What Is The Early Ectopic Pregnancy Symptom?

Before discussing the early ectopic pregnancy symptom, let's know what actually an ectopic pregnancy is.


Ectopic Pregnancy

When the embryo develops outside your uterus, it is called ectopic pregnancy. Usually, the embryo gets implanted in your fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Such pregnancies are also known as tubal pregnancies. They can even occur at other pelvic places like your abdomen, ovary, or cervix and is diagnosed through the early ectopic pregnancy symptom.

Recognizing The Early ectopic Pregnancy Symptom

The following are the early ectopic pregnancy symptom that you may experience:

* Pain in the abdomen. This is usually at the lower part or on one side.
* Vaginal bleeding.
* Late or missed menstruation.
* Passing of tissue from the vagina. As far as possible, you should try to keep the passed tissue for the doctor's examination.
* Other usual pregnancy symptoms.

You can begin to feel the early ectopic pregnancy symptom before you miss your period.

Late Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

As the ectopic pregnancy advances, it may cause bleeding and rupture. You may experience:

* Unconsciousness or dizziness due to loss of blood.
* Pain in your shoulders. The blood causes disturbance in the diaphragm, which, in turn, exerts pressure on your shoulder nerves.
* Increased heartbeats.
* Weakness
* Bloating and hardness in the abdomen

You should not ignore the early ectopic pregnancy symptom and wait till the late ones arrive. It is very important that ectopic pregnancy be detected and treated early to save your fertility and your life. Moreover, the treatments are more effective during the early stage.

Therefore, as soon as you notice the early ectopic pregnancy symptom, you should call your doctor and be ready to head for the emergency room.

What Happens In The Emergency Room?

*Transvaginal ultrasound
* Urine pregnancy test
* Blood test (only if it is not possible to be detected through urine test).
* Pelvic examination

Your doctor will make sure whether the early ectopic pregnancy symptoms are actually of ectopic pregnancy or other condition that also display similar symptoms.

Diagnosis Of Ectopic Pregnancy

The best thing to do is rush to your doctor as soon as you catch the early ectopic pregnancy symptom. Diagnosis is easier during the early stage. If the tube bursts, you may experience a strong pain in the abdomen and may even faint. This makes the diagnosis difficult. Moreover, you don't want to go through such a painful period, do you? Hence, be on the alert for early signs.

The early ectopic pregnancy symptom is your body's way of telling you that there is something wrong in there. Do not let it grow into a serious condition. Treat it fast.

Alien writes for stye and health information

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Pregnancy Morning Sickness: What Causes The Nausea?

Many women suffer from pregnancy morning sickness some just suffer more than others.

Morning sickness strikes in early pregnancy. With symptoms such as mild nausea and fatigue, morning sickness is a common feature. Others, including nosebleeds and bladder infections, are less common.

Changes! Changes!

So what leads to early pregnancy symptoms as morning sickness? Soon after you conceive, your body begins a series of major changes that enable it to sustain your baby through 9 months of growth and development. The glands of your endocrine system and placenta begin to cause more hormone production. Your blood volume increases and your uterus expand.

By the fourth month of pregnancy, you'll begin to feel like yourself, mostly because your body has adjusted somewhat to these dramatic changes. Until then, you can rest assured that first trimester pregnancy symptoms are almost always associated with normal pregnancies that lead to healthy babies. For example, morning sickness and the other ailments that occur around this time are almost always mild enough to manage on your own. If the symptoms persist into the second trimester pregnancy, then there could well be trouble. You need to get yourself medically examined.

How common is pregnancy morning sickness? More than half of pregnant women or about 70% suffer from bouts of morning sickness that include nausea and vomiting, early in pregnancy. While a queasy feeling may be most commonly felt in the morning, the feeling could even last through the day.

The Hormone's Role

Pregnancy morning sickness affects because a rapid increase in hCG (the pregnancy hormone) and estrogen play a part in the appearance of morning sickness. You start feeling the effects of pregnancy morning sickness once the pregnancy hormone raises to a certain level. Many start feeling relief from the morning sickness around the time that the levels of hCG start to decline in your system, which is about the time that the second trimester strikes.

Another change that occurs when you are pregnant is a heightened sense of taste and smell. Smells and tastes that once were appealing take on a whole new effect. Foods such as coffee and meats that might once be appealing to you, now begin to repel owing to their strong odors. It is believed that the increase of estrogen is responsible for this change.

It is also believed that women who have a weak stomach or are prone to throwing up for a number of reasons such as stress, illness, birth control pills, etc. can experience pregnancy morning sickness more often and severely than women who have a stronger ability to withstand nausea and a strong stomach.

Relieve It!

How do you manage pregnancy morning sickness? Ways to relieve that nauseous feeling last from munching a few crackers before getting up early in the morning, eating several small meals a day so your stomach is never empty, drinking plenty of fluids including crushed ice, fruit juice, or frozen ice pops, to wearing a morning sickness band which might soothe your stomach by pressing on an acupressure point inside your wrist.


Alien writes for Teen pregnancy . He also writes for family health and home remedies .


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Is Very Early Pregnancy Symptom - Cramping - Always Normal?

You are pregnant. Congratulations! Have you experienced the very early pregnancy symptom - cramping? If yes, then don't worry, it is quite normal to get this symptom. If not, then you are going to experience it very soon. It's a way of your body to inform you that an embryo is implanted in your uterus and ready to undertake its nine-month journey!

Let's know more about this very early pregnancy symptom, cramping; when it's normal and when it requires your doctor's attention.

The Cause Behind Cramping

This very early pregnancy symptom, cramping, is caused because of the enlargement of your uterus, as it welcomes the embryo into it. The newly implanted embryo forces the walls of your uterus to expand, thus, causing the feeling of cramps. The second name for cramping is implantation bleeding, which takes place when the fertilized egg moves to the uterus lining and expands it. This cramping is just like the one you experience before your period.

Don't be horrified if you see blood spots in your panties, along with the very early pregnancy symptom, cramping. Spotting may occur about a week or two after fertilization. Moreover, the light bleeding will take place only for a couple of days. Another thing to notice is that the blood is very light in color, unlike the blood released during menstruation, which is darker. Also, menstruation lasts for 5-6 day while this spotting should NOT last for more than two days. If you are doubtful about this symptom, then look out for other early pregnancy symptoms. If you don't like the anxiety of it, they go for a pregnancy test straight away.

Cramping Requires Medical Attention When.

The very early pregnancy symptom, cramping, is normal and does not call for worry. It is a harmless indication by your body that it is preparing for nurturing your baby. However, if you get fever or experience excess bleeding with cramping, then you need to worry and call your doctor fast.

When we say that the very early pregnancy symptom, cramping, is normal, we mean ONLY cramping and spotting. However, if there's more to it than just cramping, then you require a doctor. For women, who have had a miscarriage before, should see a doctor to ensure that their cramping is not related to any complication.

Never ignore the dark color of blood or excess bleeding or excess pain. These are signs that there's something wrong. The very early pregnancy symptom - cramping DOES NOT accompany all this. Moreover, you should also not try to treat these signs yourself. You don't know why this is happening. Hence, it's best to leave it to your doctor.

There are women who can make out that they are pregnant simply by experiencing this very early pregnancy symptom, cramping. Then there are women who get confused whether it's the commencement of pregnancy or menstruation. Whatever be the case, the ultimate confirmation comes after the line in your pregnancy test kit shows positive.



Alien writes for Teen pregnancy . He also writes for family health and home remedies .


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Unusual Early Pregnancy Symptoms: A Checklist

Some women trying to get pregnant for the first time, find unusual early pregnancy symptoms bothering them. Despite looking for obvious symptoms of pregnancy like nausea and swollen breasts, some women find none of these symptoms appearing on them. But some unusual symptoms instead appear to warn you of your pregnancy. Some of these symptoms might signal that you are heading for a not very normal pregnancy.

