You may experience all the signs of early pregnancy, grow hopeful that you are pregnant, and still not be. Or you may have hardly any symptoms and be definitely pregnant. The truth is pregnancy signs and symptoms are mere clues.. Read More

Once a woman undergoes a pregnancy loss she will feel emotionally and psychologically traumatized. Questions will naturally surface as to WHY the miscarriage happened: Read More

The period of greatest risk is the early weeks of pregnancy. About 4-10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) is the most vulnerable (when baby's major organs are being formed). Exposure to any harmful substances can result in birth defects or miscarriages. Harmful substances consumed in the first 2 weeks following conception may cause the cells to die and result in the termination of pregnancy. Medications taken during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters may affect growth, physiological and biochemical function of the growing fetus. Depending on the fetus age, potency of the drug and the dosage taken, the medication taken

• may prove toxic to baby

• may cause birth defects

• affect the placenta, thereby affecting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to baby

• change the mother's biochemistry which will in turn affect the baby

OTC drugs are not necessarily safe during pregnancy; a commonplace drug such as aspirin is considered unsafe. It is very important to involve your doctor in your choice of medicines. Apart from that, you ought to weigh the importance of taking the medicines such as the necessity, the dose, the timing, & method of administration. Having said that, it is best to stick to tried formula instead of venturing into the untried where medicines are concerned. Pregnancy is not the time to dabble with something new with no proven record of success. Sometimes prescription drugs can work out to be harmful as well especially those required for serious medical conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease and cancer. It is important to check with your doctor on the importance of continuing with such medications. Because the risks to the baby outweigh the benefits, you may have to discontinue with the treatment. In some instances however, the condition is more risky than the medicines so it is best to continue with the medication.

When you have dry hard stools that are an ordeal to pass, you have constipation. This can start as early as conception and persist right through your whole pregnancy.. Read More

Since there is very little hard facts supporting the disuse of herbal medicines during pregnancy and at the same time no full proof guarantee of its safety, doctors advise pregnant ladies to steer clear of herbal products. The following guidelines will help you decide on whether to stick on or heed your doctors advice.

• Discuss and inform your doctor on what you have been using so far: dose, duration, type and form (i.e. infusion, capsule, tincture etc)

• Avoid using them in the first trimester. This is the time when baby's organs and tissues form so exposure to harmful substances may have devastating outcome

• If any of these products are known to stimulate the uterus, caution is warranted

• Be sure of the product you are using and not confuse it with a similar sounding name item and thereby causing more complications

• Avoid products with many herbs as it can be confusing to diagnose the cause to a particular reaction

• Do not blindly follow prescription on advice of a novice. Make sure the recommendation is coming from someone with the correct training and background

• Do not exceed the recommended dose as you will be placing you and your baby at risk

• Be aware of how these products interact with any other medications you are taking. Some combinations are injurious.

These terms are used to date your pregnancy. Gestational age refers to the length of time since your first day of your last menstrual period. If your gestational age is 5 weeks, this simply means it has been 5 weeks since the first day of your last period. Fetal age refers to the age of your baby, counting from the estimated date of conception. The gestational age is 2 weeks ahead of the fetal age. However doctors tend to rely on ultrasound reports and fundal measurements (measuring the height of your uterus done routinely at your prenatal visits) to cross-check the accuracy of your due date as well as ensuring your baby is developing on target. Most women prefer using gestational age over fetal age to keep track of their pregnancy.

To calculate your due date, you need to add 266 days or 38 weeks to the date when you conceived or assuming that your menstrual cycles are 28 days in length, add 280 days or 40 weeks to the first day of your last menstrual period. If your cycles are longer or shorter your doctor will decide to adjust your due date slightly. Likewise if your cycles are erratic, your due date may be adjusted as your pregnancy progresses and your doctor is better able to judge your stage of pregnancy by tracking baby's development. (Fetal development occurs in a predictable and timely fashion so an ultrasound can be very helpful in dating a pregnancy.) Bear in mind your due date is only an estimate. A healthy pregnancy can last anywhere from 38 to 42 weeks. Even though your chances of delivering on the due date are considerably slim - 5% - your chances of giving birth during the week prior to or following your due date are considerably higher: about 85%.

