Pregnancy blog

Top 50 Mom Quotations

2006-06-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

Top 50 Mom Quotations

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."
-- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
-- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."
-- Agatha Christie

"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother."
-- Albert Einstein

"By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."
-- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own."
-- Aristotle

"Mother is far too clever to understand anything she does not like."
-- Arnold Bennett

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but
whose place no one else can take."
-- Cardinal Mermillod

"A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
-- Dorothy Canfield Fisher

"I really learned it all from mothers."
-- Dr. Benjamin Spock

"If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylum would be filled with mothers."
-- Edgar Watson Howe

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."
-- George Washington (1732-1799)

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
-- Henry Ward Beecher

"What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin."
-- Henry Ward Beecher

"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness."
-- Honore' de Balzac

"Education commences at the mother's knee, and every word spoken within hearsay of little children tends toward the formation of character."
-- Hosea Ballou

"Whatever else is unsure in this stinking dunghill of a world a mother's love is not."
-- James Joyce

"The best academy, a mother's knee."
-- James Russell Lowell

"The phrase "working mother" is redundant."
-- Jane Sellman

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers."
-- Jewish proverb

"Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don't want them to become politicians in the process."
-- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"A boy's best friend is his mother."
-- Joseph Stefano

"Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world."
-- Kate Douglas Wiggin

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother."
-- Lin Yutang

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it."
-- Mark Twain

"Motherhood is like Albania-- you can't trust the descriptions in the books, you have to go there."
-- Marni Jackson

"We are not born all at once, but by bits. The body first, and the spirit later; and the birth and growth of the spirit, in those who are attentive to their own inner life, are slow and exceedingly painful. Our mothers are racked with the pains of our physical birth; we ourselves suffer the longer pains of our spiritual growth."
-- Mary Antin

"To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power."
-- Maya Angelou

"Over the years I have learned that motherhood is much like an austere religious order, the joining of which obligates one to relinquish all claims to personal possessions."
-- Nancy Stahl

"Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all."
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes (1775-1817)

"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his."
-- Oscar Wilde

"When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk you'll end up as the pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."
-- Pablo Picasso

"A mother's hardest to forgive. Life is the fruit she longs to hand you, Ripe on a plate. And while you live, Relentlessly she understands you."
-- Phyllis McGinley

"Men are what their mothers made them."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A mother is a mother still, The holiest thing alive."
-- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

"People who exercise their embryonic freedom day after day, little by little, expand that freedom. People who do not will find that it withers until they are literally 'being lived.' They are acting out scripts written by parents, associates, and society."
-- Stephen R. Covey

"Never say anything on the phone that you wouldn't want your mother to hear at your trial."
-- Sydney Biddle Barrows

"The commonest fallacy among women is that simply having children makes one a mother—which is as absurd as believing that having a piano makes one a musician."
-- Sydney J. Harris

"An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest."
-- Spanish proverb

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
-- Theodore Hesburgh

"A woman has two smiles that an angel might envy, the smile that accepts a lover before words are uttered, and the smile that lights on the first born babe, and assures it of a mother's love."
-- Thomas C. Haliburton

"Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown. In my heart it don't mean a thing."
-- Toni Morrison

"Children are the sum of what mothers contribute to their lives."
-- Unknown

"A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them."
-- Victor Hugo

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us when adversity takes the place of prosperity when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."
--Washington Irving

"The only thing a lawyer won't question is the legitimacy of his mother."
-- W. C. Fields

"A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know that he sees it."
-- W. D. Howells

"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children."
--William Makepeace Thackeray

"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."
-- William Ross Wallace

Pregnancy and Excercising - 6 Reasons to Excercise During Pregnancy

2006-06-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising during pregnancy can have additional benefits. Generally, exercise should be light, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes. Heavy exercise can divert blood flow from crucial areas and most women that exercise regularly should tone down their workouts during pregnancy.

Walking, swimming, and yoga are two popular exercise activities suitable for pregnant women. Other forms of exercise like weight lifting are okay too as long as it is not too strenuous. Most experts recommend exercising 3-4 times a week, unless a medical condition prevents it. If in doubt, always consult a physician first. Listed below are some of the top reasons for exercising during pregnancy.

Exercise can reduce the length of labor and reduce recovery times. The right exercise routines will increase stamina needed for delivery.

Improve emotional health - exercise lowers stress and improves emotional health and can make it easier for the new mother to get through the experience of pregnancy.

Exercise can help with weight management after the child is born. A common concern with most mothers is losing weight after pregnancy. Exercising during pregnancy can make postpartum weight loss easier.

Exercise is good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also helping out your baby.

Reduced pregnancy side effects - Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, swelling, and constipation are common in pregnant women. Exercising has been shown to reduce the occurence of these symptoms.

Decrease risk of premature birth - exercise has been shown in studies to decrease the risk of premature birth by about 50%.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before exercising, have a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. Also, listen to your body - if you start feeling sick or nauseous, then you should stop and rest.

About the Author - Criss White

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors and Babies and Showers.

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

Teen Pregnancy Ruins

2006-06-20T05:29:00.001-07:00

One of the biggest problems the teenagers of today face is unplanned pregnancy. The united States has one of the highest pregnancy rates in the world. Close to 1 million teenagers become pregnant each year. Approximately 90% of the pregnancies is unplanned, a number of them which eventually leads to abortion.

Consequences of teenage pregnancy

Unplanned pregnancy poses one of the most devastating problems in life. There is just too much stress to deal with for a teenage mom. The stress that they're dealing with are time, financial and duties. Imagine the difficulty in juggling the time spent in school, with the baby and earning money just to provide necessities for the baby. Even if a teenage mom decides to forgone of her duties, for example quit school, it does not necessarily makes the situation or the future any better. With insufficient education means that the teenage mom will have to settle for low-paying jobs or worse, being unemployed.

Prevention of teenage pregnancy

I believe one of the most effective prevention measures is by promoting abstinence. Parents should try instilling moral or religious values in their kids. It will prove to be the best prevention, rather than encouraging safe sex with the use of condoms etc.

Proper guidance of teens does not start tomorrow, but today. It's easy for them to ruin their futures by making a simple mistake and it's our responsibility as parents, teachers, the society etc to guide them to the right path.

Useful hotline

Planned Parenthood
1-800-230-PLAN

National Abortion Federation
1-800-772-9100

National Adoption Center
1-800-862-3678

What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

2006-06-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

An ectopic pregnancy is something that most women do not assume will happen to them, but when it does it is a very emotionally draining experience. Because an ectopic pregnancy starts like any other healthy pregnancy the letdown is generally considerable. Ectopic pregnancies are also known as tubal pregnancies, and a lot of the time women don’t know that anything is wrong so they begin to plan for the birth of their child. The excitement and joy typically builds until the first ultrasound or abdominal pain wipes away all of the joy and planning.

Technically speaking, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized ovum implants on any tissue other than the endometrial lining of the uterus. The ovum then continues to develop, as it would have in the endometrial lining. Eventually, the ovum grows to be so big that it causes pain for the mother. Luckily, it doesn’t take much time or much growth until the mother or her doctor decides that something is not quite right. Experts actually believe that a large number of women experience ectopic pregnancies that result in miscarriage because the body is able to sense that the pregnancy is not a viable ones and then rejects the pregnancy altogether. Unfortunately not every woman’s body will miscarry the doomed pregnancy and a doctor must get involved to relieve the pain and discomfort along with the pregnancy.

For most women, when an ectopic pregnancy occurs the ovum attaches in the fallopian tubes, the abdomen, or even the cervix. The problem is that none of these areas are able to nurture a baby so that it can develop normally and there is no way for a doctor to simply transplant the developing ovum to the uterus where it can develop normally. Treating an ectopic pregnancy has become quite a bit easier in recent years, as it requires much less invasive techniques, making the whole process a lot less painful both physically and emotionally. Advances such as laparoscopy or laparotomy can be done to remove the misplaced ovum. In rare instances the pregnant woman will be required to undergo surgery, but these cases are becoming more and more uncommon all the time.

Unfortunately for those that will become pregnant now and in the near future, there is no way to prevent ectopic pregnancies. Experts do know that having experiences such as pelvic inflammatory disease, a previous tubal ligation, or a history of ectopic pregnancies put a woman at an increased risk of experiencing such a pregnancy, but there is nothing definitive about who experiences an ectopic pregnancy and who does not. Abnormal uterine growth or abdominal pain are typically the only symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, but some women do not experience them at all.

All women should know that even if they do experience one ectopic pregnancy, you will most likely be able to go on and have successful pregnancies in the future. Most experts agree that women should wait several cycles before attempting to become pregnant, but most become pregnant with a healthy pregnancy as soon as they attempt again. Knowing that you can go on to have happy, healthy children won’t undo the ectopic pregnancy, but it will help with the emotional pain to know that you can go on to have children. When you visit the www.pregnancysafe.com website you can learn even more about ectopic pregnancies as well as how to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.

By Craig Rowe

Pregnancy and Nutrition

2006-01-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy and a Healthy Diet

Why is a healthy diet important before and during pregnancy?
How should my diet change now that I am pregnant?
Should I limit how much fish I eat when I’m pregnant?
What other nutrients do I need for a healthy pregnancy?
Should I take a multivitamin during my pregnancy?
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
Is it hard to lose weight after pregnancy?
Should I avoid drinking alcohol while I am pregnant?
Should I avoid caffeine while I am pregnant?
Why do pregnant women crave certain foods?
Do I really need to "eat for two?"
What about diabetes and nutrition during pregnancy?
Why do I get morning sickness and nausea, and what can I do about it?

Why is a healthy diet important before and during pregnancy?

What you eat every day, even before you are pregnant, is important for your health as well as for the health of your baby. Your diet before pregnancy and while you are pregnant should contain the vitamins and nutrients that your body will need to help your baby develop and grow the way he or she should. Practice healthy eating and take a multivitamin each and every day. Start this good habit before you become pregnant and continue eating healthy and taking a prenatal multivitamin throughout your pregnancy. If you need help choosing healthy foods or have questions about how to improve your diet for your future baby, ask a health professional at your doctor’s office or at a local clinic.

How should my diet change now that I am pregnant?

If you are eating a healthy diet before you become pregnant, you may only need to make a few changes to meet the nutritional needs of pregnancy. According to the American Dietetic Association, pregnant women should increase their usual servings of a variety of foods from the four basic food groups (up to a total of 2,500 to 2,700 calories daily) to include the following:

Fruits and Vegetables –

Seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables combined (three servings of fruit and four of vegetables) daily for vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables with vitamin C help you and your baby to have healthy gums and other tissues, and help your body to heal wounds and to absorb iron. Examples of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C include strawberries, melons, oranges, papaya, tomatoes, peppers, greens, cabbage, and broccoli. Fruits and vegetables also add fiber and other minerals to your diet and give you energy. Plus, dark green vegetables have vitamin A, iron, and folate, which are important nutrients during pregnancy.

One Serving Size Fruit = 1 medium apple, 1 medium banana, 1/2 cup of chopped fruit, 3/4 cup of fruit juice

One Serving Size Vegetable = 1 cup raw leafy vegetables, 1/2 cup of other vegetables (raw or cooked), 3/4 cup vegetable juice

Whole-grains or Enriched Breads/Cereals –

Aim for nine or more servings. Whole grain products and enriched products like bread, rice, pasta, and breakfast cereals contain iron, B vitamins, some protein, minerals, and fiber that your body needs. Some breakfast cereals have been enriched with 100% of the folic acid your body needs each day. Folic acid has been shown to help prevent some serious birth defects. Choosing a breakfast cereal or other enriched grain products that contain folic acid is important before and during pregnancy.

