancy Success Coach

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Hannah Bajor, C.N.M.,M.S.N. The Pregnancy Success & Holistic Health Coach has rightly earned her title! During her twenty-year active midwifery career Hannah has delivered over a thousand babies and cared for thousands of women before, during and after pregnancy. She has specialized in high-risk pregnancies and as a midwife has seen almost every possible complication during pregnancy.

She has a master’s degree in nursing and is a certified bereavement counselor for miscarriages and baby loss. She holds numerous certifications in the field of energetic healing. She is author of two highly acclaimed books: "Birth, A Conscious Choice" and "Sex Education For Students".

Having personally experienced a miscarriage, unsuccessful infertility treatments, and a near death experience following the birth of her second son. As time passed, Hannah was driven to take her midwifery skills, her intuitive ability, and her knowledge about the energy anatomy of pregnancy and her formula for increasing fertility on an international scale. She is now in great demand for her international one-on-one coaching telephone practice and workshops. Her coaching and workshops serve to heal and empower women experiencing infertility, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, adoption, abortion and post partum depression.

Constipation in Pregnancy & Constipation Relief During Pregnancy

2009-03-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

Constipation in pregnancy can cause bloating, pain and even pre term labor. Read on to see what options pregnant women have for constipation relief during pregnancy.

Constipation relief during pregnancy is a question many pregnant women ask. Approximately half of all women experience constipation in pregnancy.

Why do women get constipation in pregnancy?

The pregnancy hormone progesterone has a relaxing effect on the intestines and this slows the movement of the bowel causing pregnancy constipation.

The growing fetus needs as much vitamins, minerals and nutrients as possible. Therefore the increasing hormone levels of a pregnant woman cause food to move slower through the bowels. This results in constipation but also gives the body more time to absorb extra nutrients.

Pregnant women need extra water for the extra blood volume required for pregnancy. Therefore the mother will absorb more water from the bowel than normal which will result in a harder, dryer bowel movement resulting in constipation.

The longer food stays in the intestines, the more water is reabsorbed from the bowel into the body to accommodate for the extra blood volume required during pregnancy.

All prenatal vitamins contain iron which is known to cause constipation in pregnancy.

Constipation relief during pregnancy:

Drink at least 8-10 glasses of oxygen rich purified water a day.

Increase fiber in your diet such as whole grains and brown rice.

Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly prunes (which can be taken via prune juice).

Peppermint tea or peppermint water can help with gas or bloating pains.

Try to reduce stress in your life as stress can cause constipation.

You may have to switch you prenatal vitamins over to a different brand. Even though they all have iron, some brands may be less pregnancy constipating to you than others.

Add a little more exercise to your daily routine. If you do not normally exercise then start with 10-15 minutes walking every day. If you routinely exercise change your exercise routine slightly to see if you can stimulate bowel activity.

Mangosteen juice Mangosteen juice has been shown to have a positive effect on all systems of the body including bowel mobility. Mangosteen is a fruit and is very effective in preventing pregnancy complications.

Consult with a homeopath for a pregnancy safe homeopathy remedy for constipation.Avoid over-the-counter laxatives as they can stimulate uterine contractions resulting in miscarriage or pre-term labor.

Prevention of constipation is the best place to start. Many of my pregnant clients have experienced a constipation free pregnancy by taking mangosteen and minerals on a daily basis prior and during pregnancy. Mangosteen is present in different quantities in different products. Wondering where to get more information about a high quality mangosteen and mineral product? Mangosteen is present in different quantities in different products, so do your research.

I urge you to act at once. Read for yourself, an amazing message for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly, he was seven weeks old! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Read it! Enjoy it! Share it!

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Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy are Embarrassing and Painful. Tips to Relieve Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

2009-03-02T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can turn an otherwise healthy pregnancy into a nightmare. Read on to see why pregnant women get hemorrhoids and what you can do to prevent or relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

As a certified nurse midwife I have treated many cases of pregnancy and hemorrhoids. It was not until I personally experienced hemorrhoids during pregnancy that I understood how painful these little monsters can be.

What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen varicose veins on or around the anus. The veins within the anal canal become swollen because of weakened vein walls allowing blood to pool. This causes the walls of the vein to expand creating the visible ball on the outside of the anus called a hemorrhoid.

