Category Archives: Women’s Health

Herbs for Menopause

Posted by on February 2, 2012 No comments
Herbs for Menopause

Herbs for Menopause

Every woman has to deal with menopause in the later stages of her life cycle. Usually occurring between 45-55 years of age, menopause puts an end to a female’s menstrual cycle and leads to a dip in hormone levels, estrogen and progesterone in particular. Unfortunately, it is also feared by most women as its onset brings about some undesirable effects like mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, depression, body changes, vaginal dryness, anxiety, weight gain, etc. Such symptoms may not be experienced by all women and vary from person to person.
Hormone replacement therapy is normally prescribed by medical experts to women to cope with menopause, however this treatment can result in health complications. Herbs have proven to be useful for females disturbed with signs of menopause. A couple of valuable herbs for menopause are as follows:

1. Red clover consists of botanical compounds that have a chemical structure similar to human estrogen. It is among the recommended herbs for menopause as it helps to increase the levels of estrogen, which reduce during menopause.
2. Dong Quai when taken in the right amounts aids to normalize the menstrual cycle and manage symptoms of menopause, especially those concerning hormones. It can be consumed in the form of capsules, tincture or tea leaves.
3. Among the oldest remedies, Ginkgo Biloba is an effective herb for menopause especially to cope with things like fatigue and depression.
4. Macafem is one of the best alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy because of its ability to produce hormones naturally. Symptoms like mood swings, loss of sexual desire, etc. are handled effectively by using this herb. Macafem stimulates the production of hormones and as a result leads to a rise in estrogen levels.
5. Black Cohosh is taken to alleviate hot flashes,a common symptom experienced by women during menopause. It maintains the hormone levels, thereby helping to reduce the intensity of hot flashes.
6. A popular herb well-known to enhance vitality and increase life span, Ginseng is another effective herb that is taken to treat menopausal signs since it assists to increase low estrogen levels.
7. Wild yam is a powerful herb employed by females across the world, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it also offers respite from joint pain brought about due to menopausal arthritis.
In addition to the herbs listed above, women must consume a nourishing, well-balanced diet and refrain from taking alcohol, food items rich in saturated fats, coffee and colas as these restrictions are largely beneficial in minimizing symptoms of menopause. Equally important is indulging in some form of physical activity to feel a sense of happiness and good health.

About Estrace:
Estrace tablets largely help women to provide relief from problems such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, depression, etc. commonly experienced during menopause. Consult the healthcare professional before you start using this medication to know about any drug interactions and adverse reactions. Estrace should not be used by women who are carrying a child, aiming to get pregnant or breast-feeding an infant as it can be risky for the baby. It is vital to go for regular check-ups and mammograms on a periodic basis during treatment.

Herbs for Women’s Health – Shatavari Women’s Health

Posted by on December 19, 2011 3 comments

The use of herbs has been very common among women for the treatment of disorders or irregularities related to the menstrual cycle. Valuable information about these herbs has been handed down from generation to generation since many centuries. Herbs for women’s health can be used in all important phases of a woman’s life; like puberty, menses, pregnancy, breastfeeding and later at menopause. Abnormalities concerned with all these phases can be managed effectively with the help of these herbs. It is very interesting to note that some herbs have a molecular structure, which is very similar to that of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Hence, proper use of these herbs can help in correcting hormonal imbalances in the women’s body that are responsible for the disorders related to these phases in women’s life. Some very good herbs for women’s health are given below:

Black Cohosh: this plant, also called Cimicifuga racemosa, has a very high medicinal value. The properties of this plant are similar to that of estrogen. This herb helps in dilating blood vessels and promotes menstrual flow. This herb can help in soothing the congested and irritated cervical, vaginal and uterine tissues. This drug is highly beneficial for relieving the symptoms of menopause like severe headaches, edema and hot flushes. The roots of this plant have a relaxant action on nerves and smooth muscles. Apart from this, Black Cohosh also helps in preventing prolapse of the uterus.

Dandelion root: this herb is also called Taraxacum officinale. This herb dramatically improves the functions of the liver by lowering the level of triglycerides in the blood and by stimulating production of bile.  It is known that breakdown of excess hormones in the body takes place in the liver. By improving liver functions, this herb maintains the level of hormones in the body and prevents menstrual irregularities. Dandelion can also be used for management of menopausal symptoms. Tenderness in the breasts can be relieved effectively with the help of this herb. The leaves of this herb have very good diuretic properties. Regular use of this herb can help in reducing the retention of fluids occurring due to premenstrual syndrome.