One Serving Size = 1 slice bread, 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta, 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal

Dairy Products –

Aim for four or more servings of low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, or other dairy products like cheese for calcium. You and your baby need calcium for strong bones and teeth. Dairy products also have vitamin A and D, protein, and B vitamins. Vitamin A helps growth, resistance to infection, and vision. Pregnant women need 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. If you are 18 or younger, you need 1,300 mg of calcium each day. Try to have low-fat or non-fat milk and milk products to lower your fat intake. Other sources of calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, nuts and seeds, and tofu. If you are lactose intolerant or can’t digest dairy products, you can still get this extra calcium. There are several low-lactose or reduced-lactose products available. In some cases, your doctor might advise you to take a calcium supplement.

One Serving Size = 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 oz. natural cheese, 2 oz. processed cheese

Proteins –

Pregnant women need about 60 grams of protein per day. This is about the same as two or more 2-3 oz. servings of cooked lean meat, poultry without the skin or fish, or two or more 1 oz. servings of cooked meat. Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish. These can make you sick. Pregnant women should avoid deli luncheon meats, also. Eggs, nuts, dried beans, and peas also are good forms of protein. Most women in this country have no problem getting at least this amount of protein each day. Protein builds muscle, tissue, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies for you and your baby. These foods also have B vitamins and iron, which is important for your red blood cells. Your need for protein in the first trimester is small, but grows in your second and third trimesters when your baby is growing the fastest, and your body is working to meet the needs of your growing baby.

One Serving Size = 2-3oz. of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish, 1 oz. meat also = 1/2 cup cooked dried beans, 1 egg, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/3 cup nuts, 2 T. peanut butter

Should I limit how much fish I eat when I’m pregnant?

Some fish have mercury, which, in high doses, can hurt your baby’s growing brain and nervous system. There are some fish you should NOT eat if you are pregnant. Here are some guidelines:

Do not eat any shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish (also called golden or white snapper) because these fish have high levels of mercury.
Do not eat more than six ounces of “white” or “albacore” tuna or tuna steak each week.

Limit your fish to no more than 2 servings (12 ounces total) per week. When you eat fish, choose shrimp, salmon, pollock, catfish, or “light” tuna as they are usually low in mercury. For more information on the mercury levels of different kinds of fish, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sea-mehg.html

What other nutrients do I need for a healthy pregnancy?

Folic acid: Folic acid is an important vitamin for any woman who could possibly become pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects of a baby’s brain or spine (called neural tube defects) and other birth defects like cleft lip and congenital heart disease. Folic acid is needed very early in pregnancy, usually before a woman knows she is pregnant. That is why it’s so important that every woman who could possibly become pregnant gets enough folic acid every single day, starting at least one month before pregnancy. One easy way to ensure getting enough folic acid every day is to take a daily multivitamin. Most multivitamins sold in the U.S. contain enough folic acid for the day. Check the label! Your vitamin should contain 400 micrograms (400 mcg) or 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for folic acid. Another way to get enough folic acid is to eat a serving of breakfast cereal that contains 100% (DV) for folic acid, every day. Just check the nutrition label to be sure—look for “100%” next to folic acid. So, eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, and don’t forget to get your folic acid. Every day!

Iron: You need iron to keep your blood healthy for you and your baby. Bones and teeth also need iron to develop properly. Too little iron can cause a condition called anemia. If you have anemia, you might look pale and feel very tired. Your doctor can check for signs of anemia through the routine blood tests that are taken in different stages of your pregnancy. All pregnant women should take a low-dose iron supplement, beginning at the first prenatal visit, or even before, when you are planning to get pregnant. Prenatal vitamins that your doctor prescribes or that you find over the counter usually have the amount of iron you need. Check the label to make sure they contain iron. If your doctor finds that you have anemia, he or she will give you a higher dose of iron supplements to take once or twice a day. You can help prevent anemia by eating more iron-rich foods like lean red meat, fish, poultry, dried fruits, whole-grain breads, and iron-fortified cereals.

Water: Water plays a key role in your diet during pregnancy. It carries the nutrients from the foods you eat to your baby and helps prevent you from getting constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Drinking enough water, especially in your last trimester, prevents you from becoming dehydrated. Not getting enough water can then lead you to have contractions and premature or early labor. Pregnant women should drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water per day and another glass for each hour of activity. You can drink juices for fluid, but they also have a lot of calories and can cause you to gain extra weight. Coffee, soft drinks, and teas that have caffeine actually reduce the amount of fluid in your body, so they cannot count towards the total amount of fluid you need.

Should I take a multivitamin during my pregnancy?

Even women who plan carefully to eat healthy every day can be missing out on some important nutrients like folic acid, which helps prevent serious birth defects of your baby’s brain and spine. Those birth defects happen before most women know they are pregnant. To be certain that you are getting enough folic acid and other vitamins, it is helpful to take a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin, starting before you get pregnant. But, don’t overdo it—taking more than one multivitamin daily can be harmful.

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

You should gain weight gradually during your pregnancy, with most of the weight gained in the last trimester. Good rates of weight gain are about two to four pounds during the first three months of pregnancy and three to four pounds per month for the rest of the pregnancy. The average total weight gain should be about 25 to 30 pounds. But, the amount you gain might be slightly less or more, depending on your weight before you became pregnant and your height.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

If you were underweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.
If you were overweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.

Check with your doctor to find out how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.

Recent research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy and who fail to lose this weight within six months after giving birth are at much higher risk of being obese nearly 10 years later.

Total weight gained during pregnancy includes six to eight pounds for the weight of the baby. The remaining weight consists of a higher fluid volume, larger breasts, larger uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placenta. Make sure to visit your doctor throughout your pregnancy so he or she can check on your weight gain.

Is it hard to lose weight after pregnancy?

It can be hard to lose weight after you have your baby if you gained too much weight during pregnancy. During pregnancy, fat deposits can increase by more than one-third of the total amount you had before becoming pregnant. If weight gain during pregnancy is normal, most women lose this extra weight in the birth process and in the weeks and months after birth. Breastfeeding also can help to deplete the fat gained during pregnancy by helping the body to expend at least 500 more calories each day. For more information on diet and nutrition while breastfeeding go to: http://www.womenshealth.gov/Breastfeeding/print-bf.cfm?page=235

Should I avoid drinking alcohol while I am pregnant?

There is no safe time during pregnancy for you to drink alcohol. There is also no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. When you are pregnant and you drink beer, wine, hard liquor, or other alcoholic beverages, alcohol gets into your blood. The alcohol in your blood goes to your baby through the umbilical cord. When the alcohol enters the baby's body, it can slow down the baby’s growth, affect the baby’s brain, and cause birth defects. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders http://womens-health-info.blogspot.com/2006/01/health-glossary.html#FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Some people with FASD may have abnormal facial features and growth and central nervous system problems. People with FASD may have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, and/or hearing. These problems often lead to problems in school and problems getting along with others. The effects of FASD last a lifetime. If you are pregnant and have been drinking alcohol, stop drinking now to protect your baby. If you need help to stop drinking, talk with your doctor or nurse. For more information go to: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/fas.htm.

Should I avoid caffeine while I am pregnant?

Caffeine is a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, and some over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Consumed in large quantities, caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as low birth-weight babies. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can dehydrate your body of valuable water. Some studies show that caffeine intake during pregnancy can harm the fetus. Until more is known, you should avoid caffeine. Caffeine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Talk with your doctor before taking any drugs or medicines while pregnant.

Why do pregnant women crave certain foods?

The "pickles and ice cream" choices and other appetite cravings of pregnant women might be reflections of the changes in nutritional needs. The fetus needs nourishment, and the mother’s body begins to absorb and metabolize nutrients differently. These changes help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the demands of lactation, or breastfeeding, after the baby is born.

Do I really need to "eat for two?"

While you are pregnant, you will need additional nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. But, that does not mean you need to eat twice as much. You should increase your caloric intake with only 300 calories per day. A baked potato has 120 calories, so getting those extra 300 calories should not be that hard.

Make sure not to restrict your diet during pregnancy. If you do, you might not get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary to properly nourish your unborn baby. Low-calorie intake can cause a pregnant mother’s stored fat to break down, leading to the production of substances called ketones. Ketones, which can be found in the mother's blood and urine, are a sign of starvation or a starvation-like state. Constant production of ketones can result in a mentally retarded child.

What about diabetes and nutrition during pregnancy?

If you already have diabetes and would like to get pregnant, your chances of having a healthy baby are good. But, it’s important to plan your pregnancy and follow these steps:

Bring your diabetes under control before you get pregnant. Try to get your blood sugar under control three to six months before you get pregnant.
Keep your blood sugar under control during your pregnancy. Keep food, exercise, and insulin in balance. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to help you follow a special meal plan. Remember, as your baby grows, your body changes, and these changes will affect your sugar levels. If your blood sugar rises too high, the increased sugar crossing into the placenta can result in a large, over-developed fetus with birth defects or an infant with blood sugar level problems.
Be sure to get enough of the B vitamin folic acid, every day. Women with diabetes might be at increased risk for having a baby with a serious birth defect. Getting enough folic acid each day can help reduce this risk.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and usually goes away after the birth of the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, this means that you have a high amount of sugar in your blood during pregnancy. This form of diabetes can be controlled through diet, medication, and exercise, but if left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health problems for both you and your baby. If you develop gestational diabetes, your doctor will refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you with special meal plans to control your blood sugar.

Why do I get morning sickness and nausea, and what can I do about it?

Morning sickness and nausea are common problems for pregnant women. Most nausea occurs during the early part of pregnancy and, in most cases, will subside once you enter the second trimester. For some women, morning sickness and nausea might last longer than the early stages of pregnancy or even throughout the entire nine months.

The changes in your body might cause you to be nauseated or to vomit when you smell or eat certain things, when you are tired or stressed, or for no apparent reason at all. Nausea in early pregnancy is a condition that often can be managed by changing when and what you eat. Try these tips:

Eat smaller meals each day, such as six to eight small meals instead of three larger ones.
Avoid being without food for long periods of time.
Drink fluids between, but not with, meals.
Avoid foods that are greasy, fried, or highly spiced.
Avoid foul and unpleasant odors.
Rest when you are tired.

Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is rare, but if it occurs, it can cause you to become dehydrated. If you feel that your nausea or vomiting is keeping you from eating right or gaining enough weight, talk with your doctor.

For More Information…

You can find out more information about pregnancy and nutrition by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center or the following organizations:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://womens-health-info.blogspot.com/2006/01/health-glossary.html#ACOG) Resource Center
Phone Number: http://womens-health-info.blogspot.com/2006/01/health-glossary.html#202) 863-2518
Web Site: http://www.acog.org

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food and Nutrition Service
Phone Number: http://womens-health-info.blogspot.com/2006/01/health-glossary.html#703) 305-2286
Web Site: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse
Phone Number: http://womens-health-info.blogspot.com/2006/01/health-glossary.html#703) 356-1964
Web Site: http://www.ask.hrsa.gov/MCH.cfm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Phone number: http://womens-health-info.blogspot.com/2006/01/health-glossary.html#800) 311-3435
Web Site: http://www.cdc.gov/

See also:

Pregnancy and Medications

2006-01-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy and Medications

Is it safe to take medicine while you are pregnant?
What over-the-counter and prescription drugs are not safe to take during pregnancy?
Will there be studies in the future that will look at whether certain medicines or products are safe in pregnant women?
Should I avoid taking any medicine while I am pregnant?
What about taking natural medications, or herbal remedies, when you are pregnant?
I have heard that some women who were pregnant between 1938 and 1971 were given a drug called DES to prevent miscarriages that is now known to cause cancers. Would I be affected if my mother took this drug?

Is it safe to take medicine while you are pregnant?

