Saturday, March 29, 2008

Cesarean Delivery - Another Way Out

There are a growing number of cesarean deliveries nowadays. Some parents opt for an elective cesarean delivery instead of a vaginal delivery in order to avoid severe labor pains. Though people are divided about the pros and cons, no one can deny that cesarean deliveries have helped save many babies and their mothers!

Why Cesarean Or C-Section?

If not planned, this birthing process is undertaken if:

  • Baby is too big for the mother's pelvis
  • The position of the baby is not convenient- breech position
  • Fetal distress- the heartbeat of the baby is falling or presence of meconium is detected
  • The mother is no longer in a situation to bear the stress of vaginal delivery
  • Infectious vaginal disease which can be transferred to the baby during delivery is detected

  • Barring cases of fetal distress, C-sections can be predicted during the third trimester of the pregnancy.

    The Process

    In USA, epidural is used on patients during a cesarean. With epidurals, the mother is awake while the surgery takes place but is numb waist down. This allows the mother and the father to see the baby immediately after birth. Yes, your husband is allowed enter the operation theater to support you. You need not worry about feeling pain during surgery. Epidurals or Spinals as they are also called are used in more than 95% of the cesareans and very few have actually complained of discomfort, let alone pain. If you are still worried, you can ask the doctor to give you some light medication, which will keep you in a daze while the surgery is on.

    Cesarean deliveries with epidural somewhat reduces the disappointment some mothers feel for not being able to delivery vaginally. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. General anesthesia is used only in emergencies where is there is no time for an epidural or when the patient has a previous record of back injury, heart or lung ailments.

    Types Of Incisions

    There are two types of Cesarean incisions- skin incision and uterine incision. The abdomen muscles are not cut in any of the incision types. However, the style of the cut, vertical or traverse is based on circumstances. Both, the skin and uterine incision, are quite low in the patient's abdomen around the bikini line.

    Recovery Time

    The recovery time is around 4 days. It is seen that within 4 weeks of a c-section delivery, the mother regains full mobility. Yes, this recovery time is definitely more than a vaginal delivery. But it spares the patient an uncomfortable episiotomy or a torn muscle which is common in vaginal deliveries. Besides, you are spared from severe labor pains and long waiting hours in the cold hospital ward.

    Nevertheless, you as parents have to decide on the delivery procedure early during pregnancy. Discuss your preference with your OB. He may be able to show you a very different perspective!

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    How To Manage Labor Pains?

    Having a baby is a joyful experience. Many of us mothers-to-be, however, are apprehensive of the delivery process.

    Yes, there is some stress and pain involved in delivery.

    Over the years medical science has come up with methods to reduce labor pain. Unfortunately the side effects of these methods can be unwelcome. Anesthetics used during labor leave your baby and you in a drugged state, during and after childbirth. An epidural anesthetic is known to increase the chances of having a Cesarean operation, or the need for the vacuum and forceps. Statistics show that half the deliveries with an epidural results in resorting to such medical interventions.

    A Cesarean delivery is sometimes necessary in order to save the life of the baby or the mother. A Cesarean, however, is a major operation involving severe risks. These risks include higher maternal mortality rates compared with normal births, risks of blood clots and infections, not to speak of a longer recovery time. Additionally, if you deliver by Cesarean, you might find it difficult to breast-feed your baby. This could lead to less closer bonding between your tiny tot and you. It can also result in reduced immunity to illnesses for him or her.

    You can avoid the need for an epidural and the risks connected with one, by using labor acupressure. Acupressure is a holistic method that targets the same acupoints used in acupuncture. The difference is that, in acupressure fingers are used to put pressure on the specific pressure points instead of piercing the skin with needles.

    Acupressure is a completely safe method, without any side effects. It is impossible to over-stimulate the body while administering acupressure, because the body naturally regulates and accepts only the required stimulation. Labor acupressure is also a very simple, ‘thumbs-on’ method. It can be administered by anyone receiving basic instruction in its application. This means that you don’t need any great skill to administer acupressure. Because the method is so safe, and incredibly effective, even the World Health Organization recommends it for pain relief.

    Giving birth to a baby is a unique and wonderful experience. With the help of acupressure, both you and your partner can actively participate in it… And you can soon have your baby with you, alert and not doped by unnecessary medication, ready to breastfeed and bond with you and the family. A wonderful memory for your later years!

    Discover safe and effective labor acupressure techniques that help you to induce your labor naturally by encouraging your baby to descend, helping your cervix to dilate and stimulating your contractions.


    For more information on pain free deliveries visit
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Friday, March 14, 2008

    Top Five Exercises for Pregnancy

    Pregnancy often comes with the worry of gaining too much weight. This seems to be the number one fear of women, other than having a healthy baby. One of the ways you can assure yourself of staying in great shape during your pregnancy is to get in some form of exercise daily.

    You can avoid gaining pregnancy weight and be in great shape so that you have an easy labor experience. The last thing you need is excess and unnecessary weight during the delivery. Staying in shape during your pregnancy will also help stretch marks, nausea, fatigue and discomfort.

    You do not have to be a woman who ignores her weight during pregnancy. You do not have to tell yourself that you have free reign over ice cream and other sweet treats. If you do indulge in these things, you do not want to stop exercising as this is probably the worse thing that you can do for yourself and your baby.

    Sure there is huge discomfort when you are walking around with a pregnant belly and may not always be in the mood to exercise. But remember, this is the reason why most women gain excess weight during pregnancy and find it very difficult to lose the pounds afterwards.

    Here are a the top five exercises to get you up and moving during your pregnancy:
    Swimming
    Walking
    Yoga
    Stretching
    Low Impact Aerobics

    When doing these exercises, they do not and should not be anything strenuous. You do not want your heart rate up to its maximum capacity the same as women who are not pregnant. Make sure to focus on the core strengthening exercises as this will help with labor.

    To learn more visit
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com

    Exercise During Pregnancy

    One of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn child during pregnancy is exercise. There are numerous studies that show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.

    Before you start any exercise program during pregnancy it is essential that you consult with your healthcare provider. For some women it may be more dangerous than beneficial to exercise during pregnancy.

    Once you get the go ahead from your doctor, you can embark on an exercise program that is suitable to your stage in pregnancy.

    Here are just a few of the benefits associated with exercise during pregnancy:

    - Exercise helps combat fatigue.