  • Dong quai: this herb contains high levels of vitamin E. It has very good antispasmodic and anticoagulant properties. Hence, use of this herb can help in relieving dysmenorrhea. It relieves the cramps in the uterine muscles that are responsible for painful menses. It also acts as a blood purifier. This herb has muscle relaxant properties and can be used for treatment of irregular menses. It can help in preventing emotional disturbances before menses and at menopause.  This herb helps in controlling hot flushes and dryness of the vagina after menopause.

Some other herbs that are beneficial for women’s health are given below:

  • Licorice root
  • Raspberry leaf
  • Siberian ginseng
  • Vitex berry
  • Wild yam root
  • Soy products

Shatavari Women’s Health is a very effective herbal product used for the management of several disorders in females. The roots of this herb contain galactagogue. It has antispasmodic and aphrodisiac properties. It is a very good tonic and should be used regularly by women for improving their general health. It has a cooling effect and helps in preventing hot flushes at menopause. Women suffering from dysmenorrhea can use this herb for relieving pain and cramps in the lower abdomen during menses. The use of Shatavari is very common for promoting secretion of milk in women after delivery.

Herbs for Breast Enlargement

Posted by on November 15, 2011 1 comment
Herbs for Breast Enlargement

Breast Enlargement

Women who have a smaller bust covet a breast enlargement procedure. However, high costs and fear of certain complications following surgery discourage many women from opting for surgical procedures. Furthermore, surgical procedures involve risks that pose greater health complications later in life. Hence, if you are thinking about an alternative for plastic surgery, then herbs for breast enlargement is your answer. Mentioned below are some herbs that can help.

Herbs for Breast enlargement:

Fennel: This herb is commonly used as an aromatic herb in our food. However, it is also widely used as a medicinal herb to treat digestion problems. Fennel is also used to promote a healthy metabolism in the body by way of absorption since the fennel oil components trigger an increase in the secretion of digestive enzymes. Fennel seeds are rich in Flavonoids which lead to estrogenic effects. It helps the formation of new breast tissues and cells in addition to cleansing estrogen receptor sites that are blocked by environmental toxins which mimic estrogen. Fennel is also known to promote as well as enhance the production of milk amongst new mothers.

Saw Palmetto: This herb is now used as an effective remedy for prostate enlargement among men. However, it is originally a natural herb for breast enlargement and is recommended by naturopathic physicians to increase breast size. Saw palmetto is beneficial as a nutritive tonic, supports a healthy appetite and helps in digestion. The saw palmetto berry is also known to tone the urethra and is used to support the functions of the urinary system and thyroid glands. It has breast enhancing effects due to the phyto-nutrients which stimulate breast tissue, thereby increasing its size.

Fenugreek: This herb has certain medical attributes which make it an essential ingredient in both medicinal and therapeutic products. The products are meant for both external as well as internal applications. Fenugreek contains a high concentration of mucilage. It contains a synthetic form of estrogen which causes the growth of breast cells as well as contributes to water retention. This in turn makes the breasts larger. Extracts of this herb are low in cholesterol and fat.

Blessed Thistle: This herb has been known to relieve pain caused during a woman’s menstrual period. It is botanically known as Carbenia Benedictus. Blessed Thistle is known to cure many ailments such as pain, digestion problems, gynecological discomforts, liver ailments, anorexia, and diarrhea as well as certain cancers. Blessed Thistle also helps enhance the breasts and lactation amongst new mothers.

Red Clover: This herb is mixed with other herbs to produce an herbal remedy for bronchitis, asthma, osteoporosis, skin diseases and pain caused during menstrual cycle. It possesses an essence that tends to stimulate hormonal activities in new mothers. This component is believed to have an enhancing effect on the breasts. The flower essence is also made into a tonic which enhances hormonal balance in women.

Wild Yam: This herb is probably the most commonly used herbal remedy for women’s health. It is widely utilized as a breast enlarger as well as a sexual stimulant. The herb has been used for the benefits it offers for a woman’s reproductive health which includes menopausal problems and premenstrual syndrome. It can be used in the form of capsules or in the form of tea. The powder made from this herb can be added into vaginal creams or ointments as well as lotions for breast massage. Phyto-nutrients present in wild yam are a brilliant compliment to the nutrients present in fenugreek for enhancing breast size.