It can be hard to plan exactly when you will get pregnant, in order to avoid taking any medicine. Most of the time, medicine a pregnant woman is taking does not enter the fetus. But sometimes it can, causing damage or birth defects. The risk of damage being done to a fetus is the greatest in the first few weeks of pregnancy, when major organs are developing. But researchers also do not know if taking medicines during pregnancy also will have negative effects on the baby later.

Many drugs that you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) in drug and discount stores, and drugs your health care provider prescribes are thought to be safe to take during pregnancy, although there are no medicines that are proven to be absolutely safe when you are pregnant. Many of these products tell you on the label if they are thought to be safe during pregnancy. If you are not sure you can take an OTC product, ask your health care provider.

Some drugs are not safe to take during pregnancy. Even drugs prescribed to you by your health care provider before you became pregnant might be harmful to both you and the growing fetus during pregnancy. Make sure all of your health care providers know you are pregnant, and never take any drugs during pregnancy unless they tell you to.

Also, keep in mind that other things like caffeine, vitamins, and herbal teas and remedies can affect the growing fetus. Talk with your health care provider about cutting down on caffeine and the type of vitamins you need to take. Never use any herbal product without talking to your health care provider first.

What over-the-counter and prescription drugs are not safe to take during pregnancy?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a system to rate drugs in terms of their safety during pregnancy. This system rates both over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you can buy in a drug or discount store, and drugs your health care provider prescribes. But most medicines have not been studied in pregnant women to see if they cause damage to the growing fetus. Always talk with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA system ranks drugs as:

Category A - drugs that have been tested for safety during pregnancy and have been found to be safe. This includes drugs such as folic acid, vitamin B6, and thyroid medicine in moderation, or in prescribed doses.
Category B - drugs that have been used a lot during pregnancy and do not appear to cause major birth defects or other problems. This includes drugs such as some antibiotics, acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspartame (artificial sweetener), famotidine (Pepcid), prednisone (cortisone), insulin (for diabetes), and ibuprofin (Advil, Motrin) before the third trimester. Pregnant women should not take ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy.
Category C - drugs that are more likely to cause problems for the mother or fetus. Also includes drugs for which safety studies have not been finished. The majority of these drugs do not have safety studies in progress. These drugs often come with a warning that they should be used only if the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks. This is something a woman would need to carefully discuss with her doctor. These drugs include prochlorperzaine (Compazine), Sudafed, fluconazole (Diflucan), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Some antidepressants are also included in this group.
Category D - drugs that have clear health risks for the fetus and include alcohol, lithium (used to treat manic depression), phenytoin (Dilantin), and most chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer. In some cases, chemotherapy drugs are given during pregnancy.
Category X - drugs that have been shown to cause birth defects and should never be taken during pregnancy. This includes drugs to treat skin conditions like cystic acne (Accutane) and psoriasis (Tegison or Soriatane); a sedative (thalidomide); and a drug to prevent miscarriage used up until 1971 in the U.S. and 1983 in Europe (diethylstilbestrol or DES).

Aspirin and other drugs containing salicylate are not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the last three months. In rare cases, a woman's health care provider may want her to use these type of drugs under close watch. Acetylsalicylate, a common ingredient in many OTC painkillers, may make a pregnancy last longer and may cause severe bleeding before and after delivery.

Will there be studies in the future that will look at whether certain medicines or products are safe in pregnant women?

To help women make informed and educated decisions about using medicines during pregnancy, it is necessary to find out the effect of these medicines on the unborn baby. Pregnancy Registries are one way to do this. A Pregnancy Registry is a study that enrolls pregnant women after they have been taking medicine and before the birth of the baby. Babies born to women taking a particular medicine are compared with babies of women not taking the medicine. Looking at a large number of women and babies is needed to find out the effect of the medicine on the babies.

If you are pregnant and currently taking medicine -- or have been exposed to a medicine during your pregnancy -- you may be able to join and help with this needed information. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) web site (http://www.fda.gov/womens/registries/) has a list of pregnancy registries that are enrolling pregnant women.

Should I avoid taking any medicine while I am pregnant?

Whether or not you should continue taking medicine during pregnancy is a serious question. But, if you stop taking medicine that you need, this could harm both you and your baby. An example of this is if you have an infection called toxoplasmosis, which you can get from handling cat feces or eating infected meat. It can cause problems with the brain, eyes, heart, and other organs of a growing fetus. This infection requires treatment with antibiotics.

For pregnant women living with HIV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the drug zidovudine (AZT). Studies have found that HIV positive women who take AZT during pregnancy decrease by two-thirds the risk of passing HIV to their babies. If a diabetic woman does not take her medicine during pregnancy, she increases her risk for miscarriage and stillbirth. If asthma and/or high blood pressure are not controlled during pregnancy, problems with the fetus may result. Talk with your health care provider about whether the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the risk for you and your baby.

What about taking natural medications, or herbal remedies, when you are pregnant?

While some herbal remedies say they will help with pregnancy, there have been no studies to figure out if these claims are true. Likewise, there have been very few studies to look at how safe and effective herbal remedies are. Echinacea, Gingko biloba, and St. John's Wort have been popular herbs, to name a few. Do not take any herbal products without talking to your health care provider first. These products may contain agents that could harm you and the growing fetus, and cause problems with your pregnancy.

I have heard that some women who were pregnant between 1938 and 1971 were given a drug called DES to prevent miscarriages that is now known to cause cancers. Would I be affected if my mother took this drug?

The synthetic (or man-made) estrogen, diethylstilbestrol or DES, was made in London in 1938. DES was used in the U.S. between 1938 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage (losing a pregnancy). Many women who had problems with earlier pregnancies were given DES because it was thought to be both safe and effective. Over time, it was found that not only did DES not prevent miscarriage, it also caused cancers of the vagina (birth canal) and cervix (opening to the uterus or womb).

While many women were given DES over this time, many mothers do not remember what they were given by their health care providers when they were pregnant. Some prescription prenatal vitamins also contained DES. If your mother is not sure whether she took DES, you can talk with the health care provider she went to when she was pregnant with you or contact the hospital for a copy of her medical records.

DES can affect both the pregnant woman and the child (both daughters and sons). Daughters born to women who took DES are more at risk for cancer of the vagina and cervix. Sons born to women who took DES are more at risk for non-cancerous growths on the testicles and underdeveloped testicles. Women who took DES may have a higher risk for breast cancer.

If you think or know that your mother took DES when she was pregnant with you, talk with your health care provider right away. Ask her or him about what types of tests you may need, how often they need to be done, and anything else you may need to do to make sure you don't develop any problems.

For more information...

You can find out more about pregnancy and medications by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) at (800) 994-WOMAN (9662) or the following organizations:

Food and Drug Administration
Phone Number(s): (888) 463-6332 (Consumer Information)
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov

Food and Drug Administration
Office on Women's Health
Guide to Pregnancy Registries
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov/womens/registries

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Phone Number(s): (800) 370-2943
Internet Address: http://www.nichd.nih.gov

Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR)
National Institutes of Health
Internet Address: http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
Phone Number(s): (800) 762-2264 x 192 (for publications requests only)
Internet Address: http://www.acog.org

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
Phone Number(s): (888) 663-4637
Internet Address: http://www.modimes.org

See Also

Birth Control Methods

2006-01-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

Birth Control Methods

What is the best method of birth control (or contraception)?
What are the different birth control methods that I can use?
Are there any foams or gels that I can use to keep from getting pregnant?
How effective is withdrawal as a birth control method?
Everyone I know is on the pill. Is it safe?
Will birth control pills protect me from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other STDs?
I’ve heard my girlfriends talking about dental dams and I thought they were something only dentists used during oral surgery – what are they?

What is the best method of birth control (or contraception)?

All women and men should have control over if and when they become parents. Making decisions about Birth Control, or contraception, is not easy – there are many things to think about. Learning about birth control methods you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy and talking with your doctor are two good ways to get started.

There is no “best” method of birth control. Each method has its own pros and cons. Some methods work better than others do at preventing pregnancy. Researchers are always working to develop or improve birth control methods.

The birth control method you choose should take into account:

your overall health
how often you have sex
the number of sexual partners you have
if you want to have children
how well each method works (or is effective) in preventing pregnancy
any potential side effects
your comfort level with using the method

Bear in mind that NO method of birth control prevents pregnancy all of the time. Birth control methods can fail, but you can greatly increase a method’s success rate by using it correctly all of the time. The only way to be sure you never get pregnant is to not have sex (abstinence).

What are the different birth control methods that I can use?

There are many methods of birth control that a woman can use. Talk with your doctor or nurse to help you figure out what method is best for you. You can always try one method and if you do not like it, you can try another one.

Keep in mind that most Birth Control does NOT protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea, herpes, and chlamydia. Other than not having sex, the best protection against STDs and HIV is the male latex condom. The female condom may give some STD protection.

Don’t forget that all of the methods we talk about below work best if used correctly. Be sure you know the correct way to use them. Talk with your doctor or nurse and don’t feel embarrassed about talking with her or him again if you forget or don’t understand.

Know that learning how to use some birth control methods can take time and practice. Sometimes doctors do not explain how to use a method because they may think you already know how. For example, some people do not know that you can put on a male condom “inside out.” Also, not everyone knows that you need to leave a “reservoir” or space at the tip of the condom for the sperm and fluid when a man ejaculates, or has an orgasm.

The more you know about the correct way to use birth control, the more control you will have over deciding if and when you want to become pregnant.

Here is a list of birth control methods with estimates of effectiveness, or how well they work in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, for each method:

Continuous Abstinence – This means not having sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse) at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and protect against HIV and other STDs. This method is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and STDs.
Periodic Abstinence or Fertility Awareness Methods – A woman who has a regular menstrual cycle has about seven or more fertile days or days when she is able to get pregnant, each month. Periodic abstinence means you do not have sex on the days that you may be fertile. These fertile days are approximately 5 days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and one or more days after ovulation. Fertility awareness means that you can be abstinent or have sex but you use a “barrier” method of birth control to keep sperm from getting to the egg. Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps, used together with spermicides, which kill sperm. These methods are 75 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Keep in mind that to practice these methods, you need to learn about your menstrual cycle (or how often you get your period). To learn about your cycle, keep a written record of when you get your period, what it is like (heavy or light blood flow), and how you feel (sore breasts, cramps). You also check your cervical mucus and take your basal body temperature daily, and record these in a chart. This is how you learn to predict, or tell, which days you are fertile or “unsafe.” You can ask your doctor or nurse for more information on how to record and understand this information.

The Male Condom – Condoms are called barrier methods of birth control because they put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from reaching the egg. Only latex or polyurethane (because some people are allergic to latex) condoms are proven to help protect against STDs, including HIV. "Natural” or “lambskin” condoms made from animal products also are available, but lambskin condoms are not recommended for STD prevention because they have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes. Male condoms are 84 to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms can only be used once. You can buy them at a drug store. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can also be used for oral sex). It is best to use lubrication with non-lubricated condoms if you use them for vaginal or anal sex. You can use KY jelly or water-based lubricants, which you can buy at a drug store. Oil-based lubricants like massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break. Always keep condoms in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in a hot place (like a billfold, wallet, or glove compartment), the latex breaks down, causing the condom to tear or break. Latex or polyurethane condoms are the only method other than abstinence that can help protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (lambskin condoms do not).
Oral Contraceptives – Also called “the pill,” contains the hormones estrogen and progestin and is available in different hormone dosages. A pill is taken daily to block the release of eggs from the ovaries. Oral contraceptives lighten the flow of your period and can reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cancer, benign ovarian cysts, endometrial cancer, and iron deficiency anemia. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. The pill may add to your risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, and blockage of the arteries, especially if you smoke. If you are over age 35 and smoke, or have a history of blood clots or breast, liver, or endometrial cancer, your doctor may advise you not to take the pill. The pill is 95 to 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. Some antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of the pill in some women. Talk to your doctor or nurse about a back-up method of birth control if she or he prescribes antibiotics.