While doctors used to advise parents to keep their pregnancy news to themselves until they have passed the crucial period for miscarriage, most couples today choose to share the news once they get the positive word back. One thing is for certain, once you tell one family member the news, be sure to inform all the other key persons in your family before they hear it from somewhere else. Such news spread like wildfire in most families and it is important to hear such news from none other than you.

Inform your doctor if you were using any form of contraceptives. No method is 100% effective; occasionally a method fails. If you are sure about your pregnancy, discontinue the pill and set up and appointment immediately. Take the news calmly and discuss the issue with your doctor. Pregnancy can also happen with an intrauterine device (IUD) in place. See your doctor immediately to discuss if the IUD should be remove or left in place. Mostly, attempts will be made to remove the device. If left in place, there is a slight risk for miscarriage.

Studies have demonstrated the benefits of first-trimester prenatal care. That is why most doctors recommend that pregnant women be seen as soon as they realize that they are pregnant - typically 6-10 weeks after the start of the last menstrual period. This is even more important if you have not seen your doctor for a pre-pregnancy consultation. If your doctor does not consider it necessary to see you at this point, you may want to consider changing your caregiver - this person is clearly a little behind the times when it comes to understanding best practices in prenatal care.

Your first prenatal visit may be one of the longest. During your initial prenatal checkup, you can expect your doctor to

• Confirm your pregnancy with a urine test, blood test and/or physical examination

• Take a general medical history or review the findings from your preconception checkup. You will be asked about your periods and recent birth control methods

• Estimate your due date by considering factors as the types of pregnancy symptoms you are experiencing and when they first occurred, the date of your last normal menstrual period, the results of ovulation predictor tests you used or any temperature charts you kept, and changes to the cervix and uterus

• Take an obstetrical history (assuming you have had other pregnancies)

• Conduct a general physical exam (heart, lungs, breasts, abdomen and so on). Breasts are examined to check for lumps

• Conduct a pelvic exam (a visual examination of your vagina, and cervix as well as a bimanual exam of your pelvic organs)

• Do a blood test to determine blood group and to check for anemia, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, and antibodies to rubella as well as certain genetic disorders (e.g. sickle-cell anemia) if your history warrants it

• Take a vaginal culture to check for the presence of infection, if warranted

• Do a Pap smear to check for cervical cancer or potential pre-cancer

• Check your urine for infection, sugar and protein

• Weigh you to establish a baseline weight

• Take your blood pressure

• Provide you with advice on nutrition and lifestyle issues

• Answer any questions you may have

• Talk to your about how you are feeling about being pregnant

You can expect to see your doctor on a monthly basis until you reach week 28, at which point you will start to come in for checkups every 2-3 weeks. Once you reach week 36, you will generally be seen on a weekly basis.

Some form of tenderness usually starts around 4-6 weeks and lasts hroughout the first trimester and may even stretch beyond the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.. Read More

One other early symptom of pregnancy is excess saliva or ptyalism. Sometimes your saliva tastes funny or strange that you don't find it comfortable to swallow, and sometimes .. Read More

During pregnancy your blood volume increases and yet you can be anemic. This is because the production of red blood cells is not in pace with plasma that is also being produced.. Read More

Sometimes diagnostic testing is suggested to you by your doctor for reasons outlined below. It is important that you know what you are in for. CVS or chorionic villus is one such invasive test. It is usually carried out during the 1st trimester.. Read More

Now that you are pregnant you may wonder at times if your vegetarian lifestyle will impact negatively on your unborn child. You may also have had to deal with comments that babies..
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If milk leaves you with a lot of gas, you are probably lactose intolerant; in your case milk does little good to your body. Lactose intolerance happens when there is an inadequate supply..
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Most doctors recommend women to take their vitamins simply because it is impossible to meet their body's demands for iron and folic acid through diet alone. Prenatal vitamin is different from the regular multivitamin because of the folic and iron content. These are the most important supplements for you during pregnancy. (The demand for these nutrients increases dramatically once you are pregnant.) 0.4 mg of folic acid is an important MUST. Although vitamins have its place, you cannot substitute good eating habits with it. Prenatal vitamins contain essential ingredients for the development of your baby and your continued good health. A typical prenatal vitamin contains:

• Calcium to build baby's teeth and bones and to help strengthen your own

• Copper to help prevent anemia

• Folic acid to reduce the risk of neural-tube defects and toe help in blood-cell production