    - Exercise helps minimize back pain because it helps strengthen back muscles.

    - Exercise can help promote a smaller amount of fat gain during pregnancy.

    - Exercise provides an exceptional form of stress relief.

    - Women who exercising during pregnancy are less likely to experience difficult labors.

    - Women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster and recover more quickly after delivery.

    There are some forms of activity that are better than others during pregnancy. Certain exercises can help promote physical fitness and are less likely to result in injury. Among the best exercises for pregnant moms include:

    - Walking

    - Swimming

    - Stretching

    - Yoga

    - Pilates

    - Dancing

    - Stationary Cycling

    - Low Impact Prenatal Aerobics


    For more info visit

    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com


    Wednesday, March 12, 2008

    Ab Exercises During Pregnancy

    If you are expecting then you should be thinking about doing ab exercises during pregnancy because these exercises will help you tone up your abs while strengthening your back. The strengthening of the back is very important because as the fetus grows in the uterus, it exerts more strain and pressure on the back.

    Doing ab exercises during pregnancy will also prevent the diastasis recti effect which occurs in most women during delivery. Diastasis recti is the separation of abdominal muscles and this is something you can avoid by doing regular ab exercise during your pregnancy.

    Another benefit of during ab exercises during pregnancy is that they will help you with your labor and delivery. Ab exercises are especially important during the third trimester because that is the time when the fetus increases the most in size and weight and you need to be fit enough to carry that weight along with yours.

    One of simplest ab exercise during pregnancy that is recommended is pulling your belly button towards your spine. As you do it, you should breathe out the air. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then relax your body. It is recommended that you do 8 to 10 reps a day. The other ab exercise during pregnancy is lying down on the floor and exhaling. While you exhale, you should lower your back vertebra by vertebra. This exercise you should do this 5 to 6 times in one go. However, you should note that around the 4th month of your pregnancy, you should avoid doing ab exercises that involve lying on your back as the weight of the baby might end up compressing the main artery in your body leading to falling of blood pressure.

    For more information visit
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Easy Pregnancy Exercises

    You are overjoyed, glowing, excited, fat, unattractive, and uncomfortable. Yes, you are pregnant and all of a sudden, an area that you have been trying to make flat for your entire life is as round as a basketball and there is nothing you can do about it, or is there?

    Is it possible to feel fit and attractive during your pregnancy? The answer is yes! You can go through pregnancy feeling fit and strong. Follow these easy pregnancy exercises to help you survive pregnancy and even feel like a hot mama while doing it!

    First of all, when you are pregnant it is still important to get in some cardiovascular exercise. If there was an activity that you enjoyed before you were pregnant, chances are you can still enjoy it during pregnancy.

    Check with your doctor first, but during pregnancy you should still be able to walk, run, jog, cycle, and even participate in aerobics classes. If you want a low-impact activity, swimming is great because it offers cardio and resistance training.

    Some other great exercises for pregnancy are Pilates and yoga. These are both low-impact exercises that can still be high in intensity. Pilates is great because it focuses on strengthening your muscles. This will be very helpful while going through labor.

    Yoga is also an excellent choice for expectant mothers because it teaches balance and focus. These two things are very important for having a stress free labor experience.

    Weight lifting and resistance training are also an excellent pregnancy exercises. Again, check with your doctor before starting a routine. Weight lifting and resistance training will build and strengthen your muscles which makes the whole process of having your baby less stressful.

    Focus on exercises that target your core, the 29 muscles surrounding your lower lumbar, including your abs and obliques. By strengthening your core, caring your baby during pregnancy will be easier and labor and delivery will also go more smoothly.

    For more information visit
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Tuesday, March 11, 2008

    Depression and Pregnancy

    When considering both depression and pregnancy, it is important to separate science from mythology. One pervasive parcel of mythology extant today is that women who have depression can negate it by getting pregnant. Popular myth dictates that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy will somehow alter brain chemistry, lifting pregnant women out of depression. In the past, doctors even espoused this link between depression and pregnancy as true. Today, science has largely disproved this.

    A number of tests conducted in Massachusetts about the link between depression and pregnancy concluded that pregnancy actually has no effect on clinical depression whatsoever: getting pregnant does not alter brain chemistry in any way that might alleviate depression – and even worse, getting pregnant often has the opposite effect: it can actually worsen depression.

    What make the depression worse are the restrictions pregnancy imposes. This link between depression and pregnancy is clear. For instance, being pregnant often imposes limited mobility and limited eating choices. Additionally, being pregnant often restricts medicinal choices.

    Many antidepressants have been flagged by the FDA – and, as such, are no longer available to pregnant women, as they have the potential to cause birth defects. This link between depression and pregnancy means that a woman could go through a serious bout of depression during pregnancy without any medicinal form of recourse.

    Another potential problem that pregnancy brings is postpartum depression. Even for those who aren't depressed, this can still be a problem, as approximately 10% of all pregnant women experience it. Postpartum depression doesn't occur during the pregnancy, but after it, as the name suggests; and is usually triggered by hormonal changes that occur during and after birth. Most who suffer from it also have the same symptoms of those with clinical depression. Additionally, postpartum depression is generally treated in the same manner as standard forms of depression. Effective methods generally focus on behavioral restructuring, antidepressant medication, and counseling.

    For more information visit

    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com

    Vaginal Birth in a C-Section World

    Giving birth, for a staggering 29.1% of all women nationally happened by cesarean section in 2004. These latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control showed the rate of vaginal birth and vaginal birth after cesarean declining and c-sections increasing by 40% since 1996. In certain regions of the U.S., we are seeing that 1 out of 3 women is giving birth surgically, by c-section. Though a cesarean section can be a life saving operation, common sense would tell us that giving birth through a surgical incision isn’t ordinarily preferable to the normal design of vaginal birth! So, are there ways to avoid c-section and achieve vaginal birth? Absolutely!

    The first key to avoiding a c-section when giving birth is to understand what the real risks of cesarean delivery are. It is easier to decline unnecessary surgery if you have all of the facts ahead of time. The recent landmark survey, reflected that women did not feel fully informed of the risks of c-section by their doctors and that, despite claims of “maternal choice” by physicians, only one woman in the survey chose giving birth surgically with no medical reason. Some of the risks of c-section for the mother include infection, injury to surrounding organs, chronic pain from scar tissue, hysterectomy and in rare cases death. Some of the risks of c-section for the infant include respiratory distress, prematurity, surgical injuries and early breastfeeding difficulties. Perhaps one category of risk not often talked about is the risk to future pregnancies including placental problems, unexplained stillbirth and uterine rupture.