Most oral contraceptives are swallowed in a pill form. One brand, called Ovcon 35, can either be swallowed or chewed. If it is chewed, you must drink a full glass of liquid immediately after to make sure you get the full dose of medication. There are also extended cycle pills, brand name Seasonale, which have 12 weeks of pills that contain hormones (active) and 1 week of pills that don’t contain hormones (inactive). While taking Seasonale, women only have their period 4 times a year when they are taking the inactive pills. There are many different types of oral contraceptives available, and it is important to talk to your doctor or nurse about which one is best for you. You will need a prescription for oral contraceptives.

The Mini-Pill – Unlike the pill, the mini-pill only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin. Taken daily, the mini-pill thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus (womb). The mini-pill also can decrease the flow of your period and protect against PID and ovarian and endometrial cancer. Mothers who breastfeed can use it because it will not affect their milk supply. The mini-pill is a good option for women who can’t take estrogen, are over 35, or have a risk of blood clots. The mini-pill does not protect against STDs or HIV. Mini-pills are 92 to 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. The mini-pill needs to be taken at the same time each day. A back-up method of birth control is needed if you take the pill more than three hours late. Some antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of the pill in some women. Talk to your doctor or nurse about a back-up method of birth control if she or he prescribes antibiotics. You will need to visit you doctor for a prescription and to make sure you are not having problems.
Copper T IUD (Intrauterine Device) – An IUD is a small device that is shaped in the form of a “T.” Your health care provider places it inside the uterus. The arms of the Copper T IUD contain some copper, which stops fertilization by preventing sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. If fertilization does occur, the IUD would prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus. The Copper T IUD can stay in your uterus for up to 12 years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. This IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all doctors insert IUDs so check first before making your appointment.
Progestasert IUD (Intrauterine Device) –This IUD is a small plastic T- shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. It contains the hormone progesterone, the same hormone produced by a woman’s ovaries during the monthly menstrual cycle. The progesterone causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg, and it changes the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot successfully implant. The Progestasert IUD can stay in your uterus for one year. This IUD is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all doctors insert IUDs so check first before making your appointment.
Intrauterine System or IUS (Mirena) – The IUS is a small T-shaped device like the IUD and is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. Each day, it releases a small amount of a hormone similar to progesterone called levonorgestrel that causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg. The IUS stays in your uterus for up to five years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. The IUS is 99% effective. The Food and Drug Administration approved this method in December 2000. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems. Not all doctors insert the IUS so check first before making your appointment
The Female Condom – Worn by the woman, this barrier method keeps sperm from getting into her body. It is made of polyurethane, is packaged with a lubricant, and may protect against STDs, including HIV. It can be inserted up to 24 hours prior to sexual intercourse. Female condoms are 79 to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. There is only one kind of female condom, called Reality, and it can be purchased at a drug store.
Depo-Provera – With this method women get injections, or shots, of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every 3 months. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. Women should not use Depo-Provera for more than 2 years in a row because it can cause a temporary loss of bone density that increases the longer this method is used. The bone does start to grow after this method is stopped, but it may increase the risk of fracture and osteoporosis if used for a long time. It is 97% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor for the shots and to make sure you are not having any problems.
Diaphragm, Cervical Cap or Shield – These are barrier methods of birth control, where the sperm are blocked from entering the cervix and reaching the egg. The diaphragm is shaped like a shallow latex cup. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped latex cup. The cervical shield is a silicone cup that has a one-way valve that creates suction and helps it fit against the cervix. The diaphragm and cervical cap come in different sizes and you need a doctor to “fit” you for one. The cervical shield comes in one size and you will not need a fitting. Before sexual intercourse, you use them with spermicide (to block or kill sperm) and place them up inside your vagina to cover your cervix (the opening to your womb). You can buy spermicide gel or foam at a drug store. Some women can be sensitive to an ingredient called nonoxynol-9 and need to use spermicides that do not contain it. The diaphragm is 84 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy. The cervical cap is 84 to 91% effective at preventing pregnancy for women who have not had a child and 68 to 74% for women who have had a child. The cervical shield is 85% effective at preventing pregnancy. Barrier methods must be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy and removed by 24 hours for the diaphragm and 48 for cap and shield. You will need to visit your doctor for a proper fitting for the diaphragm or cervical cap and a prescription for the cervical shield.
Contraceptive Sponge - This is a barrier method of birth control that was re-approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It is a soft, disk shaped device, with a loop for removal. It is made out of polyurethane foam and contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Before intercourse, you wet the sponge and place it, loop side down, up inside your vagina to cover the cervix. The sponge is 84 to 91% effective at preventing pregnancy in women who have not had a child and 68 to 80% for women who have had a child. The sponge is effective for more than one act of intercourse for up 24 hours. It needs to be left in for at least six hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy and must be removed within 30 hours after it is inserted. There is a risk of getting Toxic Shock syndrome or TSS if the sponge is left in for more than 30 hours. The sponge does not protect against STDs or HIV. There is only one kind of contraceptive sponge for sale in the United States, called the Today Sponge, and it can be purchased at a drug store. Women who are sensitive to the spermicide nonoxynol-9 should not use this birth control method.
The Patch (Ortho Evra) –This is a skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. You put on a new patch once a week for three weeks, and then do not wear a patch during the fourth week in order to have a menstrual period. The patch is 98 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but appears to be less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. You will need to visit your doctor for a prescription and to make sure you are not having problems.
The Hormonal Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing) – The NuvaRing is a ring that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. You squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger and insert it into your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, take it out for the week that you have your period, and then put in a new ring. The ring is 98 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor for a prescription and to make sure you are not having problems. This birth control method is not recommended while breastfeeding because the hormone estrogen may decrease breast milk production.
Surgical Sterilization (Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy) – These surgical methods are meant for people who want a permanent method of birth control. In other words, they never want to have a child or they do not want more children. Tubal ligation or “tying tubes” is done on the woman to stop eggs from going down to her uterus where they can be fertilized. The man has a vasectomy to keep sperm from going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it. They are 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Nonsurgical Sterilization (Essure Permanent Birth Control System) – This is the first non-surgical method of sterilizing women. A thin tube is used to thread a tiny spring-like device through the vagina and uterus into each fallopian tube. Flexible coils temporarily anchor it inside the fallopian tube. A Dacron-like mesh material embedded in the coils irritates the fallopian tubes’ lining to cause scar tissue to grow and eventually permanently plug the tubes. It can take about three months for the scar tissue to grow, so it is important to use another form of birth control during this time. Then you will have to return to your doctor for a test to see if scar tissue has fully blocked your tubes. - After 3 years of follow-up studies, Essure has been shown to be 99.8 % effective in preventing pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception – This is NOT a regular method of birth control and should never be used as one. Emergency contraception, or emergency birth control, is used to keep a woman from getting pregnant when she has had unprotected vaginal intercourse. “Unprotected” can mean that no method of birth control was used. It can also mean that a birth control method was used but did not work – like a condom breaking. Or, a woman may have forgotten to take her birth control pills, or may have been abused or forced to have sex when she did not want to. Emergency contraception consists of taking two doses of hormonal pills taken 12 hours apart and started within three days after having unprotected sex. These are sometimes wrongly called the “morning after pill.” The pills are 75 to 89% effective at preventing pregnancy. Another type of emergency contraception is having the Copper T IUD put into your uterus within seven days of unprotected sex. This method is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. Neither method of emergency contraception protects against STDs or HIV. You will need to visit your doctor for either a prescription for the pills or for the insertion of the IUD, and to make sure you are not having problems.

Are there any foams or gels that I can use to keep from getting pregnant?

You can purchase what are called spermicides in drug stores. They work by killing sperm and come in several forms – foam, gel, cream, film, suppository, or tablet. They are inserted or placed in the vagina no more than one hour before intercourse. If you use a film, suppository, or tablet wait at least 15 minutes before having intercourse so the spermicide can dissolve. Do not douche or rinse out your vagina for at least six to eight hours after intercourse. You will need to use more spermicide before each act of intercourse. You may protect yourself more against getting pregnant if you use a spermicide with a male condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. There are spermicidal products made specifically for use with the diaphragm and cervical cap. Check the package to make sure you are buying what you want.

All spermicides have sperm-killing chemicals in them. Some spermicides also have an ingredient called nonoxynol-9 that may increase the risk of HIV infection when used frequently because it irritates the tissue in the vagina and anus which can cause the virus to enter the body more freely. Some women are sensitive to nonoxynol-9 and need to use spermicides without it. Spermicides alone are about 74% effective at preventing pregnancy. Medications for vaginal yeast infections may decrease effectiveness of spermicides.

How effective is withdrawal as a birth control method?

Withdrawal is not the most effective birth control method. It works much better when a male condom is used.

Withdrawal is when a man takes his penis out of a woman’s vagina (or “pulls out”) before he ejaculates, or has an orgasm. This stops the sperm from going to the egg. “Pulling out” can be hard for a man to do and it takes a lot of self-control. When you use withdrawal, you can also be at risk getting pregnant BEFORE the man pulls out. When a man’s penis first becomes erect, there can be fluid called pre-ejaculate fluid on the tip of the penis that has sperm in it. This sperm can get a woman pregnant. Withdrawal also does not protect you from STDs or HIV.

Everyone I know is on the pill. Is it safe?

Today’s pills have lower doses of hormones than earlier birth control pills. This has greatly lowered the risk of side effects; however, there are both benefits and risks with taking birth control pills. Benefits include having more regular and lighter periods, fewer menstrual cramps; and a lower risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Serious side effects include an increased chance, for some women, of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots. Minor side effects include nausea, headaches, sore breasts, weight gain, irregular bleeding and depression. Many of these side effects go away after taking the pill for a few months. Women who smoke, are over age 35, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer are more at risk for dangerous side effects and may not be able to take the pill. Talk with your doctor or nurse about whether the pill is right for you.

Will birth control pills protect me from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other STDs?

Some people wrongly believe that if they take birth control pills, they are protecting themselves not only from getting pregnant but also from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STDs.

The male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can be used for oral sex).

It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect against HIV and other STDs. "Natural” or “lambskin” condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes. If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like KY jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. Never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently – which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your doctor or nurse. Don’t be embarrassed. Also, do not assume that your partner knows how to use a condom correctly. Many men have never had anyone show them how. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is in preventing HIV and other STDs.

I’ve heard my girlfriends talking about dental dams and I thought they were something only dentists used during oral surgery – what are they?

The dental dam is a square piece of rubber that is used by dentists during oral surgery and other procedures. It is not a method of birth control. But it can be used to help protect people from STDs, including HIV, during oral and anal sex. It is placed over the opening to the vagina before having oral sex. Dental dams can be purchased at surgical supply stores.

For More Information

You can find out more about birth control methods by contacting the National Women’s Health Information Center at (800) 994-WOMAN (9662) or the following organizations:

Food and Drug Administration
Phone Number: (888) 463-6332
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov/

Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Phone Number: (800) 230-7526
Internet Address: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
Phone Number: (800) 762-2264 x 192 (for publications requests only)
Internet Address: http://www.acog.org/

Population Council
Phone Number: (212) 339-0500
Internet Address: http://www.popcouncil.org/

See also…

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception

2006-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

What is emergency contraception (or emergency birth control)?
How does emergency contraception work?
What are the types of emergency contraception? Are they the same thing as the "morning after" pill?
I was given emergency contraception in an emergency room. What do I need to do after I take the pills?
How effective is emergency contraception at preventing pregnancy?
My girlfriend took emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and they did not work. If she keeps the pregnancy, will there be something wrong with her baby?
Is emergency contraception the same thing as the "abortion pill?"