Salivating Endlessly

What might be these signs of unusual early pregnancy symptoms? One symptom could be you producing more saliva than usual during pregnancy. You might find yourself salivating excessively so much so that you may need a handkerchief with you to prevent the excess drool from spilling out and embarrassing you. Don't worry, while a strange symptom of early pregnancy, it is a symptom of changing hormone levels and is not an unduly cause for concern.
Veins on your Chest

Another unusual early pregnancy symptom is a unique physical change that might show on your body, obvious veins on your chest. You might notice them after taking a bath, and these may be in the form of a series of veins under your arms and along the sides of your breasts that look like darkened railway tracks. The increased blood supply to the body have caused these veins.

Frequent Nosebleeds or Nasal Congestion

Another unusual early pregnancy symptom are frequent nosebleeds or nasal congestion, particularly at night, both the result of pregnancy. You may be surprised to find you awake in the morning with a stuffy nose, whether or not you have a cold.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Some pregnant women are surprised to find they have more discharge, a response to changing levels of hormones in your body, than normal during pregnancy. This is usually nothing to worry about unless accompanied by other symptoms like odor, itching or burning.

Metal Mouth

Some women report tasting metal in their mouths particularly during early pregnancy. This is an uncommon but sometimes reported unusual early pregnancy symptom.

The Protein Can Tell

Another unusual early pregnancy symptom are the levels of protein in the body which you can gauge through the alphafetoprotein (AFP) test. The AFP test is a simple blood test that can give insight into the health of the unborn baby. Once blood is drawn, the protein is measured and this is then compared to a standard range for the current length of pregnancy. A low level of AFP could be an indicator that the unborn fetus has Down's syndrome, and a high level could indicate a neural tube
disorder such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

How accurate are the results of this test? Dating of the pregnancy could influence the results, as could the presence of twins. Meaning, you could be carrying twins and this test might prove that you are. The AFP test is not a completely accurate means of abnormality in pregnancy. Most women with a high level of AFP in the blood, have healthy babies. And it is also possible that a woman who shows a normal result on this screening test could still give birth to a baby with a genetic abnormality. The amount of protein in the body is an unusual early pregnancy symptom that needs to be checked to see whether there is something amiss with the pregnancy.

Alien writes for Pregnancy calendars. He also writes for women's health care and skin care products .
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Healthy Pregnancy - Healthy Baby

Pregnancy is the most natural stage of life for most women and so as the desire for a healthy pregnancy. Yet the discovery that a baby is on the way is the most exciting moment in one’s life. The surest way to have a healthy baby is to have a healthy pregnancy by following a healthy lifestyle. A healthy way of life adopted by would be parents before conception, lessens the risks to the baby during early weeks of development, when a woman might be still unaware of her pregnancy. Preparing For A Healthy Baby Both partners should be nutrition conscious before planning for a baby. This will lead to you in good health from day one and give the baby a healthier start to life. Even though most women of childbearing age are healthy and most pregnancies are considered low risk, then also a few precautions mentioned below are desirable to have a healthy pregnancy:

Get good medical care before you get pregnant
Eat well-balanced and nutritive diet• Exercise regularly under a doctor’s supervision • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, drugs and nicotine • Avoid medications, x-rays, hot tub baths and saunas • Avoid infections.

Good Medical Care
The best way to have a healthy pregnancy is to have your health in order before conceiving. A health care provider will guide you towards healthy diet, healthy habits, check your immunity to rubella or measles, mumps, control general illnesses before conceiving, and help you keep your weight within a desired range. Once you are pregnant, your doctor will schedule your regular visits to perform series of examinations to monitor mother and baby’s health constantly.

Well-Balanced Diet Plan
An average pregnant woman gains 25 to 35 pounds in nine months. A healthy and fit pregnancy requires about 300 extra calories daily to maintain the baby and mother. The balanced diet during this period should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, some amount of fat and extra vitamins and minerals. Supplements of iron and folic acid reduce the risk of birth defects. Have 8-10 glasses of water, avoid caffeine, aerated and sweetened drinks to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Avoid Infections
Many infections caught from all possible sources like raw food, kitty litter, atmosphere, workplace or sick people should be avoided as they can cause serious harm to the fetus.

Medications
Do not take medication of any kind like antibiotics or steroids, without consulting your doctor, as they can be devastating for the unborn baby. Maintain a healthy pregnancy by refraining from even the minor medication, habitual drugs, alcohol and nicotine.

Exercise Stay in shape by resorting to simple exercise plan under the doctor’s supervision to maintain proper pregnancy health, stamina, labor and quicker regaining of pre-pregnancy shape. Wear comfortable bra and clothes, avoid strenuous exercises, pain or discomfort, modify exercise plan to suit your growing size and general health.

Adopting routines of relaxation, breathing, diet will result in healthy pregnancy, and easy labor and birth of a healthy baby.





Apurva Shree is the online editor of free pregnancy information resource http://www.pregnancy-period.com/ She has developed this site to provide valuable information on pregnancy and useful methods to enjoy your pregnancy period and the ways in which you welcome your new world of motherhood. http://www.pregnancy-period.com/ is your free resource that not only provides information on pregnancy period but the other aspects of pregnancy as well.E-mail- pregnancyperiod@yahoo.com


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Six Questions All Women Ask About Pregnancy

Here are a set of six questions about pregnancy that almost all women have in their mind while pregnant. We give you the answers to save you from unnecessary worry and confusion.


1. Is it too painful to give birth? Well, giving birth IS painful. However, it is more painful for some while for others, it may just be a smooth ride. Moreover, it depends on how you deliver the baby. An epidural birth makes you able to tolerate the pain better while in natural birth, it depends on how you breathe through pain to make it bearable. Other factors are your health and your capacity to withstand pain.


2. Is my baby Healthy Inside? A lot of mothers are anxious about pregnancy in terms of their baby’s health in their womb. Don’t worry. Medical science has reached great heights of advancement and can detect and treat problems effectively. For example, morning sickness, tiredness, and mood oscillations are good signs. It shows that your hormones are doing their work dutifully in helping your baby to develop. Besides this, if you are alert about any spotting or pain and report to your doctor immediately, then rest assured, your baby is going to be perfectly fine and cozy inside you.


3. Will I Gain Too Much Weight? Depending on your weight before pregnancy, you need to add about 25-35 pounds to your body weight during pregnancy to nourish your baby. A great way to avoid gaining too much extra flab is to increase your calorie intake by 300 calories daily. However, do not forget to exercise regularly to prevent anxious moments about pregnancy weight.


4. Is Coffee Harmful During Pregnancy? This is a debatable question. Some doctors are of the view that a cup or two won’t do any harm to your baby while others don’t to recommend it. The best thing you can do is consult your doctor. If your blood pressure is high, then your doctor may ask you to avoid it totally.


5. Will A Seat Belt Hurt My Baby? Before using a seat belt, consult your doctor about how you should place it on your abdomen. A seat belt is harmless, if worn properly, and protects you and your baby. This is one of the major issues about pregnancy safety.


6. What Should Be My Sleeping Posture? As your pregnancy advances, you will find that sleeping on your sides or back feels most comfortable. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it puts pressure on your baby. Moreover, you won’t feel like sleeping on your stomach as your belly grows larger.


So, now that your doubts have vanished, get ready to bring a new life into the world!





Apurva Shree is the online editor of free pregnancy information resource http://www.pregnancy-period.com/ She has developed this site to provide valuable information on pregnancy and useful methods to enjoy your pregnancy period and the ways in which you welcome your new world of motherhood. http://www.pregnancy-period.com/ is your free resource that not only provides information on pregnancy period but the other aspects of pregnancy as well.E-mail- pregnancyperiod@yahoo.com


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Pregnancy - Problems And Solutions

Most of the people believe that the only change in body which pregnancy brings with it is expanding waistline. If you also feel so then to your surprise there is many other changes take place in the bodies of the women. Due to these changes one can feel problems in the digestive system, stretch marks along with other changes in the skin, increased weight and sleeping problems. With the expansion of the uterus women start feeling pain in the area of the groin, abdomen, thigh and back. When the pressure of the head of the baby increases pain in the pelvic area also starts.