    The second key to achieving a vaginal birth and avoiding a c-section is to choose the proper labor support, care provider and care setting. Klaus, Kennell and Klaus document in “Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth” (1993), that hiring a doula can decrease your chances of having a cesarean by 50%. Hiring a doula is particularly important if you will be giving birth in a hospital. Choosing a midwife as your care provider will not only give you the benefit of a personal, emotionally connected relationship with your birth attendant, but your chances of experiencing the cascading effects of technological interventions, including c-section, will be significantly reduced. Having a midwife attend your birth out-of-hospital, in a birth center or in your home, should be an option that all women with low risk pregnancies consider.

    Giving birth is an intensely personal and life changing experience in a woman’s life. Become educated about normal vaginal birth and c-section. In the unusual circumstance that a cesarean section becomes medically necessary, you can feel confident in making the decisions that are in the best interest of you and your baby. Have confidence in your body’s ability to do it’s job and surround yourself with people who support and affirm a philosophy of giving birth in the manner it was designed to be.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Monday, March 10, 2008

    Common Myths About Pregnancy

    Although we are living in a high tech world, and modern science has come up with a lot of results about pregnancy, still there are some myths that continue to exist and get transferred from one generation to other. We shall explain some common myths about pregnancy.

    Some people believe that you can actually know the sex of your baby by knowing the way you carry your baby. The sex of a baby can not be determined by this. You will need an ultrasound to be done to know it.

    According to another myth, you should not raise your hands above your head or else the umbilical cord can be wrapped around baby’s neck.

    Some couple fear of having sex during pregnancy time. Normally a woman can have sex as usual during pregnancy until she has a high risk. For more information, you can consult with your doctor.

    The morning sickness level nowhere is related to the sex of your baby. Neither taking bath nor submerging in water is harmful for baby and the mother.

    Baby does not get hurt in case mother sleeps on her back. Pregnant woman, however, can sleep on her left side.

    A funny myth says that a baby is likely to be born with head full of hair if the mother has heartburn.

    Having pimples during the pregnancy does not mean that a mother will give birth to a girl.

    These myths may sound funny to you but a lot of people in society actually get frightened due to these. So it’s always better that you should consult with your doctor if confused.

    For more information visit

    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Choosing the Sex of Your Baby in Advance

    Medical technology has finally reached the point, which will allow parents to choose the sex of their baby in advance. Unfortunately this is rather disturbing to the natural evolutionary order of things. In other words this could upset the balance between the number of males and females on the planet. In foreign countries this is much more important to them that it is to us here in the United States.

    Currently in the United States of America we do not regulate fertility clinics and there are really no laws here since the industry is somewhat unregulated in the choosing of sex of a baby. Some foreign countries prohibit sex selection procedures and many of the wealthy people in those countries wish to come to the United States to take part in our fertility sciences and medical treatment clinics.

    Both China and Canada prohibit the choosing of the sex of your baby in advance and the use of fertility drugs to ensure that your choice is carried out. What is interesting is that many of these fertility clinics the United States, which offer sex selection procedures are advertising on web sites and radio stations and other countries to get these wealthy folks to come over here for the procedure. This should probably not surprise anyone due to our lack of oversight of sex selection fertility clinics.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Teen Pregnancy - Causes And Prevention Of Teen Pregnancy

    When a teen gets a serious boyfriend they may go to any cost to make their newfound love happy. A lot of teens have sex with their partner because they think that is the only way to make him continue to love her. What they should realize is that if he truly loves her then sex definitely wouldn't be a priority.

    Teenagers have a lot of hormones but these can be controlled and before performing intercourse the teens often don’t think of the consequences of their actions. Other teens just have the attitude and belief that it won’t happen to them “that just happens on TV” etc. Making sure your teen realizes that it is a big issue and it is very likely that if they are having sex without protection there are many consequences including pregnancy.

    Another cause of teen pregnancy is that a teen is scared to tell they’re partner to use a condom. It’s not that they don’t know to use one, it’s trying to break the barrier to talk to they’re partner about it. Sometimes the teen may also have a partner who doesn’t want to wear protection, and that causes added stress to the female in fear that if she tells him she isn’t having sex without one he will leave her or cheat on her by sleeping with someone else.

    A lot of people look at a young lady who uses protection as a “bad girl.” This is another cause of teen pregnancy. A lot of the time it is the parents who don’t want their teen having sexual intercourse and they think the way to prevent this is by not allowing any condoms, birth control, etc. This is very common. Although no parent wants their teen having sex it is a good possibility they will, with or without your consent. This is something else to stay aware of.

    If you or someone you know is having teen sex these are some important causes of teen pregnancy to stay aware of. It is very easy for a young female to conceive because of the newness of her cycle. Stay aware and prevent this from happening to you or your loved one.


    For more information visit

    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com


    Teen Pregnancy And It's Effects On A Teens Body

    Although there has been a recent decline in teen pregnancy, teen pregnancy is still a big problem in the United States. Every year one million teens get pregnant. The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy (out of all the developed countries) in the world.

    The reason this is such a problem is that not only is the teen’s body still developing but so is the level of responsibility in some cases. The teen usually doesn’t realize how much care your body needs while pregnant. A big percentage of young mothers have children with a low birth rate, which could cause the child problems throughout his/her entire life. Younger mothers also have a high rate of infant death than older women. Not only do these causes come from lack of good prenatal care. The teen’s body is still developing.

    Stress on the teen’s body and mind cause major health risks not only for the teen but the baby as well. It is a big blow to a young woman that she may be getting ready to become a mother and a lot comes along with that. With everything that is going on inside the teen’s body her hormones are usually extremely out of whack. All of this along with trying to tell your parents about the pregnancy can cause a lot of stress.

    A lot of teens are doing drugs and drinking alcohol. Becoming pregnant as a teen can make this habit more alluring. With so many things on your mind as a teen, it seems easier sometimes to get “high” and, everything that was hard goes away for that short period of time. This causes even more havoc to the baby and teen. It is so important for growth and development to abstain from mind-altering chemicals etc. The teen often doesn’t have the knowledge to know that doing things like this can cause major side-effects to her or her baby.