What is emergency contraception (or emergency birth control)?

Emergency contraception, or emergency birth control, is used to keep a woman from getting pregnant when she has had unprotected vaginal intercourse. "Unprotected" can mean that no method of birth control was used. It can also mean that a birth control method was used but did not work - like a condom breaking. Other things can happen as well that put a woman at risk for getting pregnant. A woman may have forgotten to take her birth control pills. She may have been abused or forced to have sex when she did not want to. Emergency contraception should never be used as a regular method of birth control. There are effective methods of birth control that women can use on a regular basis to prevent pregnancy.

How does emergency contraception work?

Emergency contraception keeps a woman from getting pregnant by stopping:

ovulation, or stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs that can be fertilized;
fertilization, or stopping the egg from being fertilized by the sperm;
implantation, or stopping a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of the uterus.

If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will NOT work. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy develops outside of the uterus, it will also not work. This can be a serious condition that can be fatal. Signs of ectopic pregnancy include extreme pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen, spotting blood, and feeling dizzy or faint. If you think you have an ectopic pregnancy, go to an emergency room right away.

What are the types of emergency contraception? Are they the same thing as the "morning after" pill?

There are two types of emergency contraception available to women in the United States: emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and intrauterine devices (IUDs). In most states, you need to see a health care provider to get either type of emergency contraception. The health care provider may take your medical history and do a urine pregnancy test, and will talk with you about which type of emergency contraception is best for you. You should never take ECPs that belong to another family member or friend. It is very important to first talk with a health care provider.

ECPs are sometimes wrongly called the "morning after pill." This is wrong because ECPs are never taken as one pill, the "morning after." They are taken in two doses, 12 hours apart. They work best if taken within 72 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse. ECPs contain higher doses of hormones than those contained in birth control pills. ECPs can have only one hormone, progestin, or can have two hormones, estrogen and progestin. If a woman can't take estrogen or is breastfeeding, she can use progestin-only ECPs. If you need ECPs, your health care provider will prescribe the best pill for you to use.

The other type of emergency contraception is an intrauterine device (IUD). A woman can have the Copper-T IUD, which is shaped like a "T," and placed inside her uterus (or womb) by a health care provider. This must be done within seven days after unprotected vaginal intercourse. The IUD can be taken out by a health care provider after the woman's next period. It also can be left in place for up to 10 years if the woman decides to use it as her regular method of birth control.

I was given emergency contraception in an emergency room. What do I need to do after I take the pills?

Take the emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) exactly as the health care provider tells you. If you see another health care provider for any reason after taking any dose of ECPs, be sure to tell her or him that you have taken ECPs.

Some women have nausea and vomiting after taking ECPs. A health care provider can prescribe medication to help control the nausea. If you have severe nausea, it is important not to stop taking the pills. If you do not finish the pills, you may not prevent the pregnancy. After you have taken ECPs, you can expect that your first period may come sooner or later than normal. Your blood flow also may be different - heavier, lighter, or more spotty than normal. You MUST use another method of birth control if you have vaginal intercourse any time before your next period starts. Now is a good time for you to start planning for the future. Learn about birth control methods and choose one you feel comfortable with. Talking with your health care provider is a good way to start. If you do not start your period within three weeks or have any signs of pregnancy after taking ECPs, see a health care provider right away.

How effective is emergency contraception at preventing pregnancy?

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) that contain both estrogen and progestin are about 75% effective at keeping a woman from getting pregnant. ECPs that contain only progestin are about 89% effective. The Copper-T intrauterine device (IUD) is 99.9% effective. Timing is important to how well emergency birth control works. The sooner a woman gets emergency birth control after having unprotected vaginal intercourse, the better it works. If a woman is in the fertile part of her cycle (ovulating), or close to that time, when she uses emergency birth control, her chances of getting pregnant are greater.

My girlfriend took emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and they did not work. If she keeps the pregnancy, will there be something wrong with her baby?

Studies have been done with women who did not know they were pregnant and kept taking birth control pills. These studies have found no increased risk for birth defects. Your girlfriend should see a health care provider right away to talk about her options.

Is emergency contraception the same thing as the "abortion pill?"

No. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping an egg from being released from the ovary and by stopping an egg from being fertilized, or reached by sperm. Emergency contraception also stops a fertilized egg from attaching, or implanting, itself to the wall of the uterus (or womb). The so-called "abortion pills" (Mifeprex (mifepristone) also called RU-486) work after a woman becomes pregnant - after a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. These pills cause the uterus to expel the egg, ending the pregnancy.

For More Information...

You can find out more about emergency contraception by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) (800) 994-WOMAN (9662) or the following organizations:

Food and Drug Administration
Phone Number(s): (888) 463-6332
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov/

Emergency Contraception Hotline
Phone Number(s): (888) 668-2528
Internet Address: http://ec.princeton.edu/

HCG - Human Chorionic Gonada-What?

2006-01-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Tropin. Human chorionic gonadotropin. Sound Familiar? You may or may not have heard of hCG, but if you have, it may be because you read it on the box of your home Pregnancy Test. That's because hCG is the basis of home Pregnancy Tests. It's also the basis for the blood and urine Pregnancy Tests that your doctor performs. But there is much more to hCG than simply being an indicator of pregnancy.

HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It begins being produced and released into the blood almost immediately after the egg attaches to the uterine wall. Since hCG is released into the blood so soon after conception, it can be detected there even before your first missed menstrual period, as early as six days after implantation. Its function is to prevent the disintegration of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain production of one of the main pregnancy hormones, progesterone.

HCG Levels HCG levels rise steadily for the first 14 to 16 weeks after your last menstrual period, doubling every 48- 72 hours in about 85% of normal pregnancies. After this time, the levels will slowly decrease. The increases in the hCG levels in early pregnancy can provide invaluable information about your pregnancy and the health of your baby. HCG levels return to zero shortly after pregnancy.

HCG levels are often measured as part of a maternal serum triple or quadruple screening test. These tests are done by measuring three or four substances in a woman's blood and are used to estimate the baby's risk of certain problems or congenital birth defects. The triple screen measures beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and a type of estrogen (unconjugated estriol or uE3). The quad screen measures the hormone inhibin-A in addition to the other three.

Abnormal hCG levels do not necessarily mean that there is a problem. It could simply be due to a miscalculation of pregnancy dating. Unfortunately though, abnormal hCG levels could also indicate a more serious issue. There are several things that could cause a high or low hCG level, so you should be retested within a few days to see how the levels are changing.

A high hCG level could be an indicator of a multiple pregnancy, in which there is more than one fetus present, or a molar pregnancy. A low hCG level could be an indicator of a possible miscarriage or blighted ovum, or an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants itself somewhere other than the uterus.

By now it should be apparent that you will be hearing quite a bit about hCG during your pregnancy, and now you will know more about what you are hearing.

Susan Tanner is a wife and mother of three. She is also the editor of pregnancy-guide.net. pregnancy-Guide is an online community for mothers to find support and valuable information. Please visit pregnancy-Guide for valuable pregnancy information.

Pregnancy Tests

2006-01-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy Tests

How do pregnancy tests work?
What's the difference between a urine and a blood pregnancy test? Is one better than the other?
How is a home pregnancy test done?
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
Can anything interfere with home pregnancy test results?

How do pregnancy tests work?

All pregnancy tests look for a special hormone in the urine or blood that is only present when a woman is pregnant. This hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is also called the pregnancy hormone.

What's the difference between a urine and a blood pregnancy test? Is one better than the other?

There are two types of pregnancy tests - blood and urine tests. Both tests look for the presence of hCG, the pregnancy hormone. Today, many women use a urine test, or home pregnancy test (HPT), to find out if they are pregnant. HPTs do not cost a lot, are easy to use, can be done at home, and are private. When a woman has a positive result on an HPT, she needs to see her health care provider right away. The health care provider can confirm a positive HPT result with a blood test and a pelvic exam.

There are two types of blood tests you can get from a health care provider. A quantitative blood test (or the beta hCG test) measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood. This means it can pick up very small amounts of hCG, making it a very accurate test. A qualitative hCG blood test gives a simple yes or no answer to whether you are pregnant. This test is more like a urine test in terms of its accuracy.

Blood tests can pick up hCG earlier in a pregnancy than urine tests can. Blood tests can tell if you are pregnant about 6 to 8 days after you ovulate (or release an egg from an ovary). Urine tests can determine pregnancy about 2 weeks after ovulation. Some more sensitive urine tests can tell if you are pregnant as early as 6 days after you conceive, or one day after you miss a menstrual period.

How is a home pregnancy test done?

There are many types of home pregnancy tests, or HPTs, that can be bought over-the-counter at drug or discount stores. Some involve collecting your urine in a cup and dipping a stick into the urine, or putting some of the urine into a special container with an eyedropper. Others are done by placing a stick into your urine stream. Tests vary in how long you have to wait for the stick or container to turn a certain color or have a symbol on it (like a plus or a minus). All tests come with written instructions. Most tests also have toll-free phone numbers to call if you have any questions about how to do the test or read the results.

How accurate are home pregnancy tests?

Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) are very accurate. Most brands of HPTs say they are 97% to 99% accurate, but this can vary with actual use. Each brand varies in how sensitive it is in picking up the pregnancy hormone hCG. If a test is not done correctly, it will be less accurate. And, always check the package to make sure it is not past its expiration date - if it is, it will not be accurate. Most brands of HPTs tell users to do the test again in a few days, no matter what the results.

If you use an HPT too early in your pregnancy, you may not have enough of the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine to have a positive test result. Most HPTs will be accurate if you test yourself around the time your period is due (about 2 weeks after you ovulate, or release an egg from your ovary). You can get a negative test result if you are not pregnant or if you ovulated later than you thought you did. You may also have problems with the pregnancy, which affects the amount of hCG you have in your urine. If your HPT is negative, test yourself again within a few days to 1 week. If you keep getting a negative result and think you are pregnant, talk with a health care provider right away.

Can anything interfere with home pregnancy test results?

Most medications, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including birth control pills and antibiotics, should not affect the results of a home pregnancy test (such as Profasi, Pregnyl or Novarel). Only those drugs that have the pregnancy hormone hCG in them can give a false positive test result (where the test says you are pregnant when you actually are not). Drugs that have hCG in them can be used for treating infertility (not being able to get pregnant). Alcohol and illegal drugs do not affect HPT results, but you should not be using these substances if you are trying to get pregnant.

For more information...

You can find out more about pregnancy tests by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) at (800) 994-WOMAN (9662) or the following organizations:

Food and Drug Administration
Phone Number(s): (888) 463-6332
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov/

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Phone Number(s): (800) 762-2264 for publication requests only
Internet Address: http://www.acog.org/

Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Phone Number(s): (800) 230-7526
Internet Address: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

American College of Nurse-Midwives
Phone Number(s): (888) 643-9433
Internet Address: http://www.midwife.org/

Beyond Layettes and Doctor Visits: Pregnancy Preparedness

2006-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is a time of exciting change. Your body is changing and soon your family life will be joyously altered forever. Getting ready for a new baby is a busy time, but because there are so many things to prepare for, it’s easy to lose sight of some of the bigger issues you need to think about.

Get a Grip on Money

Pregnancy is one of the most expensive events in your life. Not only are you paying for medical costs, buying a new wardrobe for yourself, and purchasing all that baby equipment, but you’re also about to change the number of people in your family – something that has long-term financial consequences.

Parents need to prepare a pregnancy budget. Map out exactly what your pregnancy expenses are going to be so you can find a way to apportion those costs. Next, create a new parenthood budget. Include all of your household expenses, as well as all the costs a new baby is going to add. Compare it to the income you expect to have and also try to make a provision for some savings.