Lying Down And Resting Can Help In Pregnancy

If these early pregnancy symptom or any other pregnancy symptom is creating much trouble for you during the pregnancy week by week then you can try following remedies for it. Keep your body in lying down position because resting eases some of the pain caused by the pregnancy. Alternatively you can apply heat also to get some relief.

Changes That May Take Place in The Breasts

There are some changes take places in the breasts of the women during the pregnancy. The size of the breast of the pregnant women increases. As the due date comes nearer the size of the breasts gets even bigger due to the hormonal changes. This is the method of the nature for preparing your body for the breastfeeding. You may feel a little bit uncomfortable because the fullness and heaviness of the breast may lead to the tenderness.

How To Deal With The Leaking Liquid
During pregnancy after a definite period of time a liquid starts leaking from the breasts of the pregnant women. This liquid is known as colostrum. This is yellowish and thick fluid contains the antibodies so that the newborn baby could be prevented from any kind of infection. In some cases the quantity of this colostrum or the first milk is too much and the women start feeling embarrassing. To avoid such kind of situation one can take the help of nursing pads inside the bra.

Soap Dries The Nipples And Irritates Them

If you are also facing similar kind of troubles during the pregnancy then here are some tips for you. First of all you should choose the right kind of bra. According to the experts a nursing or maternity bra is the most suitable option because it is soft and can provide the extra support. In addition, do not use any kind of soap while washing your nipples. This is because soap can produce a drying and irritating effect on the nipples. Any moisturizing cream that contains the lanolin is the right cure for the cracked nipples.




Apurva Shree is the online editor of free pregnancy information resource http://www.earlypregnancy-symptom.info She has developed this site to provide valuable information on early pregnancy symptoms and useful methods to enjoy your pregnancy period and the ways in which you welcome your new world of motherhood. http://www.earlypregnancy-symptom.info is your free resource that not only provides information on early pregnancy symptoms but the other aspects of pregnancy too.



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Does childbirth hurt? Can a duck swim????

Pregnancy and childbirth! One word….OUCH! If you are pregnant and expecting your first child don’t believe anyone that says it won’t hurt it will. But there is an upside. There is a point in labour when the pain is actually enjoyable. Hard to believe maybe but I do speak from experience:

I have gone through labour twice now. The first one was very scary as I was 19 embarking on a life of being a single parent and the birth was an emergency caesarean. The c-section section was carried out because the baby was in the breach position and during labour the babies’ heart beat stopped, so I was told I had to have a c-section. It seemed like madness as doctors and nurses were rushing around frantically. I was told that there was a bit of a waiting list and that I was 4th in line and that they take 15 minutes each. But because of the waiting list he should be able to work faster to do one in 12 minutes. Please can I sign here! After signing the paper I was then told to sit up so they could administrate an epidural but I couldn’t stay still for long enough and as I had been in labour all night I was exhausted so I asked them to put me to sleep. That was fine but they couldn’t put me to sleep until I was in the operating theatre! Another 45 minutes later my son was born although I did not really see him for another 6 hours as I slept.

I remember waking up in some pain and thinking oh know not again, thinking the pain was a contraction. It was only when I realised there was a baby in an incubator next to me that I realised it was not a contraction at all. The pain was just the after pain and when I realised it was not getting any worse I felt a lot better. I laid there looking at the cot wondering if the baby was a boy or a girl. After 10 minutes of day dreaming a nurse came in and asked if I was breast feeding the baby, I said I wanted to try so she got the baby out and put him straight on my breast. I asked the nurse what sex the baby was and I was told it was a boy. As I was looking down at him while the nurse was busy trying to get the baby to get a suck on my nipple I wondered why the baby was dark skinned. I was in a bit of a panic as I new there was no chance my son could be born black. It really scarred me for a while and the nurse didn’t reassure me, in fact she just carried on trying to get the baby to latch on to my breast. I got the impression that to her I was just another stupid teenager embarking on motherhood. Well I was a very scared teenager embarking on motherhood with very little support.

Other nurses were kinder and more of a help but at the end of the day I was the babies mother and he was my responsibility. After a week I took him home and spent the next 15 years devoted to him. He is nearly 16 now and is a wonderful, special, polite, well mannered, kind, giving, helpful boy and a credit to society. If only more young lads were like him the world would be a better place.

My second labour was a lot less painful and it was almost enjoyable. I was 26 and had a partner who was with me during labour. There was just a midwife on standby doing a crossword. It was a very relaxed environment and very strange to me as I thought having lots of doctors in and out was the norm. A few hours later I managed to push out son number two, the last push was enjoyable, almost like an itch being scratched. I was again a little shocked at how he looked as my first son didn’t have to go through the trauma of a natural birth so he looked perfect. Son number two came out screaming and I thought he looked like a little ugly monkey. As soon as the baby was born the father left me too it, a sign of things to come I now know, and I struggled to walk to the shower room and shower myself. Just under 2 years later1 week before my youngest sons second birthday I was on my own again. It was very devastating at the time and I struggled for a while. But I can honestly say apart from the birth of my children, my ex leaving was the best thing that ever happened to me. It is so much easier bringing up children on your own. Obviously ideally a child should have a mother a father but in today’s society that is not always possible. With my experience you can do a better job on your own and your children turn out a lot better than some children brought up in a mum dad environment.

But does it hurt, well yes. But it is well worth it, yes. Should you go ahead and have a child? I believe everyone should experience having a child, there is nothing like the unconditional love from a child. If you’re on you own, don’t let that put you off, it is all the more rewarding and if you bring your children up right they will stay your best friend for ever.

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Carolyn Clayton is a webmaster who writes about a number of topics including Pregnancy and Childbirth.Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site.
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4 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

4 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

So you want to get that wiggly bowling ball of a baby out already!! Its been 9 months of puking, peeing, bloating and not sleeping and it is time to put an end to the madness. The bassinet is ready, your bags are packed and the nursary has a fresh coat of paint. Well aside from booking a planned c-section there are no guarantees as too when your little munchkin will make an appearance, however there are a few things you could try to give nature a nudge. These are the 4 methods I explored with my last two pregnancies to get the ball rolling.

1) Essential Oil-Clary Sage-This was a personal favorite of mine that I used to go into labor with both of my little monkeys. I am convinced without the assistance of Clary Sage that I would have gone overdue with both pregnancies, however both occurred right at my due date! I simply rubbed the oil on my wrists and ankles and added a few drops to my bath water. It also comes in handy during labor where the scent helped to provide calm and comfort, and actually assist in the effective dialation of the uterus. They do warn however, not to use until you are far enough along in your pregnancy to go into labor.

2) Stripping or Sweeping Membranes- This was not a favorite of mine which I did do twice in the doctors office with my last pregnancy (at 38 & 39 weeks). Basically the doctor inserts his finger into the vagina and attempts to separate your bag of water from the lower part of the uterus. This is suppose to cause a release of hormones called prostaglandins which should help to get contractions going and may help to further ripen the cervix. I have one word for this procedure...OUCH!! It hurt so very bad, but more so the first time. I did experience some spotting and cramping after having this procedure done, which I was told by my doctor is completely normal. Although it was a painful procedure and it didn't work to put me right into labour as I was hoping, if given the choice, I would do it again.

3) Sex-I know what your thinking. Isn't this what got me in this mess to begin with? Well sometimes how it starts is how it ends. So although you may feel as big as a house and it feels that you got kicked hard in the crotch it may be worth it to hop on board so to speak. Apparently semen contains prostaglandins that can stimulate contractions.

4)Nipple Stimulation-Well I must say that this one is much easier than the sex option and with enough massaging I remember even feeling light contractions of the uterus. The science behind nipple stimulation is that it helps your body release oxytocin (natural form of pitocin), which causes contractions and can even help to bring on labor. Some doctors do advise against this method because it can lead to long, hard contractions which can stress the baby and the fetal heart rate.