    To help lower the rates of teen pregnancy, start with sharing the knowledge. Every teen should know the risks of teen pregnancy and even be aware of the consequences of having sexual intercourse at a young age. Eighty percent of teen mothers drop out of high-school and lack the education they need to excel. Let’s help lower these numbers. Start sharing what you know today.

    For more information visit

    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    What You Need To Know About Pregnancy

    Pregnancy can be said to be the carrying of one or more offspring inside the body of a female or woman be from conception to birth. Among all the mammals, human pregnancy is the most studied of all. Pregnancy can be multiple in the sense that twins or triplets may occur.

    Pregnancy lasts for about nine months, which means that the birth of the child occurs in 38 to 40 weeks from the day of fertilization. Medically the term embryo is used to describe the developing human for few weeks of fertilization and fetus is used for the same purpose from 2 to 3 months of development till birth.

    Pregnancy is divided into three periods (1st, 2nd & 3rd Trimester). This helps to simplify and also refer to the different stages of prenatal development. The first trimmest has the highest risk of miscarriages, while the development of the fetus can be easily to be diagnosed and monitored in the 2nd trimester. The ability of the fetus to survive with or without medical help outside the mother’s uterus is determined at the beginning of the third trimester.

    Medically, gravid 1 is used to qualify a woman who is pregnant for the first time while gravid 0 is used for a woman who has never been pregnant that means that Para 1 or 0 and other terms are used to qualify the number of times a woman has gotten pregnant or given birth to a child.

    In conclusion, feelings vary from one woman to another in pregnancy. You as a pregnant woman should not have in mind that since your friends’ pregnancy is somehow that yours will be that way. All you need to do is to take time to study your body terms and languages for it will help you a lot.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Pregnancy Loss - A Short Note On A Few Eventualities

    40 weeks of week-by-week, pregnancy information is necessary to enlighten women who are pregnant. The privilege of giving birth to a new life cannot perhaps be equaled by any other feeling or event. However, there are some undesired circumstances like false pregnancy or miscarriage pregnancy, which cast a pall on the divine happiness of giving birth. This article sheds light on a few of such specific cases related to pregnancy, which could result in not-so-perfect situations.

    1.False Pregnancy – This is a case where there is actually no pregnancy. False pregnancy is in fact a scenario where women facing family troubles, undergoing intense conflict, or experiencing a sharp desire to conceive or any other psychologically disturbing situation, tend to believe that they are pregnant. All apparent symptoms of a true pregnancy for the initial few weeks of false weekly pregnancy are displayed. Yet there is no pregnancy. This actually cannot be really considered as a termination of pregnancy, because in medical sense there is no pregnancy.

    2.Miscarriage Pregnancy - Also referred to as spontaneous abortion, this is technically a situation, in which the pregnancy ends on its own within the first 20 weeks. Practically however, miscarriage pregnancy is a turmoil, which leaves the affected in a state of distress and in weak physical health. One of the most common types of pregnancy loss, miscarriage pregnancy can result from a number of reasons including, hormonal changes, maternal trauma, and improper implantation of the egg in the uterus lining and adverse lifestyles.

    3.Lupus Pregnancy – Lupus patients have been told since ages that they cannot give birth to healthy children. Advances in medical science have however, proved this assertion a myth. Lupus pregnancies though are high-risk situations. All that is required is close monitoring of both mother’s and child’s health all through the 40 weeks of week by week pregnancy.

    4.Termination of Pregnancy – Another situation that leads to pregnancy loss is deliberate termination of pregnancy. It is a course opted for due to various reasons. In a few instances, expected complications in pregnancies lead even the experts to suggest that the pregnancy should be deliberately terminated.

    5.Ectopic Pregnancy – It is a medical situation wherein the pregnancy is terminated because the fertilized ovum is implanted anywhere other than the uterine wall. Most of the times, this incorrect implantation occurs in the Fallopian tube, which is why Ectopic pregnancy is also referred to as tubal pregnancy.

    The above-mentioned situations, most of which have been well researched by medical sciences, lead to pregnancy loss during the conception period. Only apt medical guidance & extreme caution during the 40 weeks of week-by-week pregnancy can help avoid these pregnancy complications.

    Pregnancy week by week information for all weeks of pregnancy helps maintain good health of the mother and the child and prevents pregnancy problems as miscarriage pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and lupus pregnancy.

    For more information visit

    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com


    The First Warning Signs of Pregnancy

    Pregnancy can be exciting or daunting, depending on the circumstances. Do you suspect you’re pregnant? Below are some of the tell-tale first signs of pregnancy.

    Most women mark the first missed period as the first sign of pregnancy, but a missed period can be caused by a number of factors. A large change in diet, exercise or stress level can also contribute to a missed period.

    Some women experience spotting about two weeks after the first day of the previous period as the first sign of pregnancy. This spotting is caused when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus and is usually very light.

    Mood Swings caused by hormonal surges early in pregnancy can be more severe than those experienced during PMS. Often this is the first symptom of pregnancy noticed by family members!

    Breast tenderness and enlargement, caused by the breast preparing for breastfeeding is especially common during very early pregnancy, but often disappears after a few weeks. Darkening areolas, or the area around your nipples, occurs soon after conception and may persist throughout the pregnancy.

    Fatigue is an early sign of pregnancy, but also a sign of many other conditions.

    Nausea and vomiting, sometimes referred to as morning sickness, ranging from queasiness to severe vomiting that can manifest just in the morning (when hormone concentrations are highest) or all day.

    Changes in appetite and food cravings often plague the newly pregnant woman and can occur early in the pregnancy right through delivery.

    If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, and you suspect that you may be pregnant, try a home pregnancy test. These tests detect the level of pregnancy hormone (HCG) in your urine. If you test positive, you should make an appointment with your doctor to begin prenatal care!


    For more information visit

    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com



    Friday, March 7, 2008

    Pregnancy Week By Week - Keep Track Of Life Growing Within You

    Pregnancy week by week tracking tools or calendars are great tools for keeping track of your baby’s growth during pregnancy. Also, you can acquire knowledge of different early pregnancy symptoms or signs of pregnancy.