Natural Contraceptive Methods for Women

Posted by on July 11, 2011 3 comments

What is contraception?

Contraception is a means to avoid pregnancy. Contraception is broadly classified into 2 categories-

Punica seeds

Natural Contraceptive Methods for Women

1.     Temporary contraception

2.     Permanent contraception

The temporary methods of contraception involve hormonal methods, sexual abstinence, devices placed in the uterus, barrier methods and natural contraceptives. Permanent contraception can be achieved by tubal ligation or vasectomy.

Though none of the above mentioned methods of contraception have a success rate of 100% in the prevention of pregnancy, natural contraceptives have an advantage over other methods due to the absence of side effects.

Natural Contraceptives

Natural contraceptives do not contain any hormonal or chemical preparations for the prevention of pregnancy. They largely depend upon herbal medications and avoidance of sexual relations during the ovulation period of the female. Although there is a question surrounding the natural contraceptives method; regarding its very existence, it is used widely by many couples with good success.

There have been questions regarding scientific evidence, and about the usefulness of these contraceptives; still many health specialists recommend them as they do not have any side effects. The different types of natural contraceptives are described below-

  • Herbal contraceptives can be used to avoid pregnancy as they can influence the menstrual cycle and have properties, which are similar to the hormones in our body. Some herbs like pomegranate seeds and Queen Anne’s lace have compounds similar to the hormones in the human body and can be consumed to avoid pregnancy.
  • Punica seeds have been traditionally used in Greek countries as a natural contraceptive. Punica seeds contain large amounts of Estrone that prevents the secretion of gonadotrophins. It should be noted that gonadotrophins are known to promote ovulation and facilitate endometrial changes in the uterus for implantation of the ovum. Hence, prevention of secretion of this hormone by Punica seeds helps to avoid conception.
  • Another herbal contraceptive that is widely used in India is Neem Seed oil and Neem leaf. A mixture of the juice of the Neem leaves and Neem seed oil should be taken by both the partners, everyday, to enhance its effect in preventing pregnancy. There are also some spermicidal preparations containing Neem seed oil and quinine hydrochloride, which are effectively used as natural contraceptives.
  • Another important method used as natural contraception is avoidance of sexual intercourse during the ovulation period. To practice this successfully, the woman should be aware of her menstrual cycle. An ovulation indicator kit that is available at several drug stores can be used to predict the exact ovulation period. The color of the stick provided in the kit, changes when dipped in the urine of the female, a day before the ovulation begins. The couple should avoid sexual intercourse for the next 10 days after that.
  • Simple methods like checking the body temperature and the calendar rhythm method can help in prediction of the ovulation period. Calendar rhythm involves keeping a track of the menstrual periods for at least 8 months. Then, the ovulation period is determined based on the shortest and the longest menstrual cycle, by subtracting 18 days from shortest cycle and 11 days from longest cycle. The difference between these 2, will tell you about the total number of days for which ovulation occurs in each month. The Basal body temperature method can be used by the female as a natural contraception method, by taking the body temperature every day in the morning. The temperature will drop by 1 degree Fahrenheit before the ovulation period. The couple should refrain from having any sexual intercourse from that day onwards, for the next 10 days.

    • These natural contraceptive methods can help the couple to avoid unwanted pregnancy in a harmless and efficient manner.

    Risks of Abortion at Different Stages during Pregnancy

    Posted by on July 11, 2011 3 comments

    What is abortion?

    Abortion or miscarriage is a term used for any pregnancy, which ends spontaneously, before the delivery of the child. Miscarriage is also called spontaneous abortion. It occurs due to a fetus or an embryo, which is in an unviable state, corresponding to a gestational age of approximately 20-22 weeks or less, being spontaneously expelled. The occurrence of abortion is as high as 15-29% in all pregnancies. Although most of the abortions occur before 13 weeks of pregnancy, there is also an increased risk of abortion in the second and third trimester.The causes of abortion are different depending upon the weeks of gestation of pregnancy. Once the embryo is implanted on the wall of the uterus, various changes occur in the body at the biological and hormonal level. Any imbalance in these hormonal levels, besides some other causes, can cause a developmental defect in the fetus, increasing the risk of abortion. The incidences of abortion at different sages of pregnancy is given below-

    Abortion

    Risks of Abortion

    It can be observed from the chart that the highest incidences of abortion occur between the 9th and 10th week of pregnancy.