Trim the Edges

When you’re doing all this budgeting, it’s a great time to look for ways to cut back on certain expenses. Sign up now for free diaper and formula samples and coupons. Compare your health insurance plan with your partner’s to determine which offers the best family coverage. Consider opening a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer that will allow you to take money out of your paycheck pre-tax and spend it on medical expenses.

Plan for the Unexpected

Becoming a parent is a time of excitement, but it’s also a time of new responsibility. There are many things you can do while pregnant that will protect your family’s future. Contact an attorney and get a will made. Choose a guardian for your baby and make sure your will is very clear about your wishes. Your partner should consider purchasing life insurance, but it’s best for you to wait until after pregnancy to consider it for yourself since your premiums are likely to be higher if you apply during pregnancy.

Another thing many moms do not do is talk to their health care providers about C-sections. You’re probably planning on a vaginal birth and most likely you will have a happy, uneventful one. However, should you unexpectedly have a C-section, you may not have time to ask a lot of questions and gather a lot of information in advance. Ask about the type of incision that would be used, the type of anesthesia, and what the recovery period is like. You’ll also want to discuss who will be allowed in the operating room with you.

Get Your Home Ready

Getting the nursery together is an act of love and one you’ll enjoy doing. There’s more to getting your home ready than painting and setting up a crib though. This is a good time to have your home tested for environmental hazards such as radon, carbon monoxide, or lead paint. You’ll also want to learn about the safety standards for baby products, issued by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (www.jpma.org), so that you can evaluate any secondhand baby equipment and check for recalls on products you might have received as gifts. You might also want to purchase a choke test cylinder, available at baby product stores, so that you can evaluate toys that might pose potential dangers.

Be a Busy Bee

The last couple of months of your pregnancy are a great time to get organized and do some things that will make your life easier once baby arrives. When you cook, double the recipes and freeze the extra. This will create a nice stockpile of frozen meals for when you come home from the hospital. Stock up on non-perishable pantry items that are easy to prepare as well. Lay in a supply of paper plates and cups so you won’t have to worry about dishes in those first hectic weeks.

Buy extra toilet paper, tissues, and self-care products. Get together a stack of take out menus and withdraw some cash so you won’t need to get to an ATM. Practice turning off the ringer on your phone and turning down the volume on your answering machine now.

This is also a great time to download free or low cost labor software for your partner’s Palm Pilot that will track your contractions. You may also want to set up a basic web page where you can upload baby photos once you get home from the hospital, so friends and family from everywhere can see the new arrival.

Consider Your Options

Think now about cord blood preservation and additional newborn testing. Cord blood preservation must be planned in advance, so you can pay the fee and receive the collection kit to take to the hospital. If you wait to decide until you go into labor, it’s too late. You should also research what newborn medical tests are required in your state to be done in the hospital and decide for yourself if you feel they are adequate. Some states screen for only four conditions, while others screen for up to 48. For information on how you can get complete testing done for under $100, visit www.SaveBabies.org.

Getting ready for a new baby can be stress-free if you take the time now to plan ahead.

Brette McWhorter Sember is a former attorney, mom of two and author of Your Practical Pregnancy Planner: Everything You Need to Know About the Financial and Legal Aspects of Preparing for Your New Baby (McGraw-Hill, 2005) and Your Plus-Size Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide for the Full-Figured Expectant Mom (Barricade Books, 2005). Her web sites are http://www.BretteSember.com and http://www.YourPlusSizePregnancy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Pregnancy Testing – When to Do It?

2006-01-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

When trying to conceive and to have a baby it all starts with a pregnancy test. Well, not really, but we leave the romantic part out of this discussion as this is not really something for the public. The timing of when to take a pregnancy test partially depends on how soon you are trying to find out if you are pregnant or not. Different pregnancy tests require different timing.

In general there are two basic types of pregnancy tests available nowadays. The two different kinds of pregnancy tests do either test your urine or your blood. Both tests look for the pregnancy hormone in your body that is only present if you are pregnant. The “pregnancy” hormone is referred to as 'human chorionic gonadotropin', or “hCG”. Modern blood tests can detect hCG already 6 to 8 days after having made love and have ovulated. Urine based pregnancy tests can detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone in your body about 14 days after ovulation.

Pregnancy tests using your blood to determine if you are pregnant need to be done under medical control – usually at your OB. Pregnancy tests that test for the pregnancy hormone in your urine are home-based tests. Home pregnancy tests are convenient, inexpensive and are discreet. A urine based pregnancy test should be done using in the early morning. The morning urine shows the strongest concentration of the pregnancy hormone. A pregnancy test using your blood is not tight to a certain time of the day to deliver better results.

Urine based pregnancy tests are often used too early and the test results are not clear enough. Follow-up testing is required to be certain. As pregnancy tests are not cheap this is unfortunate for the woman doing the test, but very fortunate for the manufacturers of these tests. Waiting an additional before taking the first test is difficult – especially if you are trying to conceive for quite a while.

If you feel you are pregnant but the home pregnancy test shows a negative test result, it is recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before repeating such a test. Sometimes it is also just the brand that is being used. Different tests used at the same time sometimes show more clear results.

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience. Getting confirmation about being pregnant can be frustrating or exciting. Having enough patience and faith will help a woman to get through the “endless” waiting period before it makes sense taking a pregnancy test.

About the Author

Christoph Puetz is a successful entrepreneur and international book author. Christoph operates a successful Pregnancy and Parenting Website. One of the other websites he maintains can be found at Pregnancy Announcements ecards.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

2006-01-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Knowing when to take a pregnancy test will help you know whether or not you're pregnant. If you're wanting to know when to take a pregnancy test, the timing depends on the type of test.

There are two basic types of pregnancy tests -- the urine test and the blood test. Both tests look for the hormone that is only present if a woman is pregnant. This hormone is called 'human chorionic gonadotropin', also referred to as 'hCG'. Blood tests can detect hCG about 6 to 8 days after you have ovulated. In general, urine tests can detect hCG about 14 days after ovulation.

When to take a pregnancy test at home is done by many women using a pregnancy test that will test the urine to determine if they are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are convenient, inexpensive and are private. The urine test should be done using your first urine when you awake in the morning. When you have a positive home pregnancy test result, you should then see your health care provider soon. Your health care provider will confirm your home test result with a blood test plus a pelvic exam.

When to take a pregnancy test is important, because if you test too early in your pregnancy, there may not yet be enough of the pregnancy hormone in the urine to provide a positive test result. Most of the home pregnancy tests will be 90% accurate if you wait and test yourself one day after your missed period is due. If you feel you are pregnant but the home pregnancy test is negative, repeat the test again in a week if you still have not had your period. And if you are still getting negative test results and think you are pregnant, be sure and see your health care provider right away.

Pregnancy is a wonderful event that is complex, frustrating, satisfying and exciting. Your desire to become pregnant and having a child will have even more significance to you if it means you'll be taking better care of yourself and your partner. Besides knowing when to take a pregnancy test, learn as much as you can about improving your own health so you'll be providing that special little one the very best start to life that is possible.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Read more about getting pregnant, best ovulation tests and fertility monitors. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - visit the website for natural health articles for women of all ages.

Take an Online Pregnancy Test for Free

2006-01-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

To take an online pregnancy test, you'll need to answer some questions. These questions are related to signs that indicate pregnancy. To take an online pregnancy test, answer the questions below. Please note -- it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus after conception. Once implantation happens, you can begin to experience one or more of the signs that indicate you are pregnant. Are you experiencing:

1. Light Spotting? Spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your next period begins. Light bleeding from implantation tends to be pinkish or brownish.

2. Urinating More Often? Frequent urination is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation.

3. Elevated Body Temperature? A slight increase in body temperature at ovulation is normal. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated for the next two weeks can be one of the early signs of pregnancy.

4. Missing a Menstrual Period? A missed period is one of the obvious pregnancy signs when you take an online pregnancy test. However, you can miss periods for other reasons such as illness, stress and reactions to foods or medications.

5. Tiredness? A lack of energy as a pregnancy sign may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to new hormone levels during pregnancy.

6. Feelings of Nausea? Feeling nauseated can happen any time, day or night, although 'morning sickness' is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Only about half of pregnant women will experience nausea.

7. Tender Nipples and Breasts? When you take an online pregnancy test, answering yes to this question can indicate pregnancy. These feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to new hormone levels.

8. Darker Areolas? If the area around the nipples becomes darker, this can be a pregnancy indicator. It can happen as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may also look more prominent.

If you are answering 'Yes' to one or more of the questions above as you take an online pregnancy test, you can confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.

Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Read more about ovulation tests and fertility monitors. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural health articles for women of all ages. Visit and learn more about ovulation and fertility, prenatal vitamins, pregnancy and caring for yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olinda_Rola

What To Avoid While You're Pregnant

2006-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Are you eating for two? With all the health warnings that are around today, pregnancy can be a confusing time for moms wanting to do the very best for their developing baby. This article will give you a list of sensible, reliable advice for foods to avoid while you are pregnant.

* Fast food, fried food and junk food. These are high in fat and calories and have very little nutritional value.

* Processed foods. The more your food has been handled, the fewer nutrients it will contain. Choose whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables more often.

* Sauces, gravies, and butter. They all contain a lot of fat and calories. Look for low-fat versions whenever possible.

* Prepared frozen meals. Although convenient, they can be loaded with fat and calories.

* Fish known to contain high levels of mercury - these are billfish (sworfish, broadbill and marlin), shark (flake), orange roughy (sea perch), gemfish, southern blue fin tuna and catfish. these contain methyl mercury, which is known to affect the developing child's brain. You may want to make up for Omega-3s by choosing a high quality supplementation.

* Raw or undercooked meat and poultry and unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses (such as brie and camembert) and pate are all possible sources of bacteria that may affect your baby. Any dish containing raw eggs, such as Caesar dressing, egg nog, hollandaise sauce asre a potential source of Salmonella. Remember that your baby 'eats' what you eat.

* Don't skip breakfast. Both you and your baby need to start the day off right. Missing breakfast means that you will need to spend the rest of the day catching up and this may cause you to over eat.

* Don't over-serve. Keep your portions small. This will also keep you from eating too much.

* You should not smoke or be around people who do.

* You should not drink alcohol, which has a variety of negative effects on your developing baby.

Kim Beardsmore is an Independent Herbalife Distributor whose business operates across 60 countries. Tons of recipes, articles, resources, free newsletter and more to help you lose weight and keep it off forever. Estimate your healthy body weight or receive a free weight loss consultation at http://www.weight-loss-health.com.au/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy By Moss Greene

2006-01-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

These are the foods to avoid during pregnancy. Remember everything that goes into your mouth goes right into your developing baby!

1. Mercury-High Fish
Certain types of fish are very high in mercury, mainly swordfish, mackerel and shark.The FDA also recommends only one serving of canned tuna each week for the same reason. Mercury is a dangerous heavy metal that's toxic to both you and your baby.

2. Undercooked Meats and Nitrates
Undercooked meat can have bacteria and parasites that could seriously effect your growing child. Also, avoid hot dogs, bacon and most sandwich meats since they are chocked full of nitrates.

3. Raw Fish, Shellfish and Sushi
Eating raw fish could possibly transmit tapeworms or other parasites. A tapeworm can suck nutrients away and therefore deprive your developing child.

4. Raw or Undercooked Eggs and Soft Cheese
As with undercooked meat, soft cheese and raw eggs can carry bacteria. Be sure to thoroughly cook any egg products before eating them.