What causes pregnancy hemorrhoids?
Pregnancy requires a woman to increase her total blood volume by 40% to accommodate her growing baby nutrition and circulatory needs. This increase in blood volume requires that the pregnant woman’s blood vessels relax and expand to hold the extra blood. This is one of the major reasons why pregnant women are prone to blood clots, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Pregnant women are also prone to constipation due to extra fluid absorption and relaxation of the bowels.

Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum due to the growing baby is another reason for hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Types of pregnancy hemorrhoids:
Internal hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
You can't see or feel these hemorrhoids, but straining or irritation from a passing stool can injure a hemorrhoid's delicate surface and cause it to bleed. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl water. Because internal anal membranes lack pain-sensitive nerve fibers, these hemorrhoids usually don't cause discomfort. Occasionally, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. If a hemorrhoid remains displaced (prolapsed), it can cause pain and irritation.

External hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
These hemorrhoids tend to be painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus) causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. When irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or bleed. The pain of hemorrhoids may be comparable to being stabbed in the rectum by a knife or hot poker.

What can you do to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
The good news is that hemorrhoids usually improve after the baby is born. In the meantime, there are a number of things you can do to treat hemorrhoids. Any one or more of the following may help relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

Take a warm bath with baking soda or place baking soda (wet or dry) on the area to reduce itching.

Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding.

Use Tucks Medicated Pads.

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink prune juice.

Do not delay going to the bathroom.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If you are suffering very badly from pregnancy hemorrhoids please consult with your obstetric provider for hemorrhoid medication.

Mangosteen and minerals, 2 ounces twice a day has helped many pregnant women relieve inflammation and pain from hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Mangosteen is a fruit that has been used for hundreds of years as an all natural, pregnancy safe anti-inflammatory and a pain blocker. Mangosteen also supports you body to the demands of pregnancy.

Wondering where to get more information about a high quality mangosteen and mineral product then go to my pregnancy web site at http://www.VemmaMidwife.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Pregnancy Success Coach
----------------
Hannah Bajor, C.N.M.,M.S.N. The Pregnancy Success & Holistic Health Coach has rightly earned her title! During her twenty-year active midwifery career Hannah has delivered over a thousand babies and cared for thousands of women before, during and after pregnancy. She has specialized in high-risk pregnancies and as a midwife has seen almost every possible complication during pregnancy.

She has a master’s degree in nursing and is a certified bereavement counselor for miscarriages and baby loss. She holds numerous certifications in the field of energetic healing. She is author of two highly acclaimed books: "Birth, A Conscious Choice" and "Sex Education For Students".

Having personally experienced a miscarriage, unsuccessful infertility treatments, and a near death experience following the birth of her second son. As time passed, Hannah was driven to take her midwifery skills, her intuitive ability, and her knowledge about the energy anatomy of pregnancy and her formula for increasing fertility on an international scale. She is now in great demand for her international one-on-one coaching telephone practice and workshops. Her coaching and workshops serve to heal and empower women experiencing infertility, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, adoption, abortion and post partum depression.

Headaches During Pregnancy, are They Normal. Do You Know How to Ease Your Pregnancy Headaches?

2009-03-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

Headaches during pregnancy are very challenging as over the counter pain killers are not recommended. Read on to see what you can do to relieve the pain from your headaches during pregnancy.

First of all let’s address why some pregnant women suffer from headaches during pregnancy. Within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the surging hormones play a part in the development of pregnancy headaches. The 40% increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy increases pressure within the blood vessels and this itself can cause pregnancy headaches. Headaches during the last month of pregnancy may also be caused by a condition called preeclampsia, which is associated with high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine.

It is normal to have headaches during pregnancy because of the above reasons plus the following:
Stress
Lack of sleep
Vomiting
Low blood sugar
Dehydration
Caffeine withdrawal
Nicotine withdrawal
Poor posture
Pregnancy related vision changes

What you can do to ease your pregnancy headaches:
Reduce stress.
Get more sleep.
Treat your early morning sickness.
Eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar levels.
Drink adequate amounts of high quality water.
Get chiropractic adjustments and advice to correct your posture.
Avoid over the counter medication especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Consult a homeopath or an acupuncturist for treatments to relieve your pain.
Pregnancy headaches are sometimes relieved with either hot or cold compress around your forehead and on the back of your neck.
Have someone massage your shoulders and neck during acute pregnancy headaches.
Rest in a dark room and practice deep relaxation breathing.
Relaxing in a warm bath or shower sometimes reduces the stress and tension.

The fruit mangosteen is well known to support every system in the body. It is all natural and can relieve and prevent pregnancy headaches.
You tried all the above and you still have a pregnancy headache:
At this point it would be appropriate to call your doctor or midwife for advice.
Have your eyesight checked as you may need glasses or a change in glasses.