Ultimately, it is that little tike that will decide when he or she is ready to come out, however it never hurts to try to give nature a nudge. It is however, incredibly important that you speak with your doctor or health care provider before attempting any approach to induce labour (natural or otherwise).

Nicole Burgess
www.littlesthealthshop.com
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Is It Safe To Exercise During Pregnancy?

Many women are nervous about doing anything that may harm their baby, but exercise is recommended for uncomplicated pregnancy women and it is a good idea to get some exercises everyday.

Moderate exercise is helpful because it improves the mother’s mental status and provide health benefits for the baby that include increasing oxygen flow to the fetus and decreasing risk of trauma for both baby and mother during birth. Some studies have shown that exercise can reduce the length of labour, shorten the recovery time, and even help with postpartum weight management.

The types of exercise that pregnant women should do are
• Aerobic exercises such as swimming and walking. These exercises will increase the heart rate and pump oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
• Kegels exercises (Pelvic floor exercises). These exercises are very important because they decrease risk of tearing of the perineum during birth and help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which tend to loosen after labour. All the pregnant women need to do is squeeze their pelvic muscles for a few minutes everyday.
• Flexibility exercise such as yoga that is the good way to improve the flexibility and this type of exercise is very popular in pregnant women. However, not all Yoga exercises are safe for pregnant women. Look for a prenatal Yoga class that is tailored to pregnant moms.

There are recognized contraindications for exercising during pregnant such as incompetence cervix, intrauterine growth retardation, pregnancy induced hypertension, preterm labour (during previous pregnancy), early contractions, vaginal bleeding and premature rupture of the membranes.

What should the pregnant women be careful about?
• Avoid exercising at extreme altitude or in hot, humid environments because it is critical that the pregnant women become overheated.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid activities that increase the risk of falls or injury, such as contact sports or vigorous sports.
• Avoid long periods of standing.
• Avoid contact sports and activities that quickly change the center of gravity.
• Wear good exercise shoes to help support the back and ankles.

Before starting any exercise program, the pregnant women should first discuss their plans with their doctor and have regular appointments with their health care provider.

What problems should the pregnant women tell their doctor about?
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Dizziness
• Dim or blurry vision
• Sudden or severe abdominal or vaginal pain
• Contractions that go on for 30 minutes.
• Chest pain and palpitation.
• Blood or fluid coming from the vagina
• Muscle weakness
• Calf pain or swelling
• Decreased movement of the baby

Pregnancy Health - Try To Keep Yourself Happy

Pregnancy health has a lot to do with the happy pregnancy. If you can keep yourself happy during the period of the pregnancy then your pregnancy health can be much better. Although, keeping yourself happy is always better for you at any point of the time yet it is truer when any symptom of pregnancy is observed. When you feel happy you can take the things more positively. This positive attitude is the secret of pregnancy health for any pregnant woman.

Positive Mindset
The best way to maintain the pregnancy health is to keep you happy. So, instead of looking here and there for the pregnancy health one must concentrate on the methods of happiness. Although, it is true that what can be a sure formula of happiness for one person may not work that much effectively for the another one yet we can say that if a person can keep himself in the positive frame of mindset then he or she has learnt the art of keeping himself or herself happy.

Keep Yourself Busy In Meaningful Work
Another good method for maintaining the pregnancy health is that the pregnant women should keep themselves involved in the constructive and meaningful work. In the process of giving something to others you develop a healthy relationship with the others that is very important for the pregnancy health. Once you achieve the happiness, you also get the feeling inside you that this happiness is your treasure and nobody can ever take it from you. This kind of feeling of the satisfaction creates a positive effect on the overall body health.

Whenever we observe early pregnancy symptom in the woman we should try that she develop a feeling of belief in herself. When a pregnant woman concentrates on what is best she is having rather than focusing on any negative point then it becomes a big factor for the improved pregnancy health. Here are some suggestions on how we can keep the pregnant women in a happy state of the mind. The first and the most effective method is to make her realize that she is going to create an extra ordinary thing in the life by creating a new life.

Another very effective method of keeping the pregnant woman happy for the better pregnancy health is to tell her that she is going through the rare opportunity in her life when she has the liberty of eating whatever she wishes at whatever time she like to eat. Tell her that instead of concentrating on the unpleasant changes taking place in the body of the pregnant woman she should try to focus on the jealously looking faces of the others because of the motherly glow on you face.



Apurva Shree is the online editor of free pregnancy information resource http://www.earlypregnancy-symptom.info She has developed this site to provide valuable information on early pregnancy symptoms and useful methods to enjoy your pregnancy period and the ways in which you welcome your new world of motherhood. http://www.earlypregnancy-symptom.info is your free resource that not only provides information on early pregnancy symptoms but the other aspects of pregnancy too.


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Your Weekly Guide - Maintain A Pregnancy Week By Week Calendar

This article can prove to be a useful guide for those who are expecting and also for those who want to know how a child does develops inside a mother’s womb. Pregnancy is a gradual process. Before moving on a detailed discussion on pregnancy week by week advancements, it is very important for us to know that there are three stages of pregnancy. Usually known as trimester, the first week of pregnancy runs from one to week fourteen, the second from weeks 15-26 and the third trimester from weeks 27-40.

Know The Weekly Progress Of Your Child:
Pregnancy week by week developments should be discussed right from the stage when a woman’s body prepares itself by ovulating. In 14 days, the egg is fertilized into sperm. There will be rapid development in week 4, and it is during this stage that a woman realizes that she is pregnant. If you are interested in detailed pregnancy week by week maturity level of the child, then you must have heard that the primitive streak develops and through this primitive streak the cells usually expands into three layers. The bottom layer is responsible for the development of tongue, lung linings, associated glands and tonsils and so on. The middle layer outlines the muscles, heart, blood cells, excretory and reproduction system and so on. And the topmost layer, firms the skin, eye lens, tooth, mouth, anus, skin and all parts of the nervous system.

With time and gradual pregnancy week by week advancements, the heart starts beating, the baby grows in size, the cerebellum starts forming during week 8 and by week 9 you can determine whether you are having a boy or girl. The baby becomes more active after week 9. The muscle structure varies in each baby and the baby starts to show eccentricity by week 11. This is a very important and interesting stage of growth in a child when you analyze pregnancy week by week development.

With time, the baby develops its own immune system. We should not forget that a mother’s body also needs proper attention and care when a child grows in her womb. Pregnancy health related issues can be understood by consulting your doctor. Due to hormonal changes, you may experience health problems such as backaches, cramps, morning sickness, nausea and exhaustion and so on. These are symptoms of pregnancy that generally starts during the initial stages and continues throughout pregnancy.

The journey of pregnancy is no doubt an enjoyable experience, irrespective of the pain one suffer. Motherhood is a privilege of women. And pregnancy week by week reports can make this journey even more enthralling. Maintain a weekly pregnant calendar that will cover all information regarding your visits to doctors, health related issues, child’s development and mood swings and so on. Remember, just visiting to a doctor does not complete your pregnancy week by week calendar. You need to pen down everything, right from conceiving to the time when the baby will actually finish dropping on its resting place. It is time to welcome your new born child.





Apurva Shree is the online editor of free pregnancy information resource http://www.pregnancyhealth.info She has developed this site to provide valuable information on early pregnancy symptoms and useful methods to enjoy your pregnancy period and the ways in which you welcome your new world of motherhood. http://www.pregnancyhealth.info is your free resource that not only provides information on early pregnancy symptoms but the other aspects of pregnancy too.





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Caffeine and Pregnancy

A huge controversy exists about caffeine and pregnancy with some conclusive findings suggesting that higher levels of caffeine intake can have negative effects on pregnant women and their babies. The real question up for debate is: What amount of caffeine is safe? While it is best not to ‘overworry’ about the chocolate bar you may have inhaled last night (yes…chocolate has caffeine), if you find the effects of caffeine on your pregnancy worrisome, perhaps you would be best suited avoiding caffeine altogether.

First, caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic, so it increases blood pressure and heart rate (not recommended during pregnancy), and causes frequent urination that could lead to dehydration. While you are in control of the exact amount of caffeine that enters your body, your baby is not; caffeine crosses the placenta and acts on your baby just as it acts on you. Normally, the effects of caffeine on an adult wear off in six hours, but in pregnant women, it may take twice as long to leave the body. Also, because the baby is still developing he will not be able to metabolize the caffeine efficiently which could result in altered sleep patterns and movement in the later stages of pregnancy.

In effort to prepare for pregnancy, many women eat better and exercise before conception to ensure that their bodies are healthy and ready for implantation of a fertilized embryo. Some studies have actually found a link between high amounts of caffeine consumption and delayed conception, with women who consumed more than 300 mg of caffeine per day twice as likely to have conception delayed a full year or more compared with women who consumed less than 300 mg per day. While low to moderate consumption seems safe, heavy caffeine drinkers may want to start cutting back even when they begin trying for a baby. No studies have been done on the effects of caffeine on sperm.

The under-300 mg per day mark seems to be the safe consumption level even after conception as the fetus grows within the mother. A few studies have been done that show an increase in miscarriage among women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine per day, and other study outcomes of high caffeine consumption included pre-term labor and low birth weight. Many studies done in animals have shown caffeine to cause birth defects, reduced fertility, and other reproductive problems, but human studies are still far behind. Although many women choose to avoid caffeine completely just in case it may have undiscovered effects in any amount, experts believe that moderate caffeine intake (150 mg-250 mg per day) will not have a negative effect on pregnancy.

For those women holding out until the late stages of pregnancy to enjoy caffeine again, the wait may be even longer than expected. Late in the pregnancy, the baby will absorb caffeine from the mother, and at this stage, the caffeine can cause increased fetal heart rate, increased breathing rate, and tremors. Also, babies born to women with high levels of caffeine consumption late in the pregnancy were likely to spend more time awake in the days following birth. Many tired parents of newborns want their babies to sleep well, so the avoidance of caffeine in late pregnancy is essential for the baby to establish good sleeping patterns, and essential for the parents’ peace of mind as well! Even breast-feeding mothers can pass caffeine into their baby’s system, so while low to moderate caffeine levels will not harm the baby, any amount of caffeine will be passed from mother to baby, metabolized by the baby’s system, and may have stimulating effects.

While most women and babies have no negative health effects from low to moderate caffeine consumption, caffeine sensitivity varies in each individual mom and baby. If you are normally caffeine sensitive, take care to avoid it during pregnancy, as the effects of caffeine are greater because it is more slowly metabolized in pregnant women. Avoid caffeine containing foods such as chocolate, coffee flavored ice creams and yogurts, and stick to fruity desserts like pies. Be sure to stay well hydrated with beverages such as decaffeinated tea, juice, and water.

If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, but consuming more than three cups of brewed coffee per day, try to start weaning yourself off of the coffee now, as your body will have a chance to adjust before all of the other changes start taking place. Once pregnant, take care to regulate caffeine intake at safe levels. Know what foods and beverages contain caffeine, and avoid them if you are concerned about the effects of caffeine on pregnancy. Myths do exist about caffeine and pregnancy, so remain calm if you do happen to slip and indulge in cappuccino ice cream; moderate levels of caffeine are safe for you and your baby.
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4 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

4 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

So you want to get that wiggly bowling ball of a baby out already!! Its been 9 months of puking, peeing, bloating and not sleeping and it is time to put an end to the madness. The bassinet is ready, your bags are packed and the nursary has a fresh coat of paint. Well aside from booking a planned c-section there are no guarantees as too when your little munchkin will make an appearance, however there are a few things you could try to give nature a nudge. These are the 4 methods I explored with my last two pregnancies to get the ball rolling.

1) Essential Oil-Clary Sage-This was a personal favorite of mine that I used to go into labor with both of my little monkeys. I am convinced without the assistance of Clary Sage that I would have gone overdue with both pregnancies, however both occurred right at my due date! I simply rubbed the oil on my wrists and ankles and added a few drops to my bath water. It also comes in handy during labor where the scent helped to provide calm and comfort, and actually assist in the effective dialation of the uterus. They do warn however, not to use until you are far enough along in your pregnancy to go into labor.

2) Stripping or Sweeping Membranes- This was not a favorite of mine which I did do twice in the doctors office with my last pregnancy (at 38 & 39 weeks). Basically the doctor inserts his finger into the vagina and attempts to separate your bag of water from the lower part of the uterus. This is suppose to cause a release of hormones called prostaglandins which should help to get contractions going and may help to further ripen the cervix. I have one word for this procedure...OUCH!! It hurt so very bad, but more so the first time. I did experience some spotting and cramping after having this procedure done, which I was told by my doctor is completely normal. Although it was a painful procedure and it didn't work to put me right into labour as I was hoping, if given the choice, I would do it again.

3) Sex-I know what your thinking. Isn't this what got me in this mess to begin with? Well sometimes how it starts is how it ends. So although you may feel as big as a house and it feels that you got kicked hard in the crotch it may be worth it to hop on board so to speak. Apparently semen contains prostaglandins that can stimulate contractions.

4)Nipple Stimulation-Well I must say that this one is much easier than the sex option and with enough massaging I remember even feeling light contractions of the uterus. The science behind nipple stimulation is that it helps your body release oxytocin (natural form of pitocin), which causes contractions and can even help to bring on labor. Some doctors do advise against this method because it can lead to long, hard contractions which can stress the baby and the fetal heart rate.

Ultimately, it is that little tike that will decide when he or she is ready to come out, however it never hurts to try to give nature a nudge. It is however, incredibly important that you speak with your doctor or health care provider before attempting any approach to induce labour (natural or otherwise).

Nicole Burgess
www.littlesthealthshop.com
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Nutrition in Pregnancy

Having a well balanced diet when you are pregnant is
extremely important, as your diet is going to be directly
related to the health of your fetus. A balanced diet is key
to having a healthy pregnancy. Thus, it is essential to get
the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as
other nutrients. This is often difficult in pregnancy
because of cravings, sickness, and lack of energy, which
makes preparing the right foods even harder.

Let's take a look at what you need, and then at a great
and easy option for meeting these nutritional needs.

During pregnancy vitamins are vital. Many women take
prenatal vitamins containing iron (for healthy blood) and
calcium (for healthy bones) to supplement what their
babies need. However, not all prenatal vitamins provide
everything you need, and many women find that
prenatal vitamins make them sick. Another option is to
pick fortified foods such as fortified breakfast cereals or
orange juice with calcium as some good ways to get
extra vitamins into your diet. But even this is not going to
be enough, as the fortified vitamins are never as
effective as the real thing from the source.

Another important vitamin that should be taken or
consumed during pregnancy is folic acid. It's also
important to take folic acid right before conception and in
the early weeks of pregnancy to help prevent birth
defects of the brain and spine. While you can take a
supplement for folic acid, it is better to include in your
diet natural food sources of folic acid. Natural sources
include oranges, green leafy vegetables, beans,
peanuts, broccoli, asparagus, peas, lentils, and enriched
grain products. Leafy greens are probably the best
source, and one of the plants with highest bioavailability
of folic acid is the Moringa tree.

Vitamins of all kinds are going to be essential for a
healthy, happy child. Certain vitamins can help to prevent
childhood blindness, diabetes, and other illnesses. So,
what is a great and easy option for obtaining all of the
necessary vitamins and minerals, as well as the other
nutrients needed for a healthy baby, such as the
essential amino acids, etc.? The answer is Zija.

Zija is a healthy, all natural beverage made from Moringa
oleifera, which is rich in many vitamins including vitamin
A, B, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, Folic Acid, Biotin,
and more. It also contains the much needed minerals
Calcium and Iron, as well as Chloride, Chromium, Copper,
Flourine, Potassium, and others to name a few. The plant
it is made from has all 8 essential amino acids, and many
others. By way of nutrient density, and bioavailability of
said nutrients, it is one of the best plants you can
implement into your daily diet, and little is lost in the
conversion of the plant to the drink. For a convenient
easy way to utilize this plant in your daily life, without
having to utilize energy you don't have, drink Zija.