• Iodine to help control metabolism

• Iron to prevent anemia and to help baby's blood development

• Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, for general health and body metabolism

• Vitamin B12 for blood formation

• Vitamin C to aid in your body's absorption of iron

• Vitamin D to strengthen baby's bones and teeth and to help you use phosphorous and calcium

• Vitamin E for general health and body metabolism

• Zinc to help balance fluids in your body and to aid nerve and muscle function

This is a very common symptom of pregnancy especially in the first trimester and can happen as early as one week after conception. As the progesterone level rises and the embryo starts to produce HCG, blood supply to your pelvis increases and this causes.. Read More

Some types of exercise may do you and your baby more harm than good. The following are considered safe choices for pregnant women:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Riding a stationary bike
• Participating in a prenatal class that emphasizes stretching, and low impact aerobics

On the other hand, the following are not advisable:

• Contact sports such as volleyball, football, basketball
• High impact, weight bearing sports such as running or jogging
• Floor exercises that could leave you vulnerable to injury such as full sit-ups, double leg raises and straight-leg raises

Some tips on helping you get started on a prenatal fitness program:

• Always consult your doctor before you embark on a regime

• Be aware that your body changes during pregnancy making you vulnerable to injury

• Start slowly and pay attention to body's signals. If you are huffing and puffing slow down. Gradually increase the duration as your body picks up on strength and endurance.

• Aim to exercise 20-30 minutes at least 3 times a week (if you are a candidate of morning sickness, exercise will be the last thing on your mind. Go easy on yourself and wait to work out when you feel up to it)

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and overheating. Limit strenuous exercise to 30 minutes and skip the hot tub or sauna

• Ensure your workout includes both a warm-up and a cool-down

• Wear a bra that provides adequate support. Your breasts are larger and heavier now and the ligaments that support breast tissue can be permanently damaged if they become overstretched

• If your feel that exercising on your back makes you feel light-headed or nauseated, then avoid this position

• Make sure your workout includes the four most vital prenatal exercises: squatting, pelvic tilting or rocking, abdominal curl-ups and pelvic floor exercises called Kegels

• Remember pregnancy alters your centre of gravity so it may be easier for you to lose your balance

• Never exercise to the point of exhaustion

• Stop exercising immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding or uterine contractions, or if your membranes rupture

• Avoid increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of your workouts at any point after week 28. Fetal demands for oxygen and nutrition are at their peak during the final trimester, so it is advisable to go easy on the fitness front.

Anything that raises your body temperature over 102 F can be dangerous to the developing baby particularly during the first trimester. It is best to skip the post-exercise trip to the hot tub or sauna room and just settle for a relaxing soak in a warm tub (not hot) instead.

Sex is usually ok if both partners are healthy, in particular the pregnant partner. Sex does not always mean intercourse; it includes giving each other a massage, bathing together, and having together moments alone where you get to hug, kiss, hold hands or simply.. Read More

Stretch mark is a fact of pregnancy for more than 80% of pregnant ladies. It appears on the tummy, bum, thighs and breasts and its color depends on the skin tone. Stretch marks are thin pinkish, reddish or purplish streaks on light skin and brownish lines on darker skin.. Read More

Not all types of fish are harmful. The only ones you have to avoid outright are shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish as they contain high levels of mercury that is harmful to the baby's nervous system. Small amounts of mercury are found in other types of fish so it is advisable to limit the weekly intake to 12 oz and to not restrict to a particular kind say, tuna or salmon.

Worrying kind of goes along with the territory of becoming a mum. Perhaps you are being prepared for the lifetime of worry that goes along with being a mother. You may find yourself less worried if you familiarize yourself with the list of situations when there is a definite source of concern (the theory being that if the symptom is not on the reasons to worry list, you can probably hold off pushing the panic button for now).

Your doctor may order a first trimester ultrasound to Pinpoint the location of the gestational sac (the developing fetus is contained within this sac), something that can be useful in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy.