    The causes of abortion at different stages of pregnancy are given below-

    First trimester-

  • Defective germ plasm
  • Chromosomal abnormalities
  • Congenital malformations
  • Hormonal deficiency
  • Trauma
  • Infections
  • Uterine fibroid
  • A previous abortion

    • Chromosomal abnormalities are the commonest cause of abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. Infections like syphilis can cause miscarriage, but if treated in time, the chances of conceiving in future are good. If the abortion occurs earlier in pregnancy, the fetus dies and is then expelled from the body, causing symptoms like pain in the abdomen and bleeding from the vagina.

    Second trimester-

    Technically, abortion in the second trimester occurs between 12-20 weeks. If the pregnancy is lost after 20 weeks, this loss of pregnancy is classified as stillbirth. There are several causes for an abortion in the second trimester. There is also a possibility that the death of the fetus occurred in the first trimester but it is detected only in the second trimester. This is referred to as a missed abortion. The causes of abortion in the second trimester are enumerated below-

  • Chromosomal abnormality
  • Infections
  • Congenital defects in the fetus
  • Congenital malformations of the uterus of the mother
  • Abnormal placenta
  • Cervical inefficiency
  • Abdominal trauma
  • Unknown causes

    • Women who have a history of abortion in the second trimester should consult a gynecologist before planning the next pregnancy.

    Third trimester-

    The incidences of abortion in third trimester are very low. However, great care is required in this period as the growing fetus can cause a change in the center of gravity of the mother. This can increase the chances of a fall and abdominal trauma leading to an abortion. Some other causes of abortion in the third trimester include infections, congenital defects, trauma or fall, cervical incompetence and hydramnios. However, these miscarriages are not termed as abortions in medical language. They are referred to as stillbirths.

    It is important for females to know the early signs of abortion so that they can seek immediate help in case of an impending abortion. Immediate treatment and proper care can help the female in the continuation of the pregnancy, without loss of the fetus. These cases, in which there is an increased risk of abortion with eventual survival of the fetus is called, threatened abortion. Even in cases with complete abortion, proper care and treatment of the female is very necessary at both the physical and the emotional level. This can increase the chances of conceiving in the future and reduces the risk of repeated abortions.

    Food Cravings during Menstruation and PMS

    Posted by on July 7, 2011 3 comments

    Several times you must have observed a sudden increase in the urge to binge on calorie-laden food, especially during the premenstrual period. It has been estimated that around 85% of all woman suffer from 1 or 2 symptoms of PMS, causing disturbing emotional and physical changes in the lifestyle. Many women suffer from PMS-related food cravings, weakness, mood swings, irritability and changes in sleeping pattern. It is very frustrating for a woman who, after successfully following a diet program for 2-3 weeks, succumbs to increased cravings for high calorie food during the premenstrual period, thus spoiling her weight loss regimen. A proper understanding of the causes of these cravings and ways to overcome them can help the woman in reducing these symptoms.

    PMS cravings
    food cravings during menstruation and PMS

    Causes of food cravings during menstruation and PMS

    Hormonal changes

    The levels of estrogen and cortisol fluctuate throughout the menstrual period. When the levels of cortisol in the body are high, the body activates its defense mechanism to make it metabolically active. This causes increase in the appetite of the woman. The tendency to binge on sweets and other high calorie food comes due to the increased demand of the body for extra energy. One more hormone responsible for this change in cravings is serotonin. This chemical, produced in the brain, is dependant on carbohydrates for its production. Hence, a sudden drop in serotonin levels during premenstrual period increases the demand for sugar in the body, thus causing increased craving for the same.

    The relation with blood sugar levels

    Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia during the last days of the menstrual cycle are also responsible for the increased desire to eat sweets in women, during that period. There can be a significant drop in blood sugar levels, along with irritability and weakness during premenstrual period. This leads to increased hunger in the woman and leads to a tendency to crave for food containing high carbohydrates.

    However, indulging in calorie-laden food is the wrong way to combat these hormonal and metabolic changes. A proper lifestyle and balanced nutrition plan can help the woman overcome these problems without disturbing her diet plans.