    Most of the pregnancy calendars or guides chart baby’s growth during pregnancy week by week. Though the baby continues to grow with every passing day, but changes and development of baby usually becomes manifest over a week’s time. Therefore, the complete pregnancy period has been divided into three trimesters comprising 40 weeks. By following the baby’s growth in pregnancy week-by-week information and or pregnancy calendars, you can have an idea as to what your baby looks like at a particular point in time. Moreover, if you find something lacking, you can get medical advice promptly. Let’s take a glance at some salient developments of your little one’s growth during the forty weeks.

    The First Trimester

    The first trimester of pregnancy week by week covers week 1 to week 14. First 2 weeks of this trimester denote the period from your last menses till conception or till that time when the sperm fertilizes the egg. By the end of week 3, the fertilized egg is metamorphosed into an embryo. During week 4 you begin to feel the early pregnancy symptom of nausea. Week 5 marks the beginning of formation of all major organs of the baby’s body. In fact this is the week, when the embryo’s metamorphosis into a baby begins. Come week 6 and your baby’s heart beats for the first time. Your baby doubles in size during week 7. By week 9, baby’s sex can be determined and your embryo becomes a small baby by week 10. Week 14 will make manifest another sign of pregnancy – enlarging and darkening of the area around your nipples.

    The Second Trimester

    The second trimester comprises week 15 to week 26. In the beginning of this trimester i.e. week 15, the baby begins movement of head, lips, and feet. Due to upward movement of uterus, the pregnancy symptom of frequent urination would abate by week 16. Baby begins blinking, sucking, and swallowing in week 17. Due to myelinization of nerves, nerve cell transmission registers a significant increase making body reflexes quicker. During week 20, baby begins to sleep and wake on regular basis. By week 24, baby’s heart beat becomes so distinct that it can be heard by placing an ear on stomach. And before the second trimester ends, brain wave activity commences for ears and eyes.

    The Third Trimester

    The third trimester as per pregnancy week by week commences with week 27 and ends with the birth of baby i.e. approximately week 40. Week 27 heralds increased movements of the baby. Senses of sound, smell, and taste develop by week 29. During week 34, baby’s own immune system begins to develop. Most of the babies are born around this period. By this week, look out for any signs of labor. In any case, your baby is born by the end of week 40. Sometimes, this period may extend by two more weeks.

    By keeping yourself updated with the help of pregnancy week by week information, you can keep watch over various signs of pregnancy and your baby’s growth. If you feel your baby’s growth is not in consonance with the week by week chart, you can immediately get medical advice.

    Tracking your pregnancy week by week can help you to understand your pregnancy and pregnancy symptoms in better way. If you know about the signs of pregnancy, you can be better positioned to cope with the discomfort associated with early pregnancy symptoms.

    For more information on pregnancy related issues visit

    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    A Guide To Month-By-Month Pregnancy

    Here is a guide to month-by-month pregnancy. It will make you aware of the different stages of pregnancy, so that you can tackle each moment with confidence and ease.

    First Month

    Pregnancy starts when your period is due. Fertilization takes place within 24 hours of ovulation, that is, 14 days before your next period starts. This is the actual beginning of pregnancy. Egg and sperm unite and travel through the fallopian tube into the uterus in the next 7 days. Thereafter, implantation takes place in the nutrient rich uterus lining. At that every moment, your body gets signals that you are pregnant and the changes begin to occur. You begin to feel the symptoms of pregnancy. It is wise to monitor your month-by-month pregnancy to avoid unnecessary fears.

    Second Month

    Your baby converts from a blastocyst to an embryo. Your baby's heart starts to beat. At the end of this month, she has developed limb buds and the primordial of vital internal organs.

    Third Month

    The bones of your baby become hard. She has opened her eyes. Now, she is called a fetus. As this month ends, you will be able to hear the heartbeats of your baby with the help of a Doppler.

    Fourth Month

    Your baby has developed teeth and a scalp hair pattern. She starts making her own bile and insulin.

    Fifth Month

    Your baby develops fingerprints during this month. If it's a girl, she will develop primitive eggs. You can know the gender of your baby through ultrasound. You begin to feel the kicks of your baby. She can even hear sounds from the outside world. Besides this, she has fine hair all over her body, plus a waxy substance. Keep a tab on month-by-month pregnancy and get regular prenatal tests done.

    Sixth Month

    Your baby forms eye brows and the lanugo becomes dark in color. She starts depositing fat, in order to regulate her body temperature during birth. In addition to this, she starts to practice breathing.

    Seventh Month

    Your baby finds your uterus crowded, hence, her movements reduce. She can distinguish between darkness and light. In the 28th week, the head of your baby shifts downwards. In case it's a boy, his testes start descending.

    Eighth Month

    The production of red blood corpuscles has been completed by the bone marrow of your baby. She can open and close her eyes. Weight gain is significant. Your baby's now 1.7 kg (2 pounds 11 ounces)! As you know what is happening in your month-by-month pregnancy, you will feel closer to your baby.

    Ninth Month

    All the organs of your baby have been developed. The lungs are developing. She is ready to come out in the world!

    As you are aware of your month-by-month pregnancy, you can enjoy each moment better!

    Month-by-month pregnancy monitoring is important to avoid unnecessary fears and detect pregnancy complications in the early stage. You can also keep a pregnancy journal and record each change in your and your baby.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Thursday, March 6, 2008

    The Advantages of A Pregnancy Calendar

    A pregnancy calendar is a very useful tool to have during your pregnancy. It allows you to know what is happening to both you and your baby as you progress through pregnancy. This information is valuable in allaying fears about why certain things are happening.

    The benefit of these calendars is that it will allow you to become aware of what is happening or what should be happening at any stage of your pregnancy. It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different and there is no one-size-fits-all pregnancy calendar, but as a basic guide it is an informative and fun aide

    The most useful pregnancy calendars will specify what you should prepare at various stages. For example, if you are returning to work after the baby is born, you should organise childcare well in advance of that time. It will also recommend when you should start considering pain relief and other birth related decisions. It will also deal with the little things that you may forget during your pregnancy - what should you pack in your hospital bag, what to include in your birth plan.

    For more information on pregnancy related issues visit
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Free Online Pregnancy Test - Are The Test Results Accurate?

    With quick to receive results and getting tested in the comforts of home, the free online pregnancy test seems the best option for anxious expecting mothers. It is surely a source of multiple benefits as it saves time, money and labor too. Yes, you no more need browsing through books to check out if you are pregnant or consult your acquaintances to confirm your pregnancy. At the initial stage, when you start suspecting pregnancy symptoms, you may not want to divulge symptoms to people, as you are not yet sure of your pregnancy. So, now where to go? Well, you can simply log on to any website and go for a free online pregnancy test to ascertain your doubts.