If you experience any of these symptoms below with a headache call your physician or midwife immediately as these are signs of a severe pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia:
Blurred vision
Right sided abdomen pain
Swollen hands and face
Sudden weight gain
Feeling very agitated or restless

Pregnancy headaches can be very painful and very frustrating, as it is not recommended that you use over the counter medication during pregnancy. I have assisted pregnant women in the past to make their headaches a little more manageable or made them go away with a one on one coaching-healing phone sessions.

Many of my pregnant clients have experienced improvement of their pregnancy headaches by taking mangosteen juice. Mangosteen is present in different quantities in different products. For a high quality mangosteen and information on my one on one coaching-healing session visit http://www.VemmaMidwife.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Pregnancy Success Coach

----------------
Hannah Bajor, C.N.M.,M.S.N. The Pregnancy Success & Holistic Health Coach has rightly earned her title! During her twenty-year active midwifery career Hannah has delivered over a thousand babies and cared for thousands of women before, during and after pregnancy. She has specialized in high-risk pregnancies and as a midwife has seen almost every possible complication during pregnancy.

She has a master’s degree in nursing and is a certified bereavement counselor for miscarriages and baby loss. She holds numerous certifications in the field of energetic healing. She is author of two highly acclaimed books: "Birth, A Conscious Choice" and "Sex Education For Students".

Having personally experienced a miscarriage, unsuccessful infertility treatments, and a near death experience following the birth of her second son. As time passed, Hannah was driven to take her midwifery skills, her intuitive ability, and her knowledge about the energy anatomy of pregnancy and her formula for increasing fertility on an international scale. She is now in great demand for her international one-on-one coaching telephone practice and workshops. Her coaching and workshops serve to heal and empower women experiencing infertility, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, adoption, abortion and post partum depression.

Heartburn Remedies During Pregnancy That Can Help Relieve Your Pregnancy Heartburn Misery!

2009-03-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

Heartburn relief during pregnancy is a common concern many pregnant women have. Read on to see what you what heartburn remedies during pregnancy are available.

What causes early pregnancy heartburn?

Heartburn in early pregnancy is a common complaint. The hormone progesterone is released as soon a woman becomes pregnant and can cause many early pregnancy symptoms which include pregnancy heartburn. Progesterone causes relaxation of the cardiac sphincter of the stomach which is the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus (food pipe). Relaxation of this muscle allows for some gastric acid and food to flow backwards and re-enter the esophagus (food pipe). Gastric acid irritates the lining of the esophagus causing a burning sensation in the center of the chest called pregnancy heartburn.

As your baby grows bigger and takes up more room in the abdominal area, the stomach itself is displaced and squashed. The growing uterus can permanently press on the cardiac sphincter of the stomach and allow gastric juices and food to constantly leak back into the esophagus (wind pipe) which may cause severe heartburn during pregnancy.

Heartburn remedies during pregnancy

Heartburn relief during pregnancy can be achieved by eating yogurt or drinking a glass of milk.

Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk for pregnancy heartburn relief.

Eat smaller more frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.

Avoid spicy, greasy, fatty foods, peppers and tomatoes produce extra gastric acid causing pregnancy heartburn.

Avoid foods that relax the cardiac sphincter of the stomach such as alcohol, peppermint, garlic, and chocolate.

Avoid eating for at least two hours before going to bed.

Do not lie down after eating to prevent the food from the stomach flowing back into your esophagus causing pregnancy heartburn.

Mild over-the-counter antacids such as Mylanta or Tums may prove helpful in relieving heartburn pregnancy symptom.

If your heartburn symptoms are severe or accompanied by headache or swelling (especially if you are later on in pregnancy) consult with your health care provider immediately as you may have pre-eclampsia of pregnancy.

Sleeping with extra pillows under your head to keep your stomach lower than your esophagus (food pipe) works very well to give you a better start to the day and a better nights sleep.

One of the most effective heartburn remedies during pregnancy is to try to prevent heartburn developing in the first place. The healthier you are prior pregnancy and the healthier you eat during pregnancy can have a direct correlation to the amount of pregnancy symptoms you have. I would like to invite you to supplement with a high quality Mangosteen and mineral product that many of my pregnant clients use to correct misalignments within the body and encourage the stomach to produce the right amount of gastric acid that you body needs for digestion. Visit http://www.VemmaMidwife.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.