    Ways to fight the food cravings-

  • If you are not able to control the urge to binge on carbohydrates, you are advised to eat food containing complex carbohydrates rather than simple carbohydrates. This may sound counter-nutritive, but reaching out to food containing complex carbohydrates can help you to avoid getting the same craving again and again. Food containing complex carbohydrates like pasta, whole grain bread and cereals reduce the repeated cravings for sugar, as they take longer time to digest. They also help in increasing the levels of serotonin in the body, within half an hour of consumption.
  • You should avoid eating processed sugar in order to avoid repeated hunger pangs, during the premenstrual period. Processed sugar can increase the insulin secretion by the pancreas, in order to metabolize the ingested sugar. If the levels of insulin rise to sufficient levels, they can further increase the desire to eat sweet and fatty food. Hence, foods containing processed sugar should be avoided to combat the premenstrual cravings.
  • If you have a desire to eat fatty food, you can try food rich in essential fatty acids. These types of food slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and stabilize the blood sugar levels. This, in turn, stops the repeated cravings for carbohydrate containing food.
  • Always drink a lot of water during the premenstrual period to flush out the toxins from the body and reduce bloating.

    • How to Know You are Pregnant?

    Posted by on July 6, 2011 3 comments

    As blood pregnancy tests spot pregnancy faster than other tests, they may sound to be an attractive option to a lot of women; however, this test does not work for everyone. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of blood pregnancy test while settling on which test to go for.

    Blood Tests for Pregnancy

    Blood Tests for Pregnancy

    The placenta starts forming human chorionic gonadotropin, which is also known as the pregnancy hormone. This process starts when a fertilized egg appends with the uterus lining. This hormone grows manifold during early pregnancy and is the initiator of many early pregnancy symptoms. Blood pregnancy tests look for the presence of this hormone in a woman’s bloodstream.

    Types of Blood Pregnancy Tests

  • Qualitative Blood Pregnancy Test

    • A qualitative test simply looks for the presence of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and gives positive or negative result based on the finding. The National Women’s Health Information Center reports that the qualitative test gives as accurate a result as the urine pregnancy test does.

  • Quantitative Blood Pregnancy Test

    • A quantitative blood pregnancy test also referred to as beta HCG measures exactly how much quantity of HCG is present in the blood stream. Although the accuracy offered by this test is high, it can mislead you if you take it too early.

    How to Know You are Pregnant

    As discussed earlier, blood tests are more reliable than other tests such as urine tests. However, apart from the tests there are few other signs to watch for, to detect pregnancy. Let’s cast a quick glance at these:

  • You can go for urine test at a clinic or you can take home test as well. It needs to be done from the due day of your period. Taking multiple tests increase the chances of getting accurate results. This is because the hormones keep fluctuating throughout the day. The most suitable time is the first urine sample of the day though.
  • You may notice cravings for certain types of food. It varies from person to person though. For instance, some woman may crave for steak whereas other may feel craving for fruits. Some women also feel comparatively hungrier and feel nausea unless they eat.
  • Tenderness or swelling in breasts with a tingling sensation is another most common sign of pregnancy.
  • Increase in the number of washroom visits is yet another sign that you are pregnant. Women urinate more while pregnant.
  • Energy levels drop down during pregnancy. On waking up, you may feel tired and need rest again after being awake for a few hours.
  • In the beginning of cycle, a lot of women throw up more often. It could mean that you are pregnant or sick.

    • Advantages of Blood Tests for Pregnancy

    home pregnancy tests

    Home Pregnancy Tests

    As discussed earlier, blood tests for pregnancy are more accurate if you take them before a missed period. Quantitative tests measure HCG hormone concentration, which helps in diagnosing ectopic or molar pregnancies, the ones that are prone to miscarriage. Medlineplus reports that it is also used to diagnose Down syndrome.

    Disadvantages of Blood Tests for Pregnancy

    Blood test for pregnancy may be a bit expensive for people with no insurance coverage, since it is taken at a doctor’s clinic. It also takes longer to get the result of blood test for pregnancy.

    This is about pros and cons of blood tests for pregnancy. In addition to the tests, consulting your doctor always helps.

    What are the causes for abdominal pain during pregnancy

    Posted by on July 5, 2011 3 comments

    It is common to experience abdominal pain during pregnancy. The cause for the pain could be the same as found in non-pregnant women. The cause could also be specifically pregnancy related.

    Abdominal Pain In Pregnancy

    Abdominal Pain Right Side During Pregnancy

    During pregnancy the body undergoes hormonal and physiological changes which make the pregnant woman even more vulnerable to conditions that may result in abdominal pain. Thus, a complaint of abdominal pain from a pregnant woman should be tackled with all seriousness right away and the probable reason for the pain should be determined in a proper way.