    How Accurate Are These Free Online Pregnancy Test Results?

    A free online pregnancy test should be treated as a first step in detection of pregnancy. You cannot just rely on these test results as a final confirmation of your pregnancy. You are sure to find hints about the pregnancy through an online pregnancy test, but this test should never replace medical confirmatory test under observation of physicians. Rather, these tests are the best ways to measure your chances of getting pregnant. You may follow these test results to decide if you should consider a medical confirmatory test. So let us find out, how do these tests process results and what do they conclude, finally?

    At the first stage of pregnancy, when you are unsure about the positive signs of pregnancy, a free online pregnancy test will guide you. Even before you disclose the pregnancy symptoms to anybody, find out what your chances are through online pregnancy test. Before you start discussing with your peers and start rejoicing, it is better to assess your chances of getting pregnant first. Though this is not a confirmatory pregnancy test, but no doubt, this free online pregnancy test is a good pregnancy probability test. Simply and accurately feed the answers to the questions and then just click on the submit button. As per information you feed on your last period and other points, you will get to know what your possibilities of pregnancy are. Input date of your last period, online pregnancy tests will calculate a possible date for your delivery.

    No matter whether a free online pregnancy test is 100% accurate or not, it is always a good option to measure your assumption and calculate probability. You will be asked a list of questions on your age, present health conditions, symptoms you experienced, birth control techniques you followed earlier before coming to a conclusion.

    There are websites claiming to answer whether you will give birth to a baby boy or girl. However, experts warn repeatedly not to rely on the sex determination results of these sites, as there are not yet any scientific procedures to do so! A free online pregnancy test is a great tool to prompt if your symptoms require checking through medical confirmatory test, but this test itself cannot produce corroborated results.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    How Can You Determine The Start Of Pregnancy And The Birth Date

    The start or beginning of any pregnancy can be detected in various ways; one of them is pregnancy tests, which can be through urine or the blood. This test can be done either in the clinic or at home, which ever way; both tests can only detect the state of pregnancy and not the age of the pregnancy.

    Pregnancy test is very important and necessary because it helps to detect the hormones that is generated by the placenta which is been formed newly as a result of the fertilization that just took place. To determine the start or beginning of any pregnancy is often convenient from the first day of your last menstruation (LMP) and this alone is can be used to calculate the Expected delivery date (EDD).

    In a normal situation, your pregnancy is considered to last for at least 40 weeks starting from the last Menstrual Period or 38 days from fertilization date. But in case of premature and post mature delivery, the case is difference in the sense that the baby comes as early as 37 weeks for premature delivery and as late as 43 weeks in case of postmature delivery or prolonged pregnancy. There are some tests that determine the age of the pregnancy fairly accurate but to be sure and certain, last menstrual period (LMP) as reported by you as a woman typically expressed the age of your pregnancy but the exact date of fertilization may be unknown if your recent sexual activity is limited.

    In a nut shell, for you to determine the beginning of your pregnancy depends on the missed period and your last menstrual period (LMP) and to determine the Expected Delivery Date is also determined by LMP as reported by you to you doctor. Since this is the case, you as a woman has to study your body very well and avoid any non-challant attitude towards your cycle so as to be accurate in all your reports to enable you have exact date of delivery.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com


    Wednesday, March 5, 2008

    Exercise: Pace it for pregnancy

    Pregnancy seems like a perfect time to sit back and relax. Once your body begins changing, you’ll notice that you feel more tired than usual. You may also have to deal with such pregnancy-related problems as back pain, muscle cramps, swelling and constipation.

    In fact, pregnancy offers a great reason to get active. Exercise can help lessen common pregnancy complaints. It can boost your energy level and improve your overall health. Perhaps best of all, it can help you prepare for labor and childbirth by increasing your stamina and muscle strength. If you’re in good physical condition before giving birth, you may even shorten your labor and recovery times.

    Before starting or continuing any exercise program, talk with your health care provider. That’s especially important if you have a known medical condition, such as thyroid disease. It’s also important to know that pregnancy itself is physically demanding. You can expect to gain 25 to 35 pounds. Pregnancy is not a time to try losing weight or maintaining your current weight. In addition, your heart will pump about 50 percent more blood. Your body will consume up to 20 per-cent more oxygen while you rest and even more when you exercise. As your abdomen increases in size, your posture will shift, putting new strain on your back muscles and changing your balance. Toward the end of your pregnancy, the joints and ligaments in your pelvis will loosen in preparation for labor. All of these changes will affect the way your body responds to exercise. Muscle and joint injuries are more likely to occur if you’re not careful.

    If you are pregnant and have no complications, you may want to meet this goal. However, exercising even three or four days a week for 20 minutes or more can offer health benefits. Walking is an excellent exercise for beginners. It provides moderate aerobic conditioning and puts minimal stress on your joints. Other good choices are non weight-bearing activities, such as swimming or cycling on a stationary bike. Before you begin any activity, check with your health care provider. You’re more likely to stick with an exercise plan if it involves activities that you enjoy. Choose activities that can be included easily in your daily schedule. Programs held at inconvenient times and places may discourage you from exercising at all.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    False Pregnancy - Tests To Determine False Pregnancy

    At times, false pregnancy tests can baffle expectant parents. Therefore, it is imperative to have profound knowledge about pregnancy tests, how these tests are taken and how accurate these test results can be. At the same time, this article will also focus on the best time for expectant mothers to undergo the tests.

    How Do Tests Process Results?

    Though the possible way to avoid false pregnancy is through tests, however, instances are not rare when pregnancy tests fail to indicate accurate test results. The good news is that incidents of false test results can be avoidable. Yes, with a little knowledge about the functioning of pregnancy test we can be a wise buyer of the right pregnancy tests kits and prevent false pregnancy test results.

    The pregnancy kits available at your nearest pharmacy store measure a particular type of hormone that doctors term as "Human chorionic gonadotropin". The pregnancy tests show different results in response to the different levels of this HCG. Due to varying levels of this hormone, test results seem to vary in early stages of pregnancy. Then you might question what the best time is or phase of pregnancy to avoid false pregnancy test results.

    What Is The Best Time To Take A Pregnancy Test?