5. Alfalfa and Other Raw Sprouts
The way in which most sprouts are grown is a great breeding ground for bacteria. Healthy adults might be able to resist the bacteria, but you don't want to take a chance with your baby. Even if you grow your own, avoid alfalfa sprouts since they contain a natural toxin.

6. Left-Out Food
In general, don't eat any food that has been sitting out on a counter or buffet table. The more something sits around and warms to room temperature, the more possibility there is that unfriendly organisms can grow in it.

7. Junk Food
Your baby must get all its nutrients from you. Just taking vitamins isn't enough. You need to be full of good nutrition. If you fill up on doritos, you won't have any room left for the foods that can really help your baby grow strong, healthy and beautiful.

Moss Greene makes it easy for you to look and feel better. Visit her site at http://nutrition.bellaonline.com to learn the simple things you can do for yourself right now. Be sure to subscribe to her free newsletter - you don't want to miss a thing!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moss_Greene

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant

2005-11-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

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Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant
By Brian Gardner

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

Although a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms, and find signs of being pregnant, other's don't "feel" pregnant. Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can be confused with other illnesses. The following list are some telltale symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of being pregnant, but you also might be one of the lucky ones who never experience this pregnancy symptom. Missing a period is another sign and symptom of being pregnant. We'll go into greater detail below, and you can read below.

MISSING A PERIOD

One of the most common signs and symptoms of being pregnant, missing a period can also be caused by other reasons. Although missing a period is one of the most common of the pregnancy symptoms, stress, illness, weight fluctuations or coming off the oral contraceptive pill can also be the cause of this. Irregular periods are a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur several months apart. If you still feel like you are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, continue reading the other signs of being pregnant.

TENDERNESS OF THE BREAST

Another sign and symptom of pregnancy is the changing of size and feel of your breast. As early as a few days after conception, this pregnancy symptom may occur. Your breast is beginning to enlarge, as it gets ready for breastfeeding. Many women claim that their breasts are very sensitive and that they experience a very sharp, tingling sensation as well. Being one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant, the tenderness of the breast often disappears a few weeks later.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Considered another one of the classic sign and symptoms of being pregnant, nausea and vomiting, (aka morning sickness) has become one of the most feared of all pregnancy symptoms. Feeling sick is a common complaint and is experienced by most women from weeks 5 to 6 of their pregnancy. However, morning sickness can also be felt as early as two weeks after conception. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, and can vary from an occasional faint sensation to overwhelming vomiting and nausea. By and large, morning sickness is one of the pregnancy symptoms that tends to disappear towards the end of the first trimester.

TIREDNESS

Many women experience fatigue as one of their pregnancy symptoms. Although this might be a sign of being pregnant, it can also indicate other things as well.

DARKENING OF THE AREOLA

Being one of the first physical symptoms of pregnancy, the darkening of the areola can occur throughout your entire pregnancy. If you notice the darkening of the areola, this could be considered one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant.

FREQUENT URINATION

If you experience that you are urinating more frequently, this might be another of the pregnancy symptoms that confirm that you are pregnant. As early as two weeks after conception, you might find yourself experience this pregnancy symptom. The pressure of the literally reducing size of your bladder is the cause of this. Your uterus beings to rise up into the abdomen, and this annoying pregnancy symptom is the result. Rising levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone stimulate the bladder muscles, so that it feels full, even though you might not need to urinate. Of all of the pregnancy symptoms, and signs of being pregnant, women sometimes find this to be the most annoying.

CHANGES IN TASTE AND SMELL

Don't be surprised if you experience this pregnancy sign and symptom. Many women claim that certain foods make them feel queasy - while others experience a craving for other foods. Another sign of this pregnancy symptom, is a strange metallic taste.

CONSTIPATION

Another of the annoying signs and symptoms of being pregnant, constipation occurs.

CONFIRMING YOUR PREGNANCY

Two weeks after conception, your baby is no bigger than a pinhead, comprised of a few balls of cells. As it begins to develop in the lining of the uterus, the placenta begins to form and produce necessary pregnancy hormones. Below are some ways to confirm that the pregnancy symptoms and signs of being pregnant that you have noticed are accurate, and that you will be having a baby.

HOME PREGNANCY TESTS

Being very accurate, these tests can be purchased at a local drugstore, and can confirm pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Your health care provider may rely on this test, and may only repeating testing if complications arise. If you receive a positive result, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can confirm you are pregnant and begin follow-up.

OFFICE URINE TEST

Similar to that of a home pregnancy test, and office urine test confirms pregnancy by also detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Being nearly 100% accurate, this test does not require you to urinate first thing in the morning. This type of test also can determine that the signs and symptoms of being pregnant hold true, and that your pregnancy symptoms are right.

PREGNANCY BLOOD TEST

In order to assist dating your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may also perform a pregnancy blood test. This particular pregnancy test can give you a positive or negative result, and once again detects the level of HCG. This time, it detects that level in your blood, and depending on your pregnancy symptoms, helps them determine what kind of care to give you. Pregnancy blood tests are useful if there are any concerns about miscarriage, or if there are indications that an unusual pregnancy is occurring.

INTERNAL EXAM

Four to six weeks after conception, your doctor can receive indefinite proof by examining you internally. Certain signs like the thickening of vaginal tissues and the softening of your uterus will confirm that the pregnancy symptoms are right on!

Brian Gardner is the Founder of PregnancyEtc.com - An Online Pregnancy Resource For 9 Months & Beyond. Having recently experienced pregnancy firsthand with his wife Shelly, Brian has dedicated his efforts towards pregnancy research. The development of http://www.pregnancyetc.com was to ensure that expecting parents had a place to find information on pregnancy and babies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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A Teen Pregnancy Can be a Crisis

2005-10-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

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A Teen Pregnancy Can be a Crisis
By Valerie Giles

A pregnancy web site is an excellent resource for women of all backgrounds and ages, especially in the case of teen pregnancy. A pregnancy web site can let a girl know the first month symptom of pregnancy and very early sign of pregnancy she may be experiencing so that she can early on get proper medical attention and advice.

For a pregnant teen the information on a pregnancy web site from first month symptom of pregnancy to very early sign of pregnancy can be invaluable in what most likely is an emotional and difficult time. Teen pregnancy statistics tell us that babies born in the United States to teenage mothers have a higher chance for school failure, poverty and physical or mental illness. While that is not good news for an expecting mother to hear, it will perhaps help influence the future decisions that young mother may have to make. Teen pregnancy can be a crisis for a young mom and it is very important that if a teenager finds out she is pregnant she immediately seek out assistance, through a visit with a medical doctor or counselor who can answer her questions and provide proper medical attention.

A pregnancy web site is also a confidential way for a teen to look up a first month symptom of pregnancy and a very early sign of pregnancy that she may be experiencing and have a chance to think about her current situation if she is indeed pregnant. There are also great message boards available on a pregnancy web site some of which may include; new moms, expectant moms, raising babies and single mothers. There are plenty of pregnancy web sites with information to include:

baby name finders,
due date calculators,
prenatal (morning sickness and prenatal care),
childbirth (birthing methods),
breast feeding (benefits of, techniques),
postpartum (postpartum depression and postpartum exercises)
and new trends in labor pain medications.

A pregnancy web site is so very helpful at letting a teenage girl know that she is not alone in what she is going through.

Some other information a pregnancy web site on teen pregnancy can include are facts such as how teen pregnancy rates are a lot higher in the United States compared to other developed countries. Each year approximately one million teenage women become pregnant with the majority of those pregnancies being unplanned and about one quarter of those teenage mothers having a second child within two years. While these pregnancy statistics teen seem somewhat overwhelming it can be noted that overall the teen pregnancy rates have declined in recent years.

A pregnancy web site can be an excellent tool when a girl may be experiencing a first month symptom of pregnancy or very early sign of pregnancy. It can be easy to confuse first month symptom of pregnancy as they can be similar to a woman’s regular pre menstrual signs such as swollen tender breasts, fatigue, feeling bloated, cramping and implantation bleeding (which may be mistaken for a normal period). Some of the other earliest possible sign of pregnancy can include; increased saliva, headaches and a change in libido (increase or decrease).

A pregnancy web site may offer advice on first month symptom of pregnancy and very early sign of pregnancy and when a woman will start to experience these symptoms. A woman will usually start to notice symptoms a couple of weeks after conception (twelve to fourteen days) unless a woman is carrying twins, triplets or more as they will have higher levels of pregnancy hormones in the system. If a woman has already had children it is likely that her body will be more sensitive to the hormones and she’ll feel the symptoms sooner.

A pregnancy web site can reveal first month symptom of pregnancy, earliest possible sign of pregnancy and very early sign of pregnancy with the top ten pregnancy signs being:

basal body temperature remaining high,
missed period,
frequent urination,
food aversions,
sensitivity to odors,
nausea (feeling like you don’t want to eat or keep any food down) and vomiting,
implantation bleeding (easily mistaken for a regular period) or cramping,
tender swollen breasts,
fatigue (waking up in morning feeling like you haven’t slept)
and of course the positive home pregnancy test.

While a pregnancy web site may be an invaluable tool to a teenage girl who is dealing with a pregnancy it cannot replace the advice, support and care that a proper medical doctor or counselor can provide. Once a teenage girl finds out that her first month symptom of pregnancy and very early sign of pregnancy are in fact pregnancy she should make sure that her nutritional, emotional and other needs be properly met. Teen pregnancy without a doubt can be a difficult and emotional time and at the earliest possible sign of pregnancy should be met with the right support and care of family, friends and physicians.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Are-You-Pregnant? http://www.are-you-pregnant.com. Find resources and FAQ for expectant parents on our pregnancy web site, including symptoms of pregnancy, conception calculator, trimester development, child birth, breast feeding as well as maternity merchandise. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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Pregnancy

2005-10-09T07:14:00.001-07:00

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Pregnancy
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For a broader view of pregnancy in mammals see mammalian pregnancy. For the medicine of pregnancy, see Obstetrics.

A pregnant womanPregnancy is the carrying of one or more embryos or feti by female mammals including humans inside their bodies. In a pregnancy there can be multiple gestations. Human pregnancy is the most studied of all mammalian pregnancies.

Human pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks between the time of the last menstrual cycle and birth (38 weeks from fertilisation). The medical term for a pregnant woman is "gravida," just as the medical term for the unborn human is an embryo (early weeks) and then "fetus" (until birth). A woman who is pregnant for the first time is known as a primigravida or gravida 1: a woman who has never been pregnant is known as a gravida 0; conversely, the terms para 0 and para 1 are used for the number of times a woman has given birth.

In many societies' medical and legal definitions, human pregnancy is arbitrarily divided into three trimester periods, as a means to simplify reference to the different stages of fetal development. The first trimester period carries the highest risk of miscarriage (natural death of embryo or fetus), while during the second trimester the development of the fetus can start to be monitored and diagnosed. The third trimester marks the beginning of viability, which means the fetus can survive if an early natural or induced birth occurs. Because of the possible viability of developed fetus, cultural and legal definitions of life often consider a fetus in the third trimester to be a distinct living person.

A pregnant woman, close to term, takes a swimSee also Pregnancy terms and definitions
Contents [hide]
1 Detection and dating
2 Beginning of pregnancy
2.1 Fertilization
2.2 Implantation
3 Duration
4 Medical aspects of pregnancy
5 Diagnosis
6 Birth
7 Postnatal Period
8 Terms and definitions
9 See also
10 Reference
11 External links

Detection and dating
The beginning of pregnancy may be detected in a number of ways, including various pregnancy tests which detect hormones generated by the newly-formed placenta. Clinical blood and urine tests can detect pregnancy as early as 6-8 days after date of conception. Home pregnancy tests are personal urine tests, which normally can't detect a pregnancy until at least 12-15 days after conception. Both clinical and home tests can only detect the state of pregnancy, and cannot detect the actual date of conception.