    What are the causes for abdominal pain during pregnancy?

    Miscarriage:

    One of causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy is miscarriage. This pain is like cramping pain during menstruation. There is also bleeding from the vagina along with pain. If the pain and bleeding subside with rest then there is no threat to pregnancy. Heavy bleeding with some foetal parts would indicate loss of pregnancy.

    Urinary Tract Infection:

    Abdominal Pain caused by this infection is near the bikini line or at the side of the abdomen. Other associated symptoms are: passing urine frequently, burning sensation during passing urine, general ill health, increased body temperature, etc. Simple urinary tract infection tests can be used to determine this infection causing the abdominal pain. Antibiotics which are safe for use during pregnancy should be given.

    Constipation:

    This is a very common cause of abdominal pain on the right side during pregnancy and it due to irregular bowel movements. Hormonal changes, increase in size of uterus, medications taken during pregnancy are some the causes for constipation. Eating foods which are rich in fiber like vegetable, fresh fruits, nuts, figs, prunes, bread and cereals should help in relieving constipation and hence the pain.

    Gastritis:

    Severe stress, increased acidity, intake of alcohol or spicy food, infection and certain medications may cause gastritis whereby there is swelling of the lining of the stomach. Apart from abdominal pain there is a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, feeling of illness, bloating and belching. For treating gastritis the following medications have been found to be safe for use during pregnancy: Gaviscon advance chewable tablets, Omeprazole (Prilosec), Ranitidine (Zantac) to be taken as prescribed by your health care professional.

    Appendicitis:

    This is the most frequent non-pregnancy reason for abdominal pain during pregnancy. During appendicitis there is pain on the right side of the abdomen. There is less pain in the initial stages but it increases within 2-3 days. Nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting are other associated symptoms.

    Braxton Hicks contractions:

    These contractions occur throughout pregnancy. In some women they can be felt even in the 12th week of pregnancy but they become more pronounced and noticeable from the 30th week of pregnancy. This happens due to the increase in size of the uterus. The pain is more intense in women who are in their 2nd or 3rd pregnancy. The contractions cause extreme pain leading to immense discomfort and tears. At times, these contractions have also disturbed the sleep of the expectant mothers. Doing too much work, tiredness and dehydration could lead to these contractions.

    How to overcome the Braxton Hicks contractions:

    A refreshing cold drink or if you prefer something warm, then probably tea should do the trick.

    If the contractions start when you are at rest then a walk is in order. If the contractions begin when you are doing some work then you need to rest for the contractions to stop.

    A bath or a shower may also help

    Severe discomfort may be relieved by paracetamol tablets.

    In case there is still no relief, then urgent medical aid should be sought.

    Food Cravings during Pregnancy

    Posted by on July 1, 2011 3 comments

    Food craving and pregnancy seem to share an affinity that is rather difficult to fathom. It is as if they go hand in hand. During pregnancy the cravings for foods, which you would otherwise avoid, increases dramatically and inexplicably. Ice creams and pickles, steak and brownie mix may sound rather strange combinations, but this food may look like heaven if you are pregnant.

    Food Cravings During Pregnancy

    Crazy Pregnancy Cravings

    What could be the possible reason behind these inexplicable food cravings, the illogical and unquenchable longings for fancy food?

    One of the explanations put forth has been that the mother may be lacking in some particular nutrient and this is the way of the body to fulfill its demand.

    When there is an uncontrollable desire for cheese or pickles it could be interpreted that the body’s desires for more sodium. If the tempting pictures of French fries or a Big Mac are flashing in your mind then probably protein, potassium or sodium is the need of the hour. If you just can’t think of anything but ice cream and have it you must, then fat or calcium is what the body is craving for.

    It is also possible that the food that is being longed for may not be what the body actually desires for. It could be something in that food.

    Hormone levels are at their peak during pregnancy. And these have the ability to change the woman’s sense of smell and taste. This alteration leads to some foods and odors becoming more alluring and tempting. At the same time an aversion is developed towards certain other odors and foods leading to preference being given to only certain foods.

    Can food cravings during pregnancy be harmful?

    Food cravings during pregnancy normally do not pose any problem to the mother, though the quantity and combination of food asked for do appear odd. However, when there is craving for non-food items, then it is asking for trouble. This is a condition where there is an irrepressible desire to consume substances which are not edible and can be very injurious to the mother and the baby. This condition is known as pica. In this state, the mother can have cravings for and eat things like laundry starch, dirt, grounded clay pots, crayons, etc. Though these substances are non-nutritive, they nonetheless are indicative of some nutritional deficiency in the mother. However, the lead contained in these non-food items can be extremely dangerous to the mother and baby and it may lead to disabilities.