    The HCG hormone secretion follows the fertilization of the eggs and placement of the embryo to the uterus. Medical experts choose this span of pregnancy when fertilization takes place as the best time to take the pregnancy test. The period after one week of missed period is identified as the phase when the embryo gets attached to the uterus and is considered the best possible stage of pregnancy to take the pregnancy test. However, building up of the HCG concentration can vary from one person to another.

    Rate Of Accuracy Of Pregnancy Tests

    Currently, urine based pregnancy tests are commonly recommended and used. Yet, occurrences of a misleading test result can be avoidable when all the instructions on these tests are obeyed. If the tests are taken just after the missed periods, you might experience ‘negative’ false pregnancy test results. Often, if the strips are not properly soaked in urine, the tests might return to you a negative result.

    On the other hand, probabilities for positive false pregnancy test results also remain. Have you been waiting longer than required to show you a positive pregnancy test result since the evaporation of urine from the strip will show you the color of positive test results? You should be cautious about the possibilities of positive false pregnancy test results as some rare type of cancers resemble positive pregnancy test results. In such cases, women after two weeks of missed period should visit a doctor, to undergo a blood test that is more likely to be accurate than the urine pregnancy test.

    False-pregnancy symptoms make you believe that you are pregnant while you are not. This happens if you do not read the early signs of pregnancy well. Get an early pregnancy test for conformation.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Tuesday, March 4, 2008

    Is There An Error Proof Pregnancy Test?

    Pregnancy testing has come a long way. It no longer takes a doctor visit and waiting days for the results. You can now purchase an over the counter pregnancy test and have your results in as little as five minutes. But do you know how home pregnancy test work? Do you know the best time to take a test? This article will answer these questions and give some good advice about error proof pregnancy tests.

    The home pregnancy tests that you can buy today work by detecting hCG, which stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This is a hormone that is secreted by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining. This implantation takes place about six days after fertilization. Then the amount of hCG starts to increase very rapidly. In fact, it doubles every two days. By the time you miss your period, the amount should be detectable in your urine. But if you want to increase your chances of an accurate result you should wait at least a week after you miss your period to take a pregnancy test.

    It is important that you read all of the instructions thoroughly before you take your pregnancy test. These tests were designed to be very simple to use, but you should be familiar with the testing process and how long you should wait before you read the test. Some test require that you pee into a cup and then place a few drops of urine on the testing stick, while others let you pee directly onto the testing stick. It is very important that you follow the testing instructions to the letter if you want an accurate result.

    All home pregnancy tests will have a control box that shows that the test is working properly. This should not be confused with a positive result. Make sure that you know where the control box or control line should be. If your control line does not show up on your test, throw your test out and get another one. The absence of a control line means that the test is not working properly and will not give you an accurate result. Always check the expiration date on the box. If it is expired throw it away and get a new test.

    It is always a good idea to test the first morning urine. This is when your urine is the most concentrated and would have the highest levels of hCG. Over the counter pregnancy tests will say that you don't have to wait for the first morning urine to get a result, but if you want to be absolutely sure, testing the first morning urine is a good idea. The hCG could be diluted at other times during the day, especially if you drink a lot of water or other liquids.

    If you have a negative result and still think you might be pregnant, wait a few days and do another test. Sometimes ovulation may have occurred later in your cycle. If the test is still negative and you don't have a period, see your doctor.

    The most important things to remember when using an over the counter pregnancy test is to read the instructions and make sure that enough time has passed since your missed period. If you do these two things, your home pregnancy test can really be an error proof pregnancy test.

    Will Taking Contraceptive Pills make a Pregnancy Test Inaccurate?

    If you suspect that you may be pregnant and you are taking a contraceptive pill like Mircette, it is wise to stop taking your pills until you have at least carried out a home pregnancy test - this will ensure that there are no risks to the fetus. You may be wondering though, if a home pregnancy kit works by measuring hormone levels- and you have been taking synthetic hormones in your Mircette contraceptive pill - "Will I get an accurate result from my DIY test?

    Pregnancy tests do not measure estrogen and progestin, the two hormones in combined oral contraceptive pills so even if you get pregnant while taking an oral contraceptive, you can rely on the result of the test being accurate. Taking Mircette will NOT interfere with your pregnancy test result.This is true whether you are still taking Mircette or have recently stopped taking it because of your suspicion that you may be pregnant.

    Mircette is an extremely effective oral contraceptive pill so it is highly unlikely that you will become pregnant while taking it, unless you have missed several days of taking your pill. If you have stopped taking Mircette or any other brand of oral contraceptive pill, now is the time to decide if you wish to become pregnant now or sometime in the near future. If you do not wish to get pregnant at this point in your life, you should resume taking the pills and use back up contraception for a week.

    But don't estrogen levels rise when you are pregnant and oral contraceptives, like Mircette, contain estrogen?

    Yes, when you are pregnant estrogen levels are higher but this is NOT the hormone that is measured by a pregnancy test kit. All pregnancy test kits measure beta HCG (a placental hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin). A urine or a blood sample can be used to measure beta HCG.

    Most home urine pregnancy tests will turn positive 10 - 16 days after conception occurs. If you were not taking oral contraceptives, this would be around the time of your first missed period. When you are on oral contraceptives, ovulation could have occurred at a more irregular time so that if the pregnancy test is negative, you are either not pregnant OR you are less than 14 days pregnant from the date you ovulated.

    If you were to become pregnant while taking oral contraceptives, a normal 'withdrawal bleed' would not occur.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Early Home Pregnancy Test


    The first home pregnancy test was invented in the year 1978. This was know as the earliest pregnancy test or EPT. This test became famous in those days as the only earliest home pregnancy tests available. But the tests were very tedious in those days.

    There were debates about the sensitivity of the home pregnancy tests. The earliest Pregnancy tests were able to detect the pregnancy a early as the fertilized egg attaches itself with the uterine wall. At this time of pregnancy, the hCG levels in the blood was found to be 6.5mIU which is a very low amount. The next pregnancy test had a sensitivity of 25mIU hCG. These two pregnancy tests were considered to be good in terms of the providing the information about pregnancy during the days of missed periods. The next best pregnancy test had the worst sensitivity of 100mIU which was far from the 25mIU and 6.5mIU level of hCG. The EPT had a success rate of 97% and also had a failure of 80%.