Certified Nurse Midwife.

Pregnancy Success Coach

---------------
Hannah Bajor, C.N.M.,M.S.N. The Pregnancy Success & Holistic Health Coach has rightly earned her title! During her twenty-year active midwifery career Hannah has delivered over a thousand babies and cared for thousands of women before, during and after pregnancy. She has specialized in high-risk pregnancies and as a midwife has seen almost every possible complication during pregnancy.

She has a master’s degree in nursing and is a certified bereavement counselor for miscarriages and baby loss. She holds numerous certifications in the field of energetic healing. She is author of two highly acclaimed books: "Birth, A Conscious Choice" and "Sex Education For Students".

Having personally experienced a miscarriage, unsuccessful infertility treatments, and a near death experience following the birth of her second son. As time passed, Hannah was driven to take her midwifery skills, her intuitive ability, and her knowledge about the energy anatomy of pregnancy and her formula for increasing fertility on an international scale. She is now in great demand for her international one-on-one coaching telephone practice and workshops. Her coaching and workshops serve to heal and empower women experiencing infertility, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, adoption, abortion and post partum depression.

Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms That Could Help Confirm Your Suspicion of Early Pregnancy

2009-03-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

There are many very early pregnancy symptoms and how can you tell if they are a sign of pregnancy? The more of these symptoms you have that are listed below then the higher probability there is that you are pregnant. Read through the list below and see how many of these very early pregnancy symptoms you have.

Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms:
Most pregnant women have some very early pregnancy symptoms. On the rare occasion some women have no symptoms of early pregnancy except that them miss their menstrual period. Some women are so busy in their lives that they are unaware that their menstrual period was due and forget they did not get their periods.
You missed your menstrual period could indicate you are pregnant.
You menstrual period was late and you only had some mild spotting instead of a proper menstrual flow.
You are experiencing morning sickness and/or vomiting first thing in the morning could indicate pregnancy.
Your food suddenly tastes differently and you now dislike certain foods.
You are suddenly craving certain foods is a very early symptom of pregnancy, which indicates you are depleted in minerals.

Your breasts are tender and seem to be enlarging.

The brown part of your nipple (the areola) is becoming darker and bigger.

You notice your energy level is lower and you are feeling tired all the time.

You have more mood swings than normal, which can be a result of sudden hormone changes that occurs in pregnancy.

You are making more trips to the bathroom to urinate and there is not pain associated with urination is a common very early symptom of pregnancy.

You start to experience headaches that can be a direct effect of hormones as a symptom of early pregnancy.

Diagnosis of Pregnancy:

If you are sexually active and have one or more of the above early symptom of pregnancy then purchase a home pregnancy kit. Test your urine first thing in the morning when your urine is more concentrated to see if you are pregnant or not. These pregnancy tests are very sensitive and very accurate; a positive test means you are definitely pregnant. A negative pregnancy test may not conclusive especially if you performed it incorrectly or not testing an early morning urine sample.

Now what:

If you believe you are pregnant, seek medical or midwifery advice to confirm pregnancy and discuss your pregnancy plans.

If you are taking prescription medications, notify your health care provider immediately that you are pregnant to seek advice about your medication.

While you are waiting for your appointment, start taking a daily multivitamin which has at least 400 micrograms of folic acid in it to prevent congenital abnormalities.

Take adequate mineral supplements to prevent pregnancy complications.

Eat good nutritious food and make sure you increase your protein intake.

Stop all alcohol intake and stop smoking cigarettes or drastically reduce, your baby’s life depends on you.

Also see medical or midwifery advice if you are not pregnant and you menstrual period does not come within the next month as you may have an underlying medical condition.

Pregnancy Statistics:

65% of all pregnancies are unplanned.

25% of all pregnancies ends in a miscarriage.

25% of women choose to terminate their pregnancy.

Finding out you are pregnant can be a very welcoming experience in your life or it can also be a time of tremendous stress for you. My book "Birth, A Conscious Choice" offers amazing insights and comfort into pregnancy, miscarriage, adoption and termination of pregnancy. It is not just for pregnant women but for anyone who has had an issue with their mother or a pregnancy related trauma. For pregnancy products, pregnancy one on one coaching and pregnancy information view

http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at

http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html
If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit

http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html
Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Pregnancy Success Coach

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/very-early-pregnancy-symptoms-that-could-help-confirm-your-suspicion-of-early-pregnancy-472664.html

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2009-02-28T17:57:00.001-08:00

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