In practice, for the purpose of giving a date for a conception (i.e. an "age" for an embryo), doctors typically date the pregnancy by "menstrual date," based on the first day after the end of a woman's last menstrual period, as the woman reports it. Unless a woman's recent sexual activity has been limited, the exact date of conception or implantation are unknown. And absent any symptoms of morning sickness, the only visible sign of a pregnancy is often an interruption of her normal monthly menstruation cycle, (i.e. a "late period"). Hence, the "menstrual date" is simply a common educated estimate for the age of a fetus, which is an average of two weeks later than conception, (the margin of error considers 0 to 30 days after last menstruation, hence a 14 day average). The term "conception date" may sometimes be used when that date is more certain, though even medical professionals can be imprecise with their use of the two distinct terms. An unknown date for conception means that in practice the distinction between embryo and fetus is a clinical one only, and not used as to refer to stages of development of a particular pregnancy.

A blastocyst.There are likewise finer distinctions between the concepts of fertilization (conception) and the actual state of pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, the fertilization of the egg usually will have occurred in the Fallopian tubes or in the uterus. (In women with fertility problems, an egg may become fertilized yet fail to become implanted in the uterus.) If the pregnancy is the result of in-vitro fertilization the fertilization will have occurred in a Petri dish, after which "pregnancy" begins when one or more zygotes implants after being transferred by a physician in the woman's uterus.

A human embryo, two weeks after implantation.In the context of political debates regarding a proper definition of life, the terminology of pregnancy can be confusing. Because precise assessment of a pregnancy as being at the "embryo" or "fetus" stage is usually undeterminable, the terms (though more clinically precise) are less commonly used than terms like "baby" or "child." The medically and politically neutral term which remains is simply "pregnancy," though this can be problematic as it only refers indirectly to the embryo or fetus. In the context of personal treatment, bedside manner generally dictates that doctors make sparse use of clinical language like "fetus" and "embryo," and instead simply refer to the developing child as a "baby."

Beginning of pregnancy

Fertilization
Main article: Fertilization

Conception (fertilization).
Implantation.Before pregnancy begins, a female oocyte (egg) must be fertilized, by male sperm in a process referred to in medicine as "fertilization," or commonly as "conception."

Implantation
In medicine, pregnancy is defined as beginning when a fertilized zygote becomes implanted in a woman's uterus. This occurs when the zygote then becomes embedded into the endometrium (lining of the uterus) where it forms a placenta, for the purpose of receiving essential nutrients through the uterus wall. The umbilical cord in a newborn child signifies the remnants of implantation.

Duration
Traditionally (according to Naegele's Rule, which is used to calculate the estimated date of delivery (EDD)), a human pregnancy is considered to last approximately 40 weeks (280 days) from the last menstrual period (LMP), or 38 weeks (266 days) from the date of conception. However, a pregnancy is considered to have reached term between 38 and 42 weeks. Babies born before the 37 week mark are considered premature, while babies born after the 42 week mark are considered postmature.

First month of pregnancy.However, the average length of pregnancy depends on ethnic background of the mother (Caucasian women are more likely to have a longer pregnancy than other women) and if it is a first pregnancy (which tend to last longer than subsequent pregnancies). For example, a Caucasian woman's first pregnancy lasts an average 274 days from conception (288 days from the last menstrual period)[1].

An accurate date of conception is important, because it is used in calculating the results of various prenatal tests (for example, in the triple screen test). A decision may be made to induce labour if a baby is perceived to be overdue. Due dates are only a rough estimate, and the process of accurately dating a pregnancy is complicated by the fact that not all women have 28 day menstrual cycles, or ovulate on the 14th day following their last menstrual period. Approximately 3.6% of all mothers deliver on the due date predicted by LMP, and only 4.7% give birth on the day predicted by ultrasound. [2]

Medical aspects of pregnancy
Main article: Obstetrics

Diagnosis
In a woman who has regular menstrual cycles and is sexually active, a period delayed by a few days or weeks is suggestive of pregnancy
elevated B-hcG to around 100,000 mIU/mL by 10 weeks of gestation

Birth
Main article: Childbirth
Childbirth is the process in which the baby is born. It is considered by many to be the beginning of a person's life, where age is defined relative to this event in most cultures.

A woman is considered to be in labour when she begins experiencing regular painful uterine contractions, accompanied by changes of her cervix — primarily effacement and dilation. While childbirth is widely experienced as painful, some women do report painless labours.

Postnatal Period
Main article: Postnatal
For topics following on from a successful pregnancy and birth, see:

Breastfeeding
Child development

Terms and definitions
TECHNICAL
zygote - from fertilization until second cell division
embryo - conceptus between time of fertilization to 10 weeks of gestation
fetus - from 10 weeks of gestation ot time of birth
FASD - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a clinical term for the effects alcohol can have on the developing fetus
gestational age - time from last menstrual period (LMP) up to present
gravidity (G) - number of times a woman has been pregnant
infant - time of birth to 1 year of age
viability - minimum age for fetus survival, ca. third trimester
previable infant - delivered prior to 24 weeks
preterm infant - delivered between 24-37 weeks
term infant - delivered between 37-42 weeks
first trimester - up to 14 weeks of gestation
second trimester - 14 to 28 weeks of gestation
third trimester - 28 weeks to delivery

parity (P) - number of pregnancies with a birth beyond 20 weeks GA or an infant weighing more than 500 g
Ga Pw-x-y-z - a = number of pregnancies, w = number of term births, x = number of preterm births, y = number of miscarriages, z = number of living children; for example, G4P1-2-1-3 means the woman had a total of 4 pregnancies, of which 1 is of term, 2 are preterm, 1 miscarriage, and 3 total living children (1 term + 2 preterm).
COLLOQUIAL
There are a number of colloquialisms for pregnancy, usually regional. The action of impregnating a woman or girl is called 'knocking (her) up' in Canada and some parts of the U.S., and the state of being pregnant 'knocked-up'. The term 'lady-in-waiting', meaning a pregnant mother, is used broadly in the U.S. The word 'gone' or 'along' is used to represent gestational time, e.g. 'she's really far gone' or 'about 6 weeks gone' or 'six months along'. In the southern U.S. the euphemism of a water well is occasionally used to represent pregnancy (e.g. 'drink out of the well', to become pregnant), and a baby almost ready to be delivered is 'on his/her road'. Eastern Seaboard slang describes the mother as being 'in a fix' or, occasionally, 'preggers'; the Southern U.S. equivalent is 'in the family way'. An alternate term not slang or colloquial is 'with child', now restricted mainly to England.

See also
Wikimedia Commons has more media related to:
PregnancyAbortion
Lamaze
Obstetrics
Contraception
Twin and Multiple birth
Teenage pregnancy
Pregnancy discrimination
Low birth weight paradox
Pregnancy in science fiction
Melasma
Wrongful abortion
False pregnancy
Simulated pregnancy

Reference
^ Mittendorf R, Williams MA, Berkey CS, Cotter PF. The length of uncomplicated human gestation. Obstet Gynecol 1990;75:929-32. PMID 2342739.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

2005-10-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

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7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy
by: Jane Thurnell-Read

It is always important to take whatever steps you can to be healthy, but while you are pregnant it is even more important: not only do you need to take good care of yourself, you are also profoundly affecting the life of another person – your baby. Here's 7 tips to help you along the way.

1.If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do is to stop smoking: babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome than babies of non-smokers. Sometimes mothers feel having a low birth weight baby could be an advantage as it will make the baby easy to deliver. This is not necessarily the case, as it may lead to an emergency delivery, which can result in all sorts of complications. Even if you are already pregnant, stopping smoking will benefit the baby for the rest of your pregnancy. It is not only the baby who benefits. You are likely to suffer from less morning sickness, experience fewer complications and have a more contented baby after the birth.

2. It is also important to pay attention to your diet. Many women feel they should ‘eat for two’, but research has shown that women only need an extra 200-300 calories a day while pregnant, and you may be eating those extra calories anyway. What is important is to ensure that you get the protein, vitamins and minerals necessary to build another human being. Those extra 200-300 calories should not be squandered on chocolate or crisps, but should be eaten as fruit, vegetables, etc. It is also important to increase your water intake, which will help avoid constipation.

3. It is generally a good idea to take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement too. There are now ones specially formulated for pregnant women. Ideally these should be started before you become pregnant, so that you are in the best shape possible for the pregnancy, and then continued throughout your pregnancy. An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is important right from conception. For example, a deficiency of one of the B vitamins, folic acid, in the first month of pregnancy may lead to the baby being born with a cleft lip, congenital heart disease or spina bifida. Omega-3 fatty acids (obtained by eating oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, spinach and spirulina, or taken as a supplement) are important for the development of the baby’s eyes and brain. Omega-3 also reduces the risk of premature birth and post-natal depression.

4. Nobody knows how much alcohol it is safe to consume during pregnancy, so many health experts feel it is better to avoid alcohol entirely for the sake of the baby. This can seem hard on the pregnant woman when everyone else is drinking, but it is important to remember that alcohol is a poison for the growing baby, and no caring mother willingly gives her baby poison.

5. Pregnancy is not a time to sit still. Although adequate rest is vitally important, most experts believe that healthy pregnant women should be taking 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.

6. It is also important to minimise exposure to toxic chemicals while pregnant, so spending a lot of time painting the house and laying new carpets is not a good idea, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby is particularly vulnerable.

7. Many women find pregnancy stressful, and this can be a particularly good time to turn to safe, non-invasive options such as Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, kinesiology and other therapies.

Making a new life is something miraculous. Doing the best you can for that new life starts long before you have the baby in your arms for the first time.

About The Author

Jane Thurnell-Read is an author and researcher on health, allergies and stress. She has written two books for the general public: "Allergy A to Z" and "Health Kinesiology". She also maintains a web site http://www.healthandgoodness.com with tips, inspiration and information for everyone who wants to live a happier, healthier life.

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Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

2005-10-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

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Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy
by: Christoph Puetz

Pregnancy and gaining weight go along with each other. But once the little one is born the weight put on during pregnancy can be a concern for many women. How fast you lose weight after a pregnancy will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of weight you gained during your pregnancy.

Studies have shown that most women will lose anywhere from 8-16 pounds within the first 2 weeks of delivery. This weight is primarily attributed to the loss of excess fluid in the body, (of course) the baby's weight, the placenta and amniotic fluid that are removed from the body with the birth. Some women might lose a little bit less, and others might lose a little bit more - there is no "one" number.

How do you lose weight? The uterus shrinks back down to its normal size once the baby is born and you lose weight this way. Often women gain around 6-8 pounds of fat during pregnancy. This additional body fat is meant to help women to have enough energy resources available while breastfeeding. How fast this weight comes off depends on a number of factors including: your overall health, genetics, diet and (of course) exercise.

A woman should expect that it will take some time to lose the weight she gained during her pregnancy. It did after all take you nine months to put that weight on! So, do not expect to lose it in 2 weeks. But many women have seen significant weight loss 2 to 4 months after giving birth.

Breast feeding: Some women will hang on to the last few extra pounds they want to lose until they stop breast feeding. The body uses these extra pounds of weight to allow for enough energy resources while breast feeding.

The good news is that with some discipline when it comes to eating and with moderate exercise, a woman can expect to lose the weight she gained during pregnancy within a reasonable time frame.

Experience shows that most women will be back to their pre pregnancy weight within nine months of delivery if they do exercise frequently and eat a healthy diet after delivery. That said some women will lose their pregnancy weight in as little as six to twelve weeks!

About The Author

Christoph Puetz is a successful entrepreneur and international book author. Examples of his search engine optimization work can be found http://www.highlandsranch.us and http://www.smallbusinessland.com.

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