    One of the favorite pastimes during pregnancy is guessing the gender of the baby. Some of the probable ways to guess whether it is a boy or girl are:

    Sleep position preference:

    Preference to sleeping on your left side is a probable indication that the baby may be a boy. If the inclination is to sleep on the right side then it is possibility of a girl.

    Stomach Upset:

    If you experiencing intense nausea then usually it an indication that it is going to be a girl.

    Dry or Soft Hands:

    Having dry hand during pregnancy would suggest it will a baby boy. If the hands are soft then it may be a girl.

    Clumsy or graceful pregnancy:

    A smooth sailing through the day is a pointer that it may be a girl. Faltering, hesitant, undecided state of affairs would mean that it is a boy.

    Food craving preferences:

    Pretzels, popcorn, potato chips or some other salty cravings would mean a boy is on the way. Chocolate, candy, ice-cream or sweet cravings would indicate that it is a girl.

    Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

    Posted by on June 30, 2011 6 comments

    The hormonal and physiological changes occurring in the body of a woman during pregnancy can make her more prone to disorders that can cause pain in the abdomen. So, pain in the abdomen in a pregnant female has to be dealt with, with the utmost care. The possible cause of the pain has to be detected in a methodical way.

    Some of the harmless causes of pain in the abdomen during pregnancy can be stretching of uterine ligaments or strain on the pelvic joints. Mild pain killers like paracetamol can be given safely in these conditions to relieve the pain. However, some conditions may require detailed investigations and even hospitalization. They may require advanced procedures like MRI or laparoscopy. Some of these conditions that can cause pain in the abdomen on the left side during pregnancy, along with their treatment are given below-

    Labor pain

    This is the commonest cause of pain in the abdomen in the last trimester of pregnancy. The pain starts gradually, pointing towards the lower part of abdomen. The woman can be admitted to the hospital once the labor pains start to ensure the safe delivery of the baby.

    Miscarriage

    Pain in the abdomen during early pregnancy can be due to miscarriage. It presents with cramping pain in the lower part of the abdomen, on the left or right side, along with bleeding from the vagina. Complete bed rest can help in such cases to avoid complete abortion. Also, thorough investigations are required in this case to rule out conditions like ectopic pregnancy.

    Ectopic pregnancy

    Complication of Pregnancy

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

    Pain in the abdomen during pregnancy can be due to UTI when associated with other symptoms like:

  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Fever and weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in the loins

    • A sample of the urine can be tested to diagnose any infection in the urinary tract. It can be treated with antibiotics which are safe in pregnancy, like amoxicillin, cefalexin or erythromycin in the dosages prescribed by the doctor.

    Ectopic Pregnancy

    A condition, in which the pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, is known as Ectopic Pregnancy. The fetus, in this case, is implanted in the ovary, along the fallopian tube or on the uterine ligaments. This can lead to massive internal bleeding, when the part enclosing the fetus ruptures. It can occur between 6-10 weeks of pregnancy. Though it is a rare complication of pregnancy, it can be a severe life threatening condition. This case has to be treated as an emergency and immediate surgery has to be performed on the patient to repair the rupture and control the bleeding.

    Braxton Hicks Contractions

    This condition can cause cramping pains in the abdomen during pregnancy on the left or right side. These are often noticed after the forth month of pregnancy and are known to occur as the fetus is presumed to be practicing for labor.

    Uterine Fibroids

    Fibroids are abnormal growth of the uterine muscles, which can hamper the blood supply of the uterus. It presents with severe pain in the abdomen. This can be detected by the abnormally larger size of the abdomen during pregnancy, compared to the completed weeks of gestation. This condition may require surgical intervention in non-pregnant females. But, performing such surgery in a pregnant female is very risky. The decision has to be taken after weighing the pros and cons of the same.

    Uterine Fibroid Tumors

    Pain in The Abdomen

    Some other rare conditions that can cause pain in the abdomen on left side during pregnancy are given below:

  • Appendicitis
  • Hiatus hernia
  • Constipation
  • Rectus sheath hematoma
  • Abruptio placenta
  • Ovarian tumors
  • Renal stones
  • Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy
  • Pancreatitis
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