Your Pregnancy

During early pregnancy symptom, many signs are sent by your body as its reactions to the dramatic hormonal changes. Level of fertility hormone get increased radically and leads to several symptoms to be noticeable. Usually, these signs typically do not appear until and unless you miss your period. After one or a couple of weeks, these symptoms begin to signal that you are getting pregnant. However, a fetal movement cannot be detectable before 16 weeks after conceiving.

Common Symptoms Of Pregnancy

Some common symptoms that are noted within the duration of 3 to 10 weeks of after conception are cramps in lower abdomen, cravings for typical foods, nausea or a feeling of vomiting, morning sickness, fatigue and tiredness, heartburn and constipation, breasts getting tender, swollen and sore. Many may notice their areas around nipples to turn darker and larger. Specialists suggest to keep track of the menstrual cycle to identify a missed period. But, during early pregnancy symptom, if you start experiencing other changes like the following, you should consider a pregnancy test to confirm it –

A small amount of vaginal bleeding can be possible about 11 or 12 days after implantation of eggs, and this is why, this symptom is known as implantation bleeding. This bleeding usually result from fertilization of eggs into lining of the Uterus. During implantation, embryo adheres to the lining of uterine wall, due to which some vaginal spotting is quite normal. Spotting usually appears lighter in color than regular menstrual bleeding.

A bit elevated basal body temperature or flu can be expected when you have missed your period during early pregnancy symptom.

Presence of some hormones in your body during pregnancy can relax the intestines; as a result, your digestion process reduces its speed. For this reason, you may experience constipation as a sign of pregnancy.

As the uterus develops, it starts compressing arteries in your legs and causes your blood pressure to drop and makes you feel dizzy. In the early stage of pregnancy, you may feel fainting after going a while without eating. Fainting at the early stage of pregnancy is caused by low blood sugar that is the source of embryo’s source of food. Keep consuming healthy snacks to keep up level of your blood sugar.

Heightened sensitivity to aroma is another strong sign of pregnancy. Even the most favorite aroma of your perfume may choke you. Smells of gas, mowed grass, different types of foods, cigarette smokes etc., may arouse a sensation of nausea as side effect of estrogen hormones flow in your body.

Make a checklist of signs and signals indicated by your body during early pregnancy symptom and take a test to determine your pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a fertilized egg settles and grows in any location other than the inner lining of the uterus. About 1% of pregnancies are in an ectopic location with implantation not occurring inside of the womb, and of these 98% occur in the Fallopian tubes. In a typical ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not reach the uterus, but instead adheres to the lining of the Fallopian tube. The implanted embryo burrows actively into the tubal lining. Most commonly this invades vessels and will cause bleeding. This bleeding expels the implantation out of the tubal end as a tubal abortion. Some women thinking they are having a miscarriage are actually having a tubal abortion. There is no inflammation of the tube in ectopic pregnancy. The pain is caused by prostaglandins released at the implantation site, and by free blood in the peritoneal cavity, which is locally irritant. Sometimes the bleeding might be heavy enough to threaten the health or life of the woman. Usually this degree of bleeding is due to delay in diagnosis, but sometimes, especially if the implantation is in the proximal tube it may invade into Sampson artery , causing heavy bleeding earlier than usual. An ectopic pregnancy can’t proceed normally. The developing embryo can’t survive, and the growing placental tissue may destroy important maternal structures. Without treatment, life-threatening blood loss is possible. About one in every 40 to 100 pregnancies is ectopic. Thanks to earlier diagnosis and treatment, the chance for future healthy pregnancies is better than ever before.

Ectopic means “out of place.” An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy where the fetus is not growing in the usual location (the uterine cavity or the womb). Ectopic pregnancies can occur in a number of unusual locations, each with different characteristic growth patterns. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in fallopian tubes (tubes from uterus), so this is also known as “Tubal Pregnancy”. Since the fallopian tubes are not large enough to accommodate a growing embryo, the pregnancy cannot continue normally. If identified early, the embryo is removed. In some cases, the embryo grows until the fallopian tube is stretched so much that the tube ruptures. Rupture of the tube is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention because it can result in severe hemorrhaging. An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition.