Eric Thorn, a successful businessman, highly recommends the Zija Moringa Beverage for a great and easy option for obtaining all of the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy baby. Visit http://www.zijapower.com/ to learn more.
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Morning Sickness During Pregnancy And How To Reduce Your Symptoms

90% of pregnant women suffer from the dreaded "morning sickness". This is one of the least pleasant aspects of being pregnant and is characterized by extreme nausea and vomiting. Contrary to the name, "morning sickness" doesn’t just strike in the morning, but can happen at any time of day. Why "morning sickness" occurs is a bit of a mystery. The medical experts don’t really know why the majority of pregnant women suffer from this condition. There are, however, several ways to minimize the symptoms of "morning sickness". Here are a few tips (more tips on pregnancy and conception can be found at http://www.freepregnancytips.com):

1) Keep your liquid levels up by frequently sipping liquids like water, tea or soup. This helps to keep your body hydrated which is important as when vomiting, your body is constantly losing fluids. Also the fluids help to fill the stomach. It is much more unpleasant to vomit when your stomach is empty than when there is actually something to bring up.

2) Eat carbohydrates such as rice, bread or pasta as they are not as easily vomited up and they keep you from feeling hungry.

3) Try to eat little snacks interspersed regularly throughout the day rather a few large, heavy meals.

4) If eating makes you feel queasy and causes you to vomit, then don’t eat! You are not going to get any nutritional gain if you bring up the food that you’ve eaten.5) Avoid fatty, spicy or fried foods and foods that have strong smells as these can make you feel queasy and cause you to vomit.

6) Some studies have shown that a dosage of approximately 10 - 25mg of vitamin B6 three times per day can help to reduce symptoms of nausea. First ask your healthcare practitioner whether you can take vitamin B6.

7) There are also foods rich in vitamin B6 that you can eat such as cereal grains, legumes, eggs, fish, chicken, nuts and avocados.

8) Ginger is a natural antispasmodic which can also help with nausea. It can be used in tea or chewed raw. Chewing itself has a beneficial effect on nausea. Always use fresh ginger as dried ginger is not as effective.

Exactly how long "morning sickness" lasts varies from woman to woman. Hopefully by following the above tips, it will reduce your symptoms. Just hang in there! It will eventually pass. Best of luck with your pregnancy.

Note to Publishers: You may freely republish this article as is, without editing or modification, and all links must be kept live. The author, Gregory De Villiers, writes on a variety of health and wellness topics. See http://www.freepregnancytips.com for more tips on pregnancy and conception.

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Press Release For Expectant and New Parents!

I wanted to inform you of a brand new “fresh-faced” resource for expectant and new parents! It’s a huge website, packed with information about pregnancy, labor, relaxation, delivering your baby, products for baby, breastfeeding – you name it, it’s probably in this site. It’s written by Claire-Marie Alvarez, an Award-Winning British-Trained Midwife – she’s an RN in the US - who has twenty years of experience in this field of expertise and it’s called: http://www.reallifemidwife.com/

Its taken months of hard work and years of experience to put this together, and now it’s available for you to go and seek out the information you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy, happy delivery and take the best care of your baby!

Written by an established expert in the field of birthing and caring for babies, this resource has much to offer. It is a membership site, so you join the club – for less than a couple of cups of coffee a month – then you can go and find all kinds of things that you might be interested in!

You can download free reports about anything ranging from how to find out you’re pregnant, to what to do if you have a baby that’s very premature, to top tips for breast feeding your baby.

Do you have concerns about how to exercise when you’re pregnant?

Do you want to know about the best ways to relax when you’re in labor?

Are you worried about diabetes and pregnancy?

Do you have concerns about feeding your baby?

Do you want to have a water birth?

Are you worried that your toddler isn’t developing the way (s)he should?

What about feeling disconnected from your teenager?

Are you worried about drugs and your child?

Do you just know that without help, you’ll scream your way through labor and delivery?

Natural or epidural? Or something in between?

This resource is written with humor, stories and lots of pictures to help you get the point! If you like the free reports, you can go back and buy a book related to the same thing for much less than you’d pay in stores.

Go and check out this wonderful resource – it’s like having a personal advisor right next to you all the time! http://www.reallifemidwife.com/

I do hope that you enjoy all of the things offered on my site!

Claire-Marie Alvarez,Real Life Midwife
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Organic and Eco Babies

When babies are born they are unable to make decisions for themselves and the young lives in our care deserve the best that we can provide and it is our responsibility to ensure that we give them a natural and healthy environment to grow in. The author looks at things that can make all the difference to an eco baby and eco family.

Organic and Fairtrade Baby Food

Organic baby food has been around for decades and fairtrade baby food has only recently been launched. Why feed your baby with chemicals, additives and possibly genetically modified ingredients when you can feed them fresh, organic and healthier food? By buying fairtrade it also enables you to put something back into local communities where the ingredients originated from, so that they can look after their families better due to being paid a fair price for their food and hence they are able to reinvest the funds into their community and families.

Organic and Eco Friendly Baby Care

Babies have extremely sensitive skin that requires a mild and gentle touch - which is why it makes sense to treat them with products made from the purest ingredients. The skin is the largest part of the babies body and is often prone to sores and nappy rash in the early days. Minimise the amount of chemicals coming into contact with the babies skin by buying organic or natural baby care products.

Organic and Fairtrade Baby Clothing

A babys skin is thinner than that of an adult, so make sure the clothes against their bodies are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals by buying clothing which are made from organic or hemp fibres which are made with the minimum or no chemicals in the production and processing. By buying Fairtrade or ethical baby clothes from companies such as HUG ensures that other babies in developing countries may benefit as well from the clothes that you buy. Cheap, brand new clothes from supermarkets etc. are often made in China in low cost production facilities where workers are paid the minimum wage and where the term sweatshops originated from. Buying second hand or using donated clothes is the ultimate form of recycling and is cheaper too at this expensive time of life.

Environmentally Friendly Cloth Nappies

Cloth nappies can be washed and reused hundreds of times. Millions of disposable nappies are used throughout your country and you can imagine what size of landfill is needed to bury them all! Cloth nappies can reduce nappy rash and have no suspect chemicals. By washing them with your normal clothes, you again minimise your babies impact on the environment.

Breast feeding

Breast milk is very economical, constantly available at the right temperature and if your diet is organic then so is your milk which is therefore better for your baby. If you have to buy formula we wary of buying Nestle as an International Nestle Boycott is in effect in 20 countries. The boycott will continue until Nestle ends its irresponsible marketing of breast milk substitutes world-wide and abides by the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent Resolutions in policy and practice.

Looking for more information on things for babies then see GuideMeGreen.com.
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How to tell your boss your expecting!

HOW TO TELL YOUR BOSS YOUR EXPECTING!By Roxanna Ward

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Great news, you're having a baby! Not everybody will find he news sogreat. Eventually you are going to start glowing and people aroundyou are going to notice that you are pregnant. So, before it becomesa rumor, tell your direct supervisor. Don't tell him in a letter oremail. Do it in person. Then you can tell your other co-workers.Set up a meeting with your boss to review the upcoming changes. Youshould discuss your pending maternity leave. Who will cover for youand will you be given plenty of time to train the right person. Howdoes your company deal with unexpected difficulties like unplannedbedrest or hospitalization? How long will you be away from work anddo you plan on returning? Do they offer work from homeopportunities? Find out your companies policies as far as your howyour seniority will be affected by a leave of absence. Will yourtime away affect your next pay increase? Find out from other co-workers what they have negotiated in the past so you will have aguideline to go by. Prepare a proposal of your needs and desires sothat you are preparred for the meeting. But be flexable to get whatyou want.

After you know your companies policies, know your rights. Find outwhat federal rights you are entitled to after giving birth. Is athere a time limit? Are there a number of required hours you musthave been employed? Your local government branch should have someinformation for you. If at any time you feel you have beendiscriminated against due to your pregnancy, contact legal advise.

Remain open minded and not paranoid. Just because your boss is asuccessful single person without children, does not mean that he isupset over your news. Being open and honest early on in yourpregnancy, can lead to a stree free working enviroment. Chances arethat your co-workers are going to be thrilled to celebrate thisoccasion with you and the rest of your family.

Roxanna Ward, Community leader and staff writer forhttp://www.babyuniversity.com,/ lives in Georgia with her husband andher three children. As a published freelance writer the focus of herwriting is concentrated on sharing household tips, her experiencewith her frugal lifestyle as well as the phenomenal process ofbreastfeeding, child rearing related issues and romanticrelationships. She is also currently the Editor of three newsletters:What's New at BabyU?, Intimate Encounters and At Home with BabyUniversity. Roxanna can be contacted at Roxanna30135@...

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Ectopic Pregnancy – What Every Woman Needs To Know

Ectopic pregnancies are far more common than people think. On average this condition affects one in a hundred pregnancies. Here we discuss the symptoms and the effects this condition has on women.

What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

Put simply an Ectopic Pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes, cervix or ovary. It usually happens when the fallopian tube is damaged or blocked and prevents the fertilised egg from reaching its correct destination and therefore it implants itself in the fallopian tube.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic Pregnancies are usually discovered between the fourth and tenth week of pregnancy when the expectant mother will have experienced some of the following symptoms.

• Pain when urinating or opening her bowels


• Vaginal bleeding, which is darker and more watery than a normal period bleed


• Diarrhoea, fainting, vomiting and general pain.


• Persistent pain on one side of the abdomen


• Pain in the shoulder

Can It Affect Any Expectant Mother?

Affecting one in a hundred pregnancies makes this condition a lot more common than most women realise. However there are certain factors, which could make a woman more at risk of an Ectopic Pregnancy.

• If they have had Chlamydia in the past, their chances of having an Ectopic Pregnancy are increased


• If they are over 35


• If they have had a previous Ectopic Pregnancy


• If they have previously had a caesarean section


• If they have a contraceptive coil fitted. Although this prevents womb pregnancies it does not prevent a pregnancy developing in the fallopian tube


• Taking the mini contraceptive pill can slightly increase their chances


• If they have tubal endometriosis.

The Treatment Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

Unfortunately an Ectopic Pregnancy cannot survive. If a pregnant woman experiences any of the above symptoms they should inform their doctor immediately. Treatment will take place at a hospital where they will confirm the pregnancy is Ectopic and then it will be removed. Although this seems very harsh, there is no way the pregnancy can survive and if the fallopian tube ruptures it can prove fatal for the woman.

Life After An Ectopic Pregnancy

Many Ectopic Pregnancies are caught in the early stages before there is any damage to the fallopian tubes. In this case 6 out of 10 women can go onto to conceive naturally. However if the fallopian tube was ruptured or became badly damaged the woman can be left infertile.

Women who have suffered a previous Ectopic Pregnancy face an increased risk of having another one in the future. Unfortunately there is very little they can do to prevent another one. Women who fall into this category would need to ensure they visit their doctor very early on in their next pregnancy to ensure the egg is developing in the correct place.

It is recommended that women who have had an Ectopic Pregnancy wait a few months before trying to conceive again. Obviously this may well depend on what treatment was administered and how severe the Ectopic Pregnancy was.

Many women find an Ectopic Pregnancy difficult to come to terms with and can seek advice from the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust at this difficult time.

Lisa Mills is an author based in Essex. She writes for websites and magazines. She also runs a baby gift box website. http://www.newbabygiftboxes.co.uk/ is a site offering a baby gift box service and other baby gifts.

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Pregnancy, Diabetes and Your Feet

There are so many changes the body undergoes duringpregnancy that it becomes easy to ignore the changes in thefeet. During pregnancy the body releases hormones that allowthe ligaments to relax in the birth canal. The ligaments in the feetalso relax, causing the foot to lengthen and widen. Many willcomplain of a shoe size increase by one or two sizes. In mostcircumstances, this flattening and widening of the foot is benignand no problems result. In the diabetic, this change in foot sizeis important to recognize. Despite the increase in foot size, manymoms will continue to wear the same size shoes. As a diabetic,properly fitting shoes are of utmost importance. Increasedpressure on the foot can cause areas of rub or irritation andpotentially result in ulceration. Once there is an ulceration, one isat risk for infection, delayed healing and further diabetic footcomplications.

Diabetic neuropathy is the single greatest risk factor fordeveloping foot ulcerations. Neuropathy is the loss of sensationin the feet commonly caused by diabetes. Many individuals willdevelop neuropathy before they are diagnosed with diabetes.Others will develop neuropathy years after being diagnosed withdiabetes. Luckily, gestational diabetes is not typically associatedwith neuropathy. Unfortunately, type I diabetics developneuropathy much earlier than type II diabetics and may haveneuropathy during their pregnancy. Regardless of the type ofdiabetes, it is still extremely important to have the feet evaluatedto assess the status of the nerves. Even mild neuropathyincreases the risk of ulceration. Wearing shoes which are toosmall causes an increase in friction and an increased risk ofskin breakdown.

Wearing properly fitting shoes during and after pregnancy is ofparticular importance. Although the ligaments relax in the footduring pregnancy, they do not stay relaxed. The post-pregnancyfoot is at higher risk for developing foot problems. There aremultiple reasons contributing to the increased risk. The flattenedfoot places excess stress on the ligament that holds up the arch.The weight gain from pregnancy places excess stress on thefeet. Moms are also carrying their baby, added weight whichtransmits to the feet. Moms are staying at home more often andwalking around in slippers and flexible shoes which aregenerally not supportive.

To decrease your chances of foot problems during and afterpregnancy follow these steps:

1. Check your feet everyday: This is an absolute necessity if youare a type I diabetic or if you have diagnosed neuropathy. It is agood habit to practice. Look for cuts, sores, bruises, openings orareas of irritation. Remember, if your nerves are not functioningproperly, then you may not feel everything in your feet. If youcannot reach your feet, have a family member check your feet orplace a mirror on the floor and put your feet over it.

2. Check your shoes before you put your foot in them.

3. Don't walk around barefoot: Wear a supportive shoe, one thathas a rigid sole and bends only where the foot bends (at thetoes). If a shoe seems too confined, find a slipper which has asemi-rigid sole, or try a clog or slip-in shoe with a more rigidsole. The remaining aspect of the shoe can be soft and flexibleand allow for swelling, but the sole should be rigid from the heelto the ball of the foot.

4. Buy shoes that fit your feet: Be aware of the changes your feetare going through. The feet are most likely widening andlengthening. Make sure the shoes don't cramp the toes. Yourfeet will not shrink after the birth.

5. Watch out for folds in your socks: A simple fold can cause rubor irritation on your feet. Swelling will be greater by the end ofthe day and the small crease that didn't bother you in themorning can rub an open sore or blister on the toes. Seriousconsequences in diabetics can include ulceration and infection.

6. Dry your feet and between toes after showers: Increasedmoisture between your toes can lead to skin breakdown andeventual ulceration.

7. Don't be a victim of fashion: Most moms will avoid highfashion during pregnancy, but many try squeezing into thatstrappy heel after. Wearing high heeled shoes puts excessstress on the ball of the foot, cramps the toes and increases thechances of ankle sprains. Tight shoes will increase the chanceof ulceration for those with neuropathy.

8. Test the bath water before stepping in: If you have neuropathy,you will not recognize when the temperature is too hot. Check thewater by inserting your hand into the water to wrist depth.

9. Don't use a heating pad on your feet: Although the idea of heaton your feet may sound soothing after a long day, the heat willincrease swelling and inflammation. Sore feet respond better toice. Roll your foot over a frozen sports water bottle to help easethe achiness in the arch. Wear a sock while doing this and don'tput ice directly on your feet. The heating pad can cause burns inthose who have neuropathy.

10. Don't use any medication on the skin: Be careful of topicalmedications during pregnancy and during breast-feeding.Consult your doctor before use. Don't use medicated corn padsfrom the local drug stores if you have neuropathy.

11. Visit your podiatrist: At the first sign of a problem, make anappointment with your podiatrist. Prevention is much easier thantreatment.

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Christine Dobrowolski is a podiatrist and the author of ThoseAching Feet: Your Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment ofCommon Foot Problems. To learn more about Dr. Dobrowolskiand her book visit http://www.skipublishing.com/ or athttp://www.northcoastfootcare.com./

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Breastfeeding Nutrition

So you’ve decided to breastfeed your baby! You’ll want to make sure that both you and your little one are getting all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nursing mothers need to eat about 300 calories more each day than they normally would and at least 1500 calories every day. Your daily food consumption should consist of a variety of healthy foods with extra protein, calcium-rich foods and plenty of water. In addition to these general guidelines, you should also:

1. Pay attention to feelings of hunger. Eat until you’re satisfied and consume plenty of nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

2. Monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice that he or she is consistently colicky or develops gas after you eat certain foods, then you may want to decrease your intake of those foods or eliminate them entirely while breastfeeding.

3. Expect that you may be especially thirsty during the first few days after delivery as your body sheds excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Increase your consumption of fluid that isn’t filled with empty calories in order to prevent dehydration.

4. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages as they may make your baby jittery or irritable and even make it difficult for him or her to get to sleep. Consider drinking caffeinated beverages right after you nurse in order to minimize negative effects on the baby.

5. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins unless otherwise directed by your physician.

6. Make sure to eat foods that are rich in zinc as it enhances a baby’s ability to produce antibodies. Some food sources of zinc are hamburger, chicken breast and whole wheat bread.

7. Limit your consumption of wine to 2 or fewer glasses per week.

8. Be aware of food sensitivities that can result from common allergens such as cow’s milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, nuts and peanuts. Some signs of food sensitivity are diaper rash, skin rashes, chronic runny nose, diarrhea and excessive fussiness.

Unless you are severely malnourished, your milk will provide all of the nutrients your baby needs, so if there is something lacking in your diet it will most likely be you and not Baby that suffers. For your own well-being, do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. That’s the best way to ensure that you have the stamina and strength you’ll need to be the best mom you can be!

Jacqueline Courtiol, M.A. Ed. is a teacher, mother and business owner. Jacqueline has authored numerous articles on topics of childcare, natural health, parenting and pregnancy. She is also the co-developer of Colic Calm, a natural remedy for acid reflux in babies which also helps alleviate the symptoms of intestinal colic. More information can be found at http://www.coliccalm.com/ or contact us if you have questions.

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Sore Nipples - Weaning Baby Off The Nipple Tipple - Auto Recovery

Sore nipples are a condition that is the cause behind discomfort and stress for most women and especially more so for the mother who has a baby that enjoys a tipple from mummy's nipple. Babies love their mums to nestle - and not wrestle with them at feeding times.

In the early days of breastfeeding sore nipples is sometimes unavoidable. What you need to remember at this stage is the difference between the meaning of sore and painful. Pain at feed times could be a sign that you need to make changes so that feeding sessions is more comfortable for both you and your new born baby.

Babies have an unbelievable strong suction - which therefore can result in the nipple area becoming tender. When baby comes in contact with the nipple it stretches the breast tissue. Experience from this may feel like a pulling sensation which evidently points to why the discomfort. When the infant sucks and the milk begins to flow, breastfeeding becomes more bearable i.e. easing the sore nipples. You may notice after time (2-4 days) breast soreness will ease. If the baby is not positioned right during his or her feed then this can be the cause of the discomfort. Help and advice is available for those unsure as what is the correct way for breastfeeding.

Pain felt at feed time that persists longer than seven days or more can indicate another problem other than what would be expected from the way the infant is latching-on or sucking. Do not ignore this condition because nipple soreness can worsen where the nipple develops painful cracks. Breastfeeding is an experience you should look forward to - not one you dread.Do not suffer in silence talk to your midwife or doctor about your concerns. Thinking about weaning your baby off the breast, if so, then it is good idea to test baby formulas to see which one your baby is satisfied and content with. If you are counting the pennies why not collect free baby samples of baby formula from the free baby products being offered online. Find out what baby freebies are up for grabs below.

Success in breast feeding results in more content babies. Sore nipples do not normally have to relate to breastfeeding. Persisting symptoms that continue to go beyond the early weeks or develop after months of pain-free breastfeeding can be the result of something other than that of the baby not positioned comfortably. Another known cause for sore breast nipples is the Candida infection. A good way to help prevent sore nipples is to pay more attention to how your new born baby takes to the breast. Babies can develop poor nursing habits if this matter is not corrected.

When you nestle (position) you're baby onto the nipple - double check on how the infant is latching on. If this is correctly done then you will feel the sucking pressure of his or her tongue/gums is on the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple), rather than on the sensitive nipple itself. There is also a possibility that your baby is not getting enough breast tissue into his or her mouth if not comfortable. Certain signs that show the nipples are not far enough back in the baby's mouth during sucking is that of a horizontal red stripe across the tip of the nipple or a temporary indentation at the base.

Babies are too young to let you know if their bellies are filled. What you do not want is the baby's gums chomping at the base of the nipple instead of on the areola over the milk sinuses because they may have difficulty in getting enough milk. Try feeding baby on the side that is least tender. If you need to release the breast that is painful then switch the infant over to that nipple after you have had a milk-ejection reflex. Women say the pain eases after the milk is flowing. Sore nipples do not last forever. Remember by varying the positions from one feeding to the next - changes the distribution of pressure on the areola and nipple during sucking - therefore leaving you bonding with a well fed content baby.

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Tips to Prevent Heartburn in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, common everyday ailments tend to feel worse, especially during the first and third trimesters. Heartburn is no different. Heartburn is a common ailment, and during pregnancy it tends to surface even more. Most women experience heartburn in pregnancy at some point during their nine-month journey. However, some can be affected worse than others. Fret not -- there are things you can do to limit the severity of heartburn during your pregnancy.

During the third trimester the baby grows big enough to put pressure on your stomach. This causes the acid in the stomach to reflux. This can be easily avoided, however by avoiding binging and by eating small meals. This will keep acid reflux at bay. Instead of eating three large meals, try to eat five to six smaller meals spread throughout the day.

Your sleeping position can also cause acid to reflux. Sleep with your head and torso elevated to keep the food down in your stomach. Keep yourself comfortable by putting a pillow under your head and your back. Also, try to avoid going to bed within two hours of eating. Wait at least two hours before lying down to give your body some time to digest the food. As a general rule, go to bed two to three hours after you eat to mitigate heartburn in pregnancy.

Watching your posture can help prevent heartburn from occurring. Putting pressure on your stomach can cause heartburn in pregnancy. When you sit, do so in an upright position to keep the pressure off your stomach. When you stand or walk, keep your posture erect for the same reason.

A less common way to alleviate heartburn is to wear loose clothing. (Though you probably do this already.) This will also ease the pressure in your stomach. Wearing tight clothing puts unnecessary strain on your stomach and can encourage acid to come up into your espohagus, causing heartburn in pregnancy.

Perhaps the best way to avoid heartburn all together is to stay away from foods that are known to cause heartburn. For obvious reasons, alcohol should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. Also on the restricted list are chocolate, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, soft drinks, coffee and acidic juices.

Sipping water throughout your daily activities as opposed to chugging it occasionally can also help. Avoid fried food, food rich in fat and vinegar as well. Large quantities of water can actually increase heartburn in pregnancy. By eliminating these foods from your daily diet, you can alleviate the symptoms of heartburn in pregnancy.

For other tips on how to get rid of heartburn visit http://www.stopheartburntoday.com We'll help you find relief from your heartburn symptoms through medications for acid reflux and natural remedies as well.

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