    Usage of EPT

    The EPT consists of a test tube, a vial purified water, and the sheep blood cells. The test tube is made to fix in a plastic stand. Once the test is performed with the urine, the results are identified by fixing the test tube in a fixed stand and looking through it from a angled mirror. If a dark ring is visible in the test tube, then it shows that the women is pregnant. This black ring was latter on replaced with the blue ring. The test lasts for nearly two hours and the results has to be interpreted correctly by the user. Since there are chances that the dark ring becomes very light, there happens cases where the user is not able to conclude if she is pregnant or not. More over the user has to be extremely careful while performing the test. A slight change in the procedure in the test may lead to a drastic change in the results.

    History of Home pregnancy tests

    In days back in 1978, EPT was considered a very good option of home pregnancy test. But the women are even not able to believe that they had to wait for more than two hours in order to complete the test. Thus as days passed upon more and researches where carried over in the field of pregnancy tests. Currently the time taken to complete the test is around two to three minutes. Moreover the sensitivity of the test has also been improved. Now there are costly tests which can detect the pregnancy even with 6.5mIU of hCG hormones.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms

    Some very basic things which could lead you to believe that you are pregnant are things such as the most obvious missed period. Below are some very early pregnancy symptoms that are most common in women.

    Missed periods is a good indication of pregnancy and is the best known symptom of pregnancy but of course further tests would be needed to confirm as there are many different reasons for missed periods including stress, etc. This can be misleading as there are many factors which could cause you to have a missed period or irregular period such as stress, overproduction of progesterone and estrogen hormones, among other causes that can delay or stop this natural process.

    Morning sickness and pregnancy have often been thought to go hand in hand but this can also be misleading. If you experience legitimate morning sickness then it would be expected around 4 - 6 weeks but can not be 100% accurate. Nausea & morning sickness occurs within 50% to 95% of all women.

    Pregnancy and strange food cravings. Can be false as the reason could be pregnancy or could be as simple as your body may be lacking certain vitamins and minerals, etc. Unusual strange food cravings usually occur within the first trimester.

    Cramping can occur within 8 - 10 days after fertilization. This is quit normal. If you have had a record of previous miscarriages then perhaps worth consulting a doctor if cramping occurs.

    Fatigue can occur very early in pregnancy, even with days after unprotected sex. Drink plenty of water, something that you should do through our pregnancy.

    Phantom pregnancies or false pregnancies can happen often. This happens most often with couples who are trying to have a baby and are very keen to get pregnant.

    As can be seen, there are many different misleading signs of pregnancy. The best pregnancy symptom to tell if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test which are very accurate.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com


    Top 10 Earliest Pregnancy Symptoms


    Here are the top 10 very early pregnancy signs that will help you.

    Some women don't have any symptoms at all. Some women have a few of these presented below. Some women may have others that are not listed. These pregnancy symptoms tend to be the most prevalent, however.

    1. Fatigue. Due to the increase in hormone levels, most women begin to feel extreme fatigue in early pregnancy.

    2. Sore breasts and/or nipples. Many women feel that their breasts are fuller and more tender with their nipples being more sensitive during early pregnancy.

    3. Cramping and/or bloating. This early pregnancy symptom tends to feel very much like your period is coming.

    4. Light bleeding. This light spotting is caused by the fertilized egg embedding into the lining of the uterus. Many women feel that their period is beginning, but it is actually one of their first signs of pregnancy.

    5. Nausea and/or vomiting. Normally, morning sickness won't occur until about a month after conception, and some escape this pregnancy symptom altogether.

    6. Increased urination. This symptom of early pregnancy occurs due to the increase in blood and other body fluids, which is processed by the kidneys and ends up in the bladder. This increase in urination will most likely only worsen as your pregnancy progresses.

    7. Missed period. This pregnancy symptom is the first sign to some women that they are pregnant, especially with menstrual periods that are pretty regular.

    8. Increased sensitivity to odors. This early pregnancy symptom may be due to increased estrogen levels, but no one knows for sure.

    9. Basal body temperature stays high. If you're charting your basal body temperature, one of the very early pregnancy signs is a higher-than-normal temperature for that time of the month due to increasing progesterone levels in early pregnancy.

    10. Positive pregnancy test . Most pregnancy tests will not detect early pregnancy until your menstrual period is missed. Some tests are more highly sensitive, however, and can detect pregnancy as early as a few days after conception.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com

    Sunday, March 2, 2008

    How to Spot Early Pregnancy Signs

    While a pregnancy test can give you a definite positive or negative, there are ways to spot early pregnancy signs before confirming with a test. A woman’s pregnant body undergoes a number of changes and some may be clear giveaways about whether or not you are pregnant.

    Keep track of your menstrual cycle. Have you missed a period? While other factors can impact menstruation, a missed period is one sign of pregnancy.

    Take notice of how you are feeling. If you are queasy, especially in the morning, or if certain smells or tastes make you feel nauseous, these can be indications of morning sickness. Not all women experience this symptom, however.

    Consider any spotting since your last period as a possible early sign of pregnancy. When the embryo implants into the uterus, it may or may not result in spotting in some women. Cramping is also an early pregnancy sign and may be associated with implantation.

    Experiencing a loss of appetite or changes in appetite, such as food cravings, can be a pregnancy symptom. Similarly, some foods that you previously enjoyed may become completely unappealing to you.

    Evaluate your energy. Do you feel tired? Pregnancy can cause a shift in some new mom’s energy levels, so be aware of any fatigue.

    Soreness, tenderness and/or swollen breasts may also be an early pregnancy clue.

    Increased urination is another possible sign of pregnancy, so frequent trips to the restroom may be caused by more than an increase in drinking fluids.

    Some women gain weight early in their pregnancy, so if you see a sudden increase on the scale, pregnancy is one possible reason.

    Keep in mind that no two pregnancies are the same, and that women have varying pregnancy symptoms.

    Always see your physician or midwife if you suspect you may be pregnant. If a home pregnancy test produces a positive result, schedule an appointment so that you can start your pregnancy on the right track.

    If you have a negative pregnancy test result, but continue to have any of these symptoms, you may want to wait a week before taking another pregnancy test. If you still test negative, but have any of these symptoms, see your physician. He can do further testing and determine if the symptoms are due to an illness.

    To learn more visit
    http://birthdefectcauses.blogspot.com
    http://www.pregnancy-guidelines.com