Causes of Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is caused by a disruption in a woman’s reproductive anatomy or the timing of specific reproductive events. Ectopic pregnancy is common in women age 20 to 29, but the cause is not always known. However, previous damage to one of the two fallopian tubes may obstruct the passage of the fertilized egg along the tube to the uterus. The egg then implants in the wall of the tube instead of in the uterus. This prior damage may have been caused by an unsuccessful or a reversed sterilization procedure or a fallopian tube infection. Ectopic pregnancies are more common in women using an intrauterine contraceptive device, partly because these devices increase the risk of a pelvic infection in women who exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms of Ectopic pregnancy

1. Nausea, vomiting.

2. Dizziness.

3. Low blood pressure.

4. Breast tenderness.

5. Frequent urination.

Treatment of Ectopic pregnancy

Medicine, surgery, or a combination of the two are usually used to end an ectopic pregnancy before it endangers the mother. In a few cases, very early ectopic pregnancies can be watched closely to see whether the pregnancy will miscarry on its own. Emergency medical help is needed if the area of the ectopic pregnancy ruptured. (Shock is an emergency condition.) Treatment for shock may include keeping the woman warm, raising her legs, and giving oxygen. Fluids by IV and a blood transfusion may be needed. Surgery (laparotomy) is done to stop blood loss (in the event of a rupture). This surgery is also done to confirm the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, remove the abnormal pregnancy, and repair any tissue damage. In some cases, removal of the fallopian tube may be necessary. A mini-laparotomy and laparoscopy are the most common surgical treatments for an ectopic pregnancy that has not ruptured.

Having a baby is always a wonderful, magical experience. Unfortunately, it also means having to manage the extra bulk after, the result of your pregnancy weight gain.  For some women, how to lose pregnancy pounds is unbelievably easy.  But for the rest, it could be a bit of a challenge. If you’ve been worrying about how to lose pregnancy pounds, here are some things you can do:

Maintain realistic expectations.

It took about 9 months for you to gain that weight. Don’t expect to shed it off in just a few weeks through vigorous exercises. Crash diets are not a good course of action either. Accept the fact that learning how to lose pregnancy pounds might take some time or if you’re genetically lucky, maybe less. Just be thankful that with a little effort, you can definitely get rid of it.

Don’t compare yourself to celebrity moms.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be one of those fabulous celebrity mothers who seem to go back to their original waistlines in such a short time after giving birth?  Problem is, not every pregnant woman is a celebrity, which means we don’t all have access to a bevy of dietitians, personal chefs and fitness trainers on call 24/7. Many of us don’t even have nannies or house help.

If you want to learn how to lose pregnancy pounds effectively, don’t compare yourself with celebrities. It’s unrealistic and what they have is too expensive to emulate. Besides, if you lose weight too rapidly, you’re more likely to gain it back just as fast.

Don’t exercise immediately after pregnancy.

If you think you can battle pregnancy weight with vigorous exercise just days or weeks after your baby is born, you’re wrong. Too much physical exertion can be dangerous.  Allow your body to heal first before learning how to lose pregnancy pounds – it takes about 2 to 6 months before it returns to normal.  

Start your exercise program after your first trip to the doctor for a post-natal or wait until after about 2 to 3 months. This is the time when you’re gaining strength and your monthly period becomes regular. Begin gently on learning how to lose pregnancy pounds. Ask your doctor for guidance if you’re unsure. Based on your medical history, he can help you decide which exercise programs are best for you and how fast you can transition from one level of exercise to the next.

Enjoy your physical activity.

You don’t have to feel trapped in structured exercises. They can get boring after a while.  To make sure you don’t hit a slump; introduce other forms of physical activities such as walking, yoga, tai chi and swimming.

Light to moderate impact exercises are especially helpful during the first weeks when you begin to exercise and learning how to lose pregnancy pounds.  Training your body to get used to moving again will make it easier for you to adjust gradually to heavier exercises later on.

Watch your weight loss.

You typically gain an average of 30 lbs. during pregnancy.  When you give birth, you lose about 13% of this weight. The rest is what you’ll have to work for and find ways on how to lose pregnancy pounds. The safest weight loss range you should aim for is 0.5 to 2 lbs. per week, no more.  

Don’t scrimp on nutrition.

Eat a lot of nutritious food while you’re trying to learn how to lose your pregnancy pounds. This is particularly important especially if you’re breastfeeding. Get about five portions of vegetables and fruits daily. Bulk up on fiber to help you with elimination and keep you from eating too much because fibers are filling. Get a good amount of calcium and protein from milk, yogurt, cheese, lean meat, fish and chicken.

Keep hydrated with water.

Drink plenty of water every day. This helps keep you refreshed and aids your body in flushing out toxins and a good way on how to lose pregnancy pounds. If you want more flavors, go for naturally sweet fruit juices like watermelon or crushed apples.  If you can, stay away from soda.  It’s loaded with calories, making your job of learning how to lose pregnancy pounds doubly difficult.