• Look for evidence of an embryo
• Check for a fetal heartbeat
• Find out if you are carrying more than one baby
• Examine the uterus for structural abnormalities or other problems that could pose problems during your pregnancy

Ultrasound also called sonogram, you are usually offered 2 routine scans during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be more than 2 depending on your situation.. Read More

In order to benefit from the legal protection afforded to working pregnant women, it is advisable to inform your boss of your condition. While many women prefer to keep their pregnancy a secret until they begin to 'show' (around the second trimester), this may not be feasible and favorable.. Read More

Just because you are reading about miscarriage, it doesn't imply that it's going to happen to you. Pregnancy loss is something we all pray does not happen to anyone, more so when.. Read More

Nose problems are common particularly in the colder months of the year. They can be uncomfortable but fortunately don't last long nor do they present serious repercussions. The membranes inside your nose may either dry out, bleed easily or become swollen.. Read More

Oral sex is considered safe during pregnancy provided your partner avoids blowing air into your vagina - a practice that could allow an air bubble to find its way into your bloodstream and produce fatalistic results. Another point of apprehension is the hormonal changes of pregnancy can change the taste and odor of your vaginal secretions that your partner may find off-putting.

Yes, that is your body's response to the oxytocin that is being released during orgasm. There is no need to worry about sex putting you into labor prematurely unless of course you are already at risk of premature labor. The other issue is again assuring: intercourse and orgasm during late pregnancy actually reduces the risk of preterm delivery in low risk patients

Pregnancy may change your feelings about sex totally or it may have no effect on your sex life whatsoever. While some experience an improved sex life, for others sex totally fizzles out after becoming pregnant. For some women pregnancy symptoms put them off sex in the first trimester, only to have the interest revived in the second trimester, and the interest tapers off once again in the final trimester. Others have zero interest throughout the nine months and still others have a great time throughout the three trimesters. Blame it on the hormone estrogen! Some couples fear sex because of a bad history of miscarriage.

If you decide to go for a massage, ensure the masseur has experience in massaging pregnant women. Deep massage on the legs is a definite no-no during time. Pregnant women are prone to varicose veins and vigorous leg massage can cause a blood clot in the leg to become dislodged causing disability or even death. A less vigorous massage has plenty to offer: it can ease complaints such as leg cramps, headaches, fluid retention or swollen ankles. Your position has to be different. During the early weeks you want to avoid positions that put a lot of weight on your breasts, which tend to be tender during this stage. As you grow heavier you will need to work around your belly. After the fifth month you want to avoid lying flat on your back because this position can lead to dizziness and fainting. While the side-lying position seems to work the best, there are other positions you and your therapist may want to experiment with. Hint: special massage pillows may help here.

Preeclampsia is a complicated, dangerous pregnancy-related version of high blood pressure or hypertension. Formerly called toxemia, it can cause problems to both the mother and baby..
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The swelling is most noticeable during the second half of the pregnancy; most pregnant women get it to some degree.. Read More

As a rule of thumb you should steer clear of any treatments that involve high temperatures viz whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, heat wraps etc or the use of any herbal or botanical products that could be potentially harmful to your baby. There are treatments that you can enjoy without worry, and which will make you feel more attractive and help you relax as well.
A facial treatment designed to unplug oily pores can help minimize acne outbreaks which many women are prone during pregnancy.
A pedicure and foot massage can be sheer delight for those aching feet. It feels very comforting to have your swollen, tired feet cleaned, massaged and painted by someone else. This becomes particularly true in the later months when you are too big to do all this yourself.
A body scrub with moisturizer will help you to get rid of the buildup of dead skin cells that can otherwise lead to an itchy belly. It can also help your body replenish some of the moisture lost as a result of hormone-induced skin dehydration.

Urinary tract infection or UTI as it is commonly termed is essentially urine that has bacteria in it. It causes a burning sensation when you pee. UTI is quite a common occurrence in pregnancy; as high as 1 in 10 pregnant women suffer from this condition.. Read More

Garden variety colds don't harm your baby but they do make you feel miserable. If you develop high fever, there is potential risk to your baby i.e. your baby can suffer from birth defects, including heart defects. If you do get hit by cold or flu, you will want to drink lots of fluids (hydration during pregnancy gets worse), take medications recommended by your doctor and get plenty of rest. If your cold is severe, you may want to consult your doctor on a suitable decongestant.

The main risk caused by stomach flu is dehydration. If you become seriously dehydrated as a result of vomiting or diarrhea, you may start to experience premature contractions. If you get hit with stomach flu again and have a tough time keeping things down, try sipping on chicken soup, ginger ale, tea or water. It doesn't matter what kind of healthy beverage you consume as long as you are getting something into your system. Don't stress over the pounds you lose in the process; babies don't suffer unduly just because their mums missed a few meals.

You need to take extra care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy because you are more prone to gum disease. During pregnancy the increase in hormone production causes your gums to become extra sensitive.. Read More

No known amount of radiation is safe during pregnancy. Dangers to your baby include an increased risk of mutations and an increased risk of cancer later in life. Some doctors feel the only safe amount of X-rays during pregnancy is none. Presently it is believed the fetus is at greatest risk between 8 and 15 weeks gestation(fetal age between 6 and 13 weeks) X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs are some examples of these procedures. Some points on them in brief:

• Diagnostic X-rays to areas other than the abdomen pose little threat to the developing baby, provided that appropriate radiation shields are used.

• Abdominal CAT scans (CT scans) are to be avoided during pregnancy, due to increased risk that the baby will end up with developmental malformations and / or childhood cancers.

• MRIs are a relatively new technology, so doctors tend to limit their use during pregnancy to situations where critical medical information needs to be obtained and cannot be obtained in any other manner or the only other alternative is for e.g. surgery, poses major risk to mother and baby. Radioactive dyes containing iodine should not be used at all during diagnostic imaging procedures because of the risk of damage to the fetal thyroid.

Your employer is unlikely to fire you outright (it is against the law) but you could face subtler forms of discrimination in the workplace. For example, you might be passed over for a promotion because your management may think you are unlikely to return to your job after your leave. That is why you should familiarize yourself with company policies including medical, fringe benefits and maternity leave, and the laws of your country pertaining to working pregnant women.

Your baby is well protected in the event of all but the most serious of car accidents. Generally there is only cause for concern if the steering wheel or airbag hits our belly; if the impact is serious then the there is a risk of placental abruption or if you yourself are badly injured. While mothers and babies survive minor accidents with no incident, it is safer to get your doctor's assurance that everything is OK with you and your baby.

The biggest challenge will be staying comfortable during you're the nine month duration as you find yourself battling with your discomforts day in and day out. Some tips to tide you over

• Put your foot up on a stool to relieve pressure on your lower back

• Take regular breaks from the PC to avoid being hard on your body. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome - a painful condition that can affect the wrist and lower arms if a lot of time is spent at the keyboard

• Keep a glass of water on your desk at all times so that you will remember to drink frequently and NEVER skip meals no matter how hectic your day gets

• Take 5 to 10 minutes to catnap during your break or lunchtime by putting your head on your desk

• Keep stress to a minimum and accept any offers of help. People love helping a pregnant woman so don't be shy if help comes your way

• Cordocentesis is also called fetal blood or umbilical vein sampling

• This is an invasive procedure where fetal blood from the umbilical cord is taken and tested for suspected abnormalities.. Read More

Stretch mark is a fact of pregnancy for more than 80% of pregnant ladies. It appears on the tummy, bum, thighs and breasts and its color depends on the skin tone. Stretch marks are thin pinkish, reddish or purplish streaks on light skin and brownish lines on darker skin.. Read More

Most women find their breasts grow by one full cup size by the end of the first trimester and by another cup size by the time the baby arrives. Some women welcome these changes while some are not too thrilled with the change. It is a very individual thing.

Many find their hair thicker and glossier during pregnancy. The quality, quantity and texture of hair changes when you are pregnant. This is of course a bonus. Conversely, you may find yourself losing lots of strands and worry if baldness is around the corner.. Read More

While there is no proof indicating an adverse effect after using hair dye while pregnant, it is advisable to make sure that the dye is applied in a well ventilated area so that you are not breathing in all kinds of strong fumes. (Not only are those fumes potentially unhealthy; they may also leave you feeling queasy.) However if you are the type who is quite the worrier, then you may want to postpone getting your roots colored until after the baby is born. That way you safe yourself the tension of second-guessing your decision to expose your baby to hair dye. This is a choice you will have to decide on yourself.

A whole lot of skin changes happen during pregnancy; some women bloom while others fret over their lot. The fretful lots have to deal with more grease, sweat and pigment in their skin.. Read More