Women have to go through a lot of things during and after pregnancy. But did you know that you don’t have to go through pregnancy feeling overweight and unattractive? Did you know that you can avoid gaining excess pounds during pregnancy and you don’t have to work so hard after pregnancy to shred the excess pounds? You don’t have to go through the hard way of learning how to lose pregnancy pounds. Find out how to have pregnancy without pounds visit Pregnancy Without Pounds.

To know more about women’s health and issues visit All About Women.

Home pregnancy tests measure the presence of a telltale hormone in your urine called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG is a hormone found only in pregnant women. It is produced by cells in the uterus and is responsible for signaling the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone to help your fetus grow. Many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99 percent accurate on the day you miss your period. It most home pregnancy tests don’t consistently spot pregnancy this early, the tests are considered reliable when used according to package instructions one week after a missed period. The hormone is released in a pregnant woman’s urine.

There are two main types of pregnancy tests. Both are commonly used to detect pregnancy.

Home pregnancy tests are available at your local drugstore or pharmacy and at some large department stores. Blood pregnancy tests are performed by health care professionals in an office or a clinic. Home pregnancy tests are usually about 97% accurate, but this varies from brand to brand. The amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body then increases rapidly over the next few weeks, doubling in amount about every two days. HCG can also be detected in your blood, around 10 days after you conceive, and your GP may advise you to have a blood test.Pregnancy blood tests are performed health clinic. They detect pregnancy by measuring hCG levels in your blood. The most sensitive test of pregnancy is best performed by a laboratory using a sample of your blood.

Blood tests performed at your clinic have a 99% accuracy rate and can detect pregnancy earlier than most urine tests. Blood tests can be performed 7 days after you ovulate and still provide accurate results. Some urine tests can be used on the first day that your period is due, however, it is unlikely that you will achieve that 97% accuracy rate if you test so early. The quantitative blood test detects pregnancy by measuring the exact amount of hCG in your bloodstream. It can also be used to detect how far along you are in your pregnancy. It does not measure your hCG levels, and only provides a yes or no answer as to whether or not you are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests only check hCG levels, not progesterone. They are completely different hormones.

Pregnancy is a nine month journey for both you and your baby. During this time your own body will change, both internally and externally. During pregnancy the breasts will grow larger under the influence of hormones. Enormous physical, hormonal and emotional changes take place during pregnancy over a relatively short period of time. Pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks (about 9 months). That time is divided into three sections called trimesters (three-month periods), during which different things happen to a woman’s body and to the fetusThe body has to adapt to carrying up to 20lb of baby, waters and placenta, which can impose physical strain on all the organs and tissues. Most of this weight will be carried infront causing your centre of gravity to change. Postural changes may cause backache, neckache, headaches, aching legs and undue fatigue. Postural changes through the lower ribs and spine can impede the action of the diaphragm and make breathing difficult. Nausea and vomiting are common during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Eating several small meals and eating bland food , such as crackers or dry toast ,may reduce nausea.

Tension within the pelvis or diaphragm area can increase resistance to the return of venous blood to the heart from the lower half of the body. This can cause or aggravate varicose veins in the legs, and haemorrhoids. Most women experience emotional shifts and mood swings during pregnancy. It’s natural to feel doubt, anxiety, and fear about pregnancy and childbirth, as well as happiness, excitement, and anticipation. Women may notice an increase in size and possibly some tenderness very early, often before the pregnancy is confirmed. Being tired is common during pregnancy, especially in the first few months and then towards the end. Exercise, rest, and proper diet all may impact the degree of tiredness that you feel. A urine infection causing a burning sensation on passing urine, and the feeling of needing to pass urine all the time. Approximately 50% of women will suffer from morning sickness. Morning sickness often goes away around week twelve but some women feel sick and nauseous for the full nine months.

Headaches are common during pregnancy. Severe headaches can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. During pregnancy , each kidney increases in leagth by 1-1,5cm, with a concomitant increase in weight. The renal pelvis is dilated.The ureters are dilated above the brim of the bony pelvis.The ureters also elongate, widen, and become more curved. Constipation is very common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes that slow down the digestion of food. In the later part of your pregnancy, the pressure from your uterus on the rectum may also contribute to the problem. Glucosuria during pregnancy is not necessarily abnormal, may be explained by the increase in GFR with impairment of tubular reabsortion capacity for filtered glucose.Increased levels of urinary glucose also contribute toincreased susceptibility of pregnant women to urinary tract infection. Proteinuria changes litlle during pregnancy and if more than 500mg/24h is lost,a desease process shoud be suspected. During pregnancy, levels of several essential coagulation factors